Metronet promotes Heimbach to CEO and names new CFO

Sept. 27, 2023
The new executive changes are part of the company’s succession plan and growth strategy.

Metronet is realigning its top management team, promoting four executives as part of its long-term success plan to position the company’s next growth phase.

Current president and COO Dave Heimbach will take on the position of President and CEO, while EVP Sarah Overbaugh will become Chief Financial Officer. Commensurate with these new executive appointments, John Cinelli will step into the role of Executive Chairman. Lohn Weber will fill the newly established Executive Vice President— Capital Markets position while retaining his seat on the Board of Managers.

“These new executive appointments reflect Metronet's commitment to continuity in leadership and reflect the company's remarkable achievements, future potential, and outstanding growth prospects,” said Cinelli. “At Metronet, we’re committed to taking care of our customers by providing first-in-class, multi-gigabit speed internet to communities aiming to thrive in the 21st-century economy. These newly appointed leaders are set to take us to new heights in the fiber industry, attract top-tier talent, and accelerate our already incredible growth.”

During his tenure as Metronet’s CEO, Cinelli has steered the company's long-term vision. Under Cinelli’s founding leadership, Metronet has grown from a company operating in select rural Indiana communities to the largest privately owned fiber-to-the-premises company in the United States, serving over 400,000 end users across 16 states.

Dave Heimbach joined Metronet in 2021 as president and COO. A 25-year telecommunications industry veteran, Heimbach most recently served as COO of Shentel, overseeing day-to-day operations and selling the company’s wireless business to T-Mobile for $1.95 billion while implementing the company’s fiber broadband expansion growth strategy.

“Dave's track record of success speaks for itself, and he has been instrumental in propelling Metronet to the next level,” stated John Cinelli. “He has overhauled several key business divisions, leading to record-breaking results. He has also earned the admiration and trust of our internal teams and private equity partners, effectively orchestrating our rapid expansion into new markets.”

Sarah Overbaugh joined Metronet in 2020 as Senior Vice President and Controller and was named Executive Vice President of Finance & Accounting in April 2023. She played key roles in the company’s recent $1.9 billion asset-backed securitization bond offerings and was vital in several successful acquisitions. Before Metronet, Overbaugh held several senior executive positions at Payless ShoeSource in various accounting and finance roles.

Since its inception, Lohn Weber has served as Metronet’s Chief Financial Officer. During his tenure, Weber has pioneered progressive lending concepts to fund Metronet’s explosive growth. His leadership contributed to a successful recapitalization, attracting investments from Metronet’s investors, KKR and Oak Hill Capital Partners. Additionally, he has been integral in acquiring and integrating eight companies. In his new role, Lohn will continue to build and foster essential relationships with lenders and investors on behalf of Metronet.

“Lohn’s progressive approach to finance and lending has enabled industry-leading, sustainable growth,” said John Cinelli. “His leadership has been instrumental in securing strategic partnerships to solidify our market position further.”

About the Author

Sean Buckley

Sean is responsible for establishing and executing the editorial strategies of Lightwave and Broadband Technology Report across their websites, email newsletters, events, and other information products.

Sponsored Recommendations

The Road to 800G/1.6T in the Data Center

Oct. 31, 2024
Join us as we discuss the opportunities, challenges, and technologies enabling the realization and rapid adoption of cost-effective 800G and 1.6T+ optical connectivity solutions...

Advances in Fiber & Cable

Oct. 3, 2024
Attend this robust webinar where advancements in materials for greater durability and scalable solutions for future-proofing networks are discussed.

On Topic: Fiber - The Rural Equation

Oct. 29, 2024
RURAL BROADBAND:AN OPPORTUNITY AND A CHALLENGE The rural broadband market has always been a challenge for service providers. However, the recent COVID-19 pandemic highlighted ...

Understanding BABA and the BEAD waiver

Oct. 29, 2024
Unlock the essentials of the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program and discover how to navigate the Build America, Buy America (BABA) requirements for network...