Better Satellite World: Satellites as First Responders

In this podcast series, SSPI Director of Development and Innovation Lou Zacharilla interviews executives and entrepreneurs about the role satellites play in making possible the work of first responders after a disaster. When terrestrial communications are down, these brave men and women turn to satellite to assess the damage, start the recovery, and even to save lives.

Episode 1: After a Disaster, a Little Satellite Goes a Long Way

In this podcast, we hear from Globecomm's Dwight Hunsicker and Michele Scotto.

Dwight R. Hunsicker has over 28 years of experience in sales, marketing and business development activities associated with communications networks, products, and services for Government. Since joining Globecomm in 2001, he has helped build the company’s Government business base such that it represents more than 50% of the company’s revenue. He is responsible for setting the overall go-to-market strategy in terms of positioning the company’s products and services within the Government market space. He manages a team of business development and sales professionals that cover the DoD, Intel, Foreign Affairs, and Civilian sectors within the Government market.

Michele Scotto di Cesare has over 17 years of experience in the satellite communications, telecommunication network and Internet fields. Mr. Scotto has responsibilities for 24 / 7 / 365 global services operations of the Company including the multitude of products and services supported for the various market verticals Globecomm operates in.

With Thanks to Our Corporate Partners

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Episode 2: VSATs and Disaster Recovery

In this podcast, we hear from Geeks Without Frontiers’ Dave Hartshorn.

Dave Hartshorn is the newly named CEO of Geeks Without Frontiers. Prior to that, he was the Secretary General of the Global VSAT Forum, which consists of member organizations from every major region of the world and from every sector of the industry, including mobile and fixed satellite operators, manufacturers, system integrators, and other service providers.

Geeks Without Frontiers received a Better Satellite World Award from SSPI in 2019. Dave was also instrumental in the work done by GVF which earned the organization a Better Satellite World Award from SSPI in 2016.

Episode 3: Aiding First Responders

In this podcast, we hear from Globalstar’s David Kagan.

David Kagan returned to Globalstar in December 2017 to serve as President and COO. Prior to re-joining Globalstar, he was the COO of SpeedCast International Limited. He previously served as President of ITC Global, a premier global VSAT satellite services provider from August 2014 through September 2015. Kagan was also the President and CEO of Globe Wireless from June 2011 through January 2014 when it was sold to Inmarsat PLC.

Prior to Globe Wireless, for nearly twelve years, Kagan provided his leadership and expertise in his role as President and Chief Executive Officer of Maritime Telecommunications Network, a major satellite services provider to the cruise, yachting, and maritime markets. His accomplishments include forming a joint venture with AT&T to enable mobile phone usage (voice, data, and texting) on the world’s cruise fleet as well as driving a successful turn-around of the company throughout his 12 years of leadership.

His extensive and uniquely applicable experience ranges from serving as Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of ICG Satellite Services to Vice President of Finance and Treasurer at Norwegian Cruise Line Ltd, where he led a $1 billion refinancing which resulted in repositioning the company for strong growth.

Kagan holds a Masters Degree of Business Administration from Florida Atlantic University. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in both Finance and Marketing at the University of South Florida, Tampa.