Leadership

Deron Pearson - CEO

Mr. Pearson has been with Nexus since its inception in 1983, having managed every business operation during his tenure. With the sale of Nexus to Expanets in 1998, he took the position of VP and General Manager for the Pacific Region, leading the integration of numerous business acquisitions totaling $130 million in revenue with over 500 associates. In 2004, he led a management buy-out of the former operations of Nexus. As President and CEO of Nexus from 2004 to 2011, he grew Nexus from a small regional systems integrator to a national $250 million end-to-end solutions provider.

Waheed Choudhry - President & COO

Mr. Choudhry has over 15 years of experience in advanced technology sales, operations and respective leadership roles. His tenure with the Nexus leadership team dates back to Expanets in 1998.  Upon the re-launch of Nexus in 2004, Choudhry rejoined Nexus and was responsible for launching and building Nexus' Northern California presence based in Pleasanton, California. During his time with Nexus, he has held the roles of Sales Manager, General Manager, and Area Vice President. He is widely recognized for building, enabling, and motivating high performance teams. As President and COO, Choudhry is responsible for corporate culture and the strategic direction of the business – focused on profitable growth, strategic vendor partnerships, operational excellence across the company, and client and associate satisfaction and retention.

Dave Elsner - Vice President, Sales and Marketing

Mr. Elsner brings over 25 years of experience in advanced technology sales and management, with 17 years building and growing technology-based sales forces, and eight years experience in direct sales of business communications. He built the first Internet sales force for Pacific Bell, achieving double-digit growth for three consecutive years. In partnership with Cisco, Elsner led the SBC Communications Advanced Technology and Network Integration Sales business and helped grow revenues in California from $30 million in 2000 to $600 million in 2005. Championed by the Nexus executive team, Elsner's Loud, Proud, and Visible attitude has spread throughout Nexus since his joining in January, 2006. Coupling this attitude with his customer-centric selling model, Elsner has led his sales organization's growth from $80 million to $250 million in five years. As Vice President of Sales and Marketing, he is responsible for setting, leading and executing a sales and marketing strategy that consistently drives growth and profitability.

Michael Heiman - Vice President, Engineering

Mr. Heiman has over 25 years experience in communications technology and engineering. He has been directing the resources and technology direction for the Nexus team since 1996. His technical expertise and his ability to translate client needs into technology solutions have made him a known leader in industry. As Vice President of Engineering, Heiman is responsible for the overall technical direction for Nexus, including Pre-Sales Design, Post-Sales/Field Engineering, and Training.

Dale Hardy - Vice President, Professional Services

Mr. Hardy has over 33 years experience in the communications industry and has managed every aspect of communications business throughout his career. He has been a member of the Nexus leadership team since early 1989 driving Sales and Operations with a primary focus on client service excellence and operational performance. His reputation for assuring the highest levels of client satisfaction has made him well known throughout his native San Diego area as well as much of the Western United States. As Vice President of Professional Services, Hardy is chartered with ensuring that each of the respective regional teams deliver the same standard of excellence for our clients in all of the markets that we serve along with assuring maximum client satisfaction and loyalty.

Tom Lyon - Vice President, Managed Services

Mr. Lyon has been in the communications industry for over 30 years and has been with the Nexus team since 1989. During this time, he has evolved his technical expertise and has led the teams responsible for sales, field services, and technical support. This has earned him a solid reputation with both clients and associates. As Vice President of Managed Services, Lyon is responsible for the Network Operation Center (NOC), Technical Assistance Center (TAC), Field Support Staff, Contracts, and Business Development.

Dan Dougherty - CFO

Mr. Dougherty has over 25 years experience in financial leadership roles and has been with the Nexus team since 1996. As CFO, he is chartered with leading the business's back office service functions including: Finance, Accounting, HR, Purchasing and Logistics. Dougherty prides himself on helping to develop processes that are not only compliant with all financial regulations, but that also help to make Nexus easier for our customers to do business with. He has aided Nexus' growth by helping to secure a financing agreement with GE Commercial Distribution Finance that has grown from $3M to $80M during his tenure. Prior to joining Nexus, Dougherty spent ten years with a Fortune 200 company holding various financial management titles.

Jon Jensen - Co-Founder

Mr. Jensen is a seasoned executive with over 30 years of operational and executive experience in the communications and technology sectors. During his tenure with the Nexus organization dating back to 1989, he served as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Executive Officer. Jensen currently serves as a Board Member and advisor to Nexus.