Neil Montanari Director Wireless Data, Verizon Wireless

Neil Montanari, Director of Wireless Data for Verizon Wireless, was selected in April 2001 to create and lead the first-ever Data Sales Team in the Florida Region for Verizon Wireless, where he immediately helped drive a period of dramatic growth for the wireless industry in the Sunshine State. Under his guidance, data revenues in the region have more than doubled each year, reaching more than five percent of total revenues. And, working in concert with the company's network staff, he and his teams successfully launched NationalAccess sm, a wireless data product running on the company's 1X network, as well as BroadbandAccess sm, the new high-speed wireless broadband network that utilizes EV-DO technology.

Montanari graduated from the Florida Atlantic University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications. He began his 12-year career in wireless communications with BellSouth Mobility, holding a number of sales and management positions, including Business Sales Representative and Manager of Retail Stores. He joined Verizon Wireless (formerly PrimeCo Personal Communications) in September 1996 as a retail store manager in West Palm Beach, and was promoted in 1998 to Area Manager of Retail Stores for the South Florida Region, where he was responsible for the operations of 21 locations. Montanari has extensive technical expertise in various data platforms, often assisting in the development of new data marketing and product solutions, and is responsible for a $75 million annual data sales budget.