General Info

NextGen Telecom Services Group was founded in 2004 by a team of industry veterans with more than 90 years of experience building and operating communications networks. The company's leadership team has managed construction projects encompassing tens of thousands of miles of fiber, coax and copper networks throughout the United States - both directly as a contractor and as executives at service providers managing large scale construction projects - giving them a unique perspective of their customers' business challenges when building, upgrading or maintaining networks. In fact, it was this experience that led the founders to recognize an opportunity for a new outsourced contracting company that delivers a comprehensive portfolio of engineering, construction and fiber optics services combined with an entirely new business philosophy that emphasizes the highest levels of quality, professionalism and customer service. The company operates as a prime contractor, subcontractor, consultant or professional services partner and has helped customers in a wide range of industries, including: broadband service providers, carriers, electric utilities, system integrators, equipment vendors, municipalities, government agencies, military bases, educational institutions, healthcare providers and enterprises. Russell Stephens is a co-founder, President and CEO of nextGen Telecom Services Group, Inc, where he is responsible for the development and implementation of the company's business strategy, corporate finance and business development functions. With extensive and diverse experience, Russell brings nextGen clients the knowledge of building, operating and managing broadband networks from a variety of perspectives, including as a network operator, software vendor and investor in the broadband industry. Prior to nextGen, Russell served as a co-founder, President and CEO of Stargus, Inc, a developer of network and service management software for broadband networks that was acquired by C-Cor Electronics (now part of ARRIS). In that capacity, he was responsible for the company's strategy development, venture financing and business plan execution. Russell joined Stargus from Pilot House Associates, LLC, where he was a principal and Stargus was a portfolio company. Pilot House is a Boston-based venture capital company that invests in promising, early-stage Internet infrastructure, software, cable, telecomunications and network technology companies. Before joining Pilot House, Russell was the Senior Vice President of MediaOne's Northeast Region where he was the senior operating executive responsible for the company's cable properties in Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut and New York. Earlier in his career, Russell held the positions of General Manager, District Manager and Vice President of Operations for Continental Cablevision as well as various operations management positions at American Television and Communications Company, a predecessor company to Time Warner Cable.