Gabriel A. Battista

Biography

In January 1999, Mr. Battista joined Talk America as its President, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Over the next six years, the company successfully changed its strategy and repositioned itself as a successful CLEC providing local and long distance services to residential and small business customers. The company became profitable and enjoyed significant growth. As part of the long-term management development plan, Mr. Ed Meyercord was appointed the CEO of Talk America on January the 1st of 2004. Mr. Battista served as the Executive Chairman in 2004, responsible for operational oversight and formulation of the on going strategic direction of Talk America. Mr. Battista continued as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Talk America. In 2006, Mr. Battista led the effort to consider new strategic options for the company which resulted in the sale of Talk America to Cavalier Telephone, LLC., in December of 2006. Previously, Mr. Battista served as Chief Executive Officer of Network Solutions, Inc. from October 1996 and as a director from November 1996. As CEO, he was responsible for developing and implementing strategic planning initiatives for Network Solutions, overseeing development of corporate purpose and mission, strategic objectives, business development programs, alliances and key strategic relationships; identification, acquisition and development of key senior personnel; proactive development of NSI’s Governance policy; and acquisition of the capital resources necessary to meet the company’s long term strategic objectives. Under his leadership, Network Solutions became a public company on the NASDAQ in September of 1997. Prior to joining Network Solutions, Mr. Battista served as CEO of Cable & Wireless, Inc., which at the time was the nation’s largest telecommunications services provider that exclusively served businesses. He is credited with leading the company to the position of a major provider of telecommunications services to small and medium sized business establishments. He was also credited with leading the worldwide Cable and Wireless group in the development of a global Internet Infrastructure. From February 1991 to September 1995, Mr. Battista served as President and Chief Operating Officer at Cable & Wireless, Inc. and from December 1987 to February 1991, he served as the Chief Operating Officer of National Telephone Services, a long distance operator service company. From 1985 to 1987, Mr. Battista served as President of US Sprint’s Eastern Group, where he was responsible for the total management of the $500 million sales and services group for business customers in the eastern region of the US. His career also includes senior management positions at the General Electric Company (1966-1983) and GTE, which is now part of Verizon.

Research Interest

Business and development