Local high-speed internet provider Gateway Fiber has hired Derek Leffert as Head of Safety and Government Affairs to serve as an internal safety auditor and advisor and a liaison between the company and local and state government officials. This is a new position and the latest move by Gateway to build a model safety program well ahead of industry requirements.
WRIGHT CITY, Mo., June 26, 2022 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Local high-speed internet provider Gateway Fiber has hired Derek Leffert as Head of Safety and Government Affairs to serve as an internal safety auditor and advisor and a liaison between the company and local and state government officials. This is a new position and the latest move by Gateway to build a model safety program well ahead of industry requirements.
Leffert comes to Gateway Fiber with a wealth of industry experience, including 15 years as the Director of External Affairs with Missouri One Call, the statewide notification center for the protection of underground utilities. In addition, Leffert has served as Executive Director and CEO of Missouri Common Ground Alliance, a Jefferson City-based organization dedicated to helping the construction and excavation industries implement safe work practices.
"I'm excited to join the Gateway team to help further refine their safety culture and position the organization as the industry leader in safety and damage prevention," Leffert said. "I share their passion and commitment to safe work practices and look forward to helping Gateway deliver exceptional broadband services to local communities."
As Gateway Fiber expands throughout eastern Missouri and beyond, Leffert will lead the refinement of safety practices that ensure state and local compliance and reporting and set new industry standards.
"Gateway is leading the way with new safety measures that we hope will be adopted industry-wide to make utility digging safer for both excavation crews and customers," said Gateway Fiber CEO Heath Sellenriek. "Adding Derek to the team, with his years of industry experience in both safety and compliance, will help bring new ideas to the table."
Prior to 15 years heading up Missouri One Call's government affairs, Leffert's experience with government relations included three years serving as the legislative representative for the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives, where he managed all regulatory and legislative affairs for the non-profit association serving the state's rural electric cooperatives.
"Compliance with local and state regulations is a priority for all utilities," Leffert explained. "My extensive experience dealing with these regulations on a daily basis over the past 15 years will help Gateway to streamline the process, ensure we are following the best practices, and propose new ones as we look at ways to improve processes and keep our communities safe."
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About Gateway Fiber
Founded in 2019, Gateway Fiber is a locally owned and operated internet service provider on a mission to positively impact the communities we serve through a better internet. As data requirements for residences and businesses continue to expand, Gateway is creating a leading, national fiber-to-the-home platform to serve this critical unmet need in our communities. Gateway provides a faster, more reliable internet with a simple pricing model and exceptional customer service. For more information, visit gatewayfiber.com.
For more information, press only:
David Workman
Marketing & Communications Manager
314-265-8974
[email protected]
Media Contact
David Workman, Gateway Fiber, 1 314-265-8974, [email protected]
SOURCE Gateway Fiber
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