The Sun Corridor Network Board of Directors recently announced the appointment of Michael C. Sherman as executive director. Sherman will lead the business and administrative operations for the research and education network. He will also work closely with public and private sector stakeholders to expand gigabit speed connectivity to K-12 public schools, community colleges, libraries, and museums in Arizona.

“Michael’s strong leadership skills, extensive knowledge of the telecommunications industry, and passion for expanding high-speed broadband access make him an ideal person to accelerate the growth of the Sun Corridor Network ,” said Gordon Wishon, Chief Information Officer at Arizona State University and Chair of the Sun Corridor Network Governing Board. “We are excited to work with Michael in this new role.”

Sherman most recently served as Executive Manager of the Arizona Department of Administration’s Broadband Planning & Public Safety Communications department where he led the 911 Administration Office, Digital Arizona Program and FirstNet public safety wireless broadband initiative.

“I am excited to lead the expansion of Sun Corridor Network’s gigabit speed research and education throughout Arizona” said Michael Sherman. “I look forward to working with subscribers, public and private partners, and the governing board to leverage Sun Corridor Network’s digital communications resources, network services, and applications to advance research and education outcomes in our state.”

Michael Sherman also spent 27 years at the Salt River Project (SRP), one of the nation’s largest public power utilities, which provides electricity and water to more than 2 million people in Central Arizona. During his tenure as Director of SRP Telecom, Sherman was responsible for financial and operational management of the utility’s commercial telecommunications business unit. He has also managed various marketing functions including market research, strategy development, marketing communications, direct marketing and product and service development.

Prior to joining SRP, Sherman spent seven years in advertising management in both corporate and advertising agency environments, including as an account supervisor at the San Francisco office of McCann-Erickson.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Oregon and a Masters of Business Administration from Arizona State University.