Todd Payne

Strategic construction and telecom operations leader with 27+ years of experience overseeing large-scale OSP/ISP fiber infrastructure programs, utility construction, network expansion, outage restoration, vendor management, and operational execution. Proven history leading cross-functional teams, directing statewide construction initiatives, managing complex contractor relationships, and delivering high-impact infrastructure projects while maintaining strict operational, safety, compliance, and financial standards. Recognized for executive-level leadership in communications infrastructure, large-scale restoration management, workforce development, and strategic market expansion across highly demanding environments.

Acting Senior Manager, Plant Construction - Verizon / Frontier

(2024-10)

Provide executive oversight for regional construction and maintenance operations supporting large-scale communications infrastructure initiatives.

• Lead cross-functional teams consisting of managers, construction specialists, union technicians, maintenance contractors, and fiber overbuild partners.
• Direct strategic planning and operational execution for statewide network expansion and market growth initiatives.
• Oversee high-volume construction vendor performance, ensuring project delivery, quality standards, operational compliance, and infrastructure readiness.
• Manage outage restoration operations for major network incidents impacting large customer bases, coordinating resources and cross-functional response efforts to meet restoration targets.
• Serve as senior escalation point for construction-related operational risks, community concerns, and public-facing infrastructure issues.
• Maintain strict oversight of construction budgets, contract approvals, change management processes, and financial compliance procedures.
• Coordinate with executive leadership and external partners to support long-term infrastructure growth and operational performance.

Acting Construction Manager - Verizon / Frontier

(2020-01 - 2024-10)

• Managed regional operational planning, project execution, and construction workforce supervision.
• Oversaw construction scheduling, contractor coordination, field operations, and infrastructure deployment activities.
• Supported major telecom construction initiatives while ensuring adherence to safety, quality, and operational standards.

Lead Senior Construction Technician - Verizon / Frontier

(2010-01 - 2020-12)

• Served as senior technical lead for OSP/ISP construction and maintenance operations.
• Mentored and trained technicians on complex fiber optic construction, maintenance, splicing, and testing procedures.
• Provided advanced technical expertise in network troubleshooting, restoration, and field operations.
• Maintained extensive knowledge of fiber deployment standards, specialized testing equipment, and infrastructure maintenance procedures.

Local Manager Construction - Verizon / Frontier

(2007-01 - 2010-12)

• Directed multiple large-scale aerial, buried, and underground telecommunications construction projects from planning through completion.
• Managed contractor coordination, bidding processes, and project execution while ensuring compliance with regulatory and operational requirements.
• Oversaw construction timelines, field operations, quality standards, and workforce performance.

Splicing Technician / Construction Technician - Verizon / Frontier

(1999-01 - 2007-12)

• Performed fiber optic and copper cable construction, repair, testing, maintenance, and technical analysis.
• Specialized in fiber splicing, network troubleshooting, transmission analysis, and infrastructure restoration.
• Operated heavy construction and utility equipment in support of telecommunications infrastructure projects.
• Demonstrated strong leadership in field operations, safety compliance, and technical execution across complex utility environments.