Walter Cannon
Randolph Township,NJ
Summary
Seasoned executive with more than 30 years of leadership across telecommunications, connected cities infrastructure, and strategic business development. Proven track record of building high-value public-private partnerships, scaling infrastructure platforms, and driving sustained revenue growth across wireless, fiber, data center, and smart city ecosystems. Recognized for aligning advanced technologies—including 5G, CBRS, neutral host, and fiber networks—with municipal, transportation, enterprise, and carrier needs, to deliver digital equity, urban innovation, and long-term market leadership.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice President, Connected Cities & External Affairs
Boldyn Networks
01.2023 - Current
- Lead national connected cities strategy, partnering with elected officials, municipalities, and agencies to deploy neutral host, fiber, Wi-Fi, 5G, and CBRS infrastructure.
- Drive public-sector growth by aligning city objectives with scalable wireless and fiber solutions.
- Deliver executive-level presentations to city councils, transportation authorities, and regulators to secure approvals and funding.
- Serve as primary liaison between government stakeholders and internal engineering, operations, and commercial teams.
- Influence procurement models and public policy supporting open-access and shared infrastructure.
- Developed and executed a connected cities roadmap that expanded market presence and public-sector engagement.
Vice President, Business Development
ZenFi Networks
01.2014 - 01.2023
- Built and managed strategic partnerships with municipalities, carriers, and enterprises across the NYC and NJ metro markets.
- Led growth initiatives in urban network densification, dark fiber, small cells, and edge colocation.
- Developed go-to-market strategies aligning technical infrastructure with customer and market demand.
- Supported smart transportation, public safety, and broadband equity initiatives.
- Represented the company in industry forums, shaping regional telecom policy and infrastructure collaboration.
- Positioned ZenFi as a leading regional open-access infrastructure provider.
Vice President, Sales & Marketing
Metro Network Services, LLC
01.2010 - 01.2018
- Led sales and marketing strategy for metro fiber, DAS, and wireless infrastructure solutions.
- Built and scaled high-performing sales teams, increasing enterprise and carrier revenue year over year.
- Drove company expansion into in-building DAS and private data networks.
- Cultivated deep relationships with telecom carriers, government agencies, financial institutions, and HFT firms.
- Oversaw branding, digital marketing, and market positioning initiatives.
Director, Enterprise Sales
Lexent Metro Connect, LLC
01.2009 - 01.2010
- Directed enterprise sales for high-capacity, low-latency fiber solutions.
- Secured contracts with financial services, media, and data center clients.
- Partnered with engineering and operations to deliver turnkey fiber builds.
- Acquired by Lightower
Vice President
TCG SecureZone
01.2006 - 01.2008
- Sold and promoted secure information-sharing and cybersecurity platforms for regulated enterprises.
- Supported compliant inter-organizational data exchange solutions.
Skills
- Leadership and team development
- Infrastructure and technical strategy
- Market analysis and trends
- Customer relationship management
- Sales and business development
- Executive communication and presentations
- Stakeholder engagement and influence
- Conflict resolution and decision-making
- Public-private partnerships
- Government affairs navigation
- Smart city infrastructure solutions
- Wireless and fiber networks expertise
- 5G and CBRS technologies
- Strategic alliances and ecosystem development
- Regulatory compliance navigation
- Enterprise and public sector sales strategies
- Cross-functional team leadership
- Metrics tracking and performance analysis
- Business growth strategies and marketing
- Public speaking and storytelling skills
Personal Information
Title: Executive Leader – Connected Cities | Telecommunications | Infrastructure | Public-Private Partnerships
Industries And Technologies
- Telecommunications
- Smart Cities
- Fiber Infrastructure
- Wireless Networks
- Data Centers
- Network Security
- Government & Public Sector
- Financial Services
- Transportation
- Healthcare
- Education
Core Leadership Strengths
- Executive Growth Strategy & P&L Leadership
- Public-Private Partnerships & Government Affairs
- Connected Cities / Smart City Infrastructure
- Wireless, Fiber & Neutral Host Networks
- 5G, CBRS, DAS & Private Networks
- Strategic Alliances & Ecosystem Development
- Regulatory & Procurement Navigation
- Enterprise & Public Sector Sales
- Cross-Functional Team Leadership
- Executive Presentations & Policy Influence
Languages
Spanish
Professional
Portuguese
Professional
Timeline
Vice President, Connected Cities & External Affairs
Boldyn Networks
01.2023 - Current
Vice President, Business Development
ZenFi Networks
01.2014 - 01.2023
Vice President, Sales & Marketing
Metro Network Services, LLC
01.2010 - 01.2018
Director, Enterprise Sales
Lexent Metro Connect, LLC
01.2009 - 01.2010
Vice President
TCG SecureZone
01.2006 - 01.2008