John E. Rooney
President and Chief Executive Officer

John Rooney joined U.S. Cellular as president and chief executive officer in April 2000, changing the company's business strategy by focusing on complete customer satisfaction. This vision required a new leadership model – a culture of teamwork among all associates to focus on U.S. Cellular's efforts on satisfying the customer. Thanks to its customer-focused philosophy, U.S. Cellular now has one of the best customer retention records in the wireless industry. John Rooney has guided U.S. Cellular's associates in delivering excellent customer service.

Over the past two years, U.S. Cellular has seen unprecedented growth under Rooney's guidance by introducing service into numerous new markets. The company's entrance into the Chicago market was one of the most successful in its history. Highlights included a long-term agreement with the Chicago White Sox for the naming rights to U.S. Cellular Field and inking a $1.6 million sponsorship with the City of Chicago to support free festivals for the community.

Rooney previously worked for Ameritech Corporation for nine years serving as president of Ameritech Consumer Services from 1997 to 1999, president of Ameritech Cellular Services from 1992 to 1997 and vice president/treasurer from 1990 to 1992. Prior to joining Ameritech, Rooney held executive positions with Firestone Tire and Rubber Corp., Pullman Inc., and the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. Born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, Rooney earned a Bachelor of Art in Business Administration from John Carroll University in Ohio and a Master of Business Administration in Finance from Loyola University.

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Jay M. Ellison
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

As executive vice president and chief operating officer for U.S. Cellular, Jay Ellison is responsible for ensuring the continued growth of the company through a focus on superior customer satisfaction. With more than 20 years of experience in the wireless industry, Ellison focuses on delivering exceptional customer service, offering customers great products and services, driving standards of excellence within the organization, strengthening the company's market presence, and generating sustainable profitable growth for its shareholders.

Ellison joined U.S. Cellular in September 2000, and has overseen numerous market expansions including the company's successful launch in Chicago and central Illinois in 2002. In addition, Ellison helped guide U.S. Cellular's launch of easyedge^SM, the company's first non-voice wireless service product that offers customers access to data applications, including games, news, sports information, ring tones and stock quotes.

Prior to joining U.S. Cellular, Ellison was vice president of Sales at Ameritech Cellular Services, where he was responsible for all sales channels and distribution for wireless operations, from 1997-2000. From 1995 to 1997, he was regional vice president/market manager for Ameritech in Chicago, and in Columbus, Ohio, from 1992 to 1995. Ellison also held other management and sales positions during his 15 years with Ameritech. He holds a Bachelor of Science from the Ohio State University.

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Michael S. Irizarry
Executive Vice President - Engineering, and Chief Technology Officer

Mike Irizarry, who joined U.S. Cellular in February 2002 as executive vice president of Engineering and chief technology officer, oversees all of the company's technological operations including wireless towers, network build-outs for new markets, network operations and technological advancements.

Irizarry and his team are responsible for U.S. Cellular's ongoing expansion of advanced CDMA-based technologies, which enable the company to offer a variety of service enhancements to customers and to ensure exceptional call quality and clarity for U.S. Cellular's customers. U.S. Cellular's commitment to continuous network improvement is an important factor in the company's award-winning customer service.

Prior to joining U.S. Cellular, Irizarry held executive positions with Verizon, Bell Atlantic Mobile, Paging Network, Inc., and Motorola. A senior member of the I.E.E.E. and its communications and computer societies, Irizarry earned a bachelor's degree in Engineering from Cleveland Technical College, as well as a Master of Science in Information Management and a Master of Business Administration from the International School of Information Management.

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Karen S. Kirwan
Executive Vice President - Information Services and Chief Information Officer

Karen Kirwan, executive vice president of Information Services and chief information officer, is responsible for managing U.S. Cellular's internal and external technology resources to ensure that customers can easily and effectively use their wireless products and services.

Kirwan, who joined U.S. Cellular in 2002, leads a team of more than 425 associates who work to ensure that the company's technology, software and hardware systems operate without interruption, enabling associates to focus on serving customers. Her efforts have enabled U.S. Cellular to successfully integrate a new, customer-friendly billing environment; implement the technology for wireless number portability; and to launch easyedge^SM, the company's first wireless data service. Under Kirwan's leadership and focus on improving the customer's experience, U.S. Cellular's technology service levels have increased significantly. In addition, she has significantly reduced the company's need for outside computing consulting services while also contributing to the bottom line by renegotiating strategic vendor contracts.

Prior to joining U.S. Cellular, Kirwan held executive positions with Exelon, the Pillsbury Company, Standard Register, Clopay Corporation, LensCrafters and Eli Lilly Corporation during her 20-year career. She currently serves on the board of directors for the Chicago Parkways Foundation, the philanthropic partner of the Chicago Park District. Kirwan earned a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems with a minor in Accounting from Central Michigan University.

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Kenneth R. Meyers
Executive Vice President - Finance and Chief Financial Officer

As executive vice president of Finance and chief financial officer, Ken Meyers is responsible for overseeing U.S. Cellular's financial interests, including reporting to shareholders and investors. Known for his keen insight into the financial workings of the wireless industry, Meyers manages and oversees an annual budget of more than $2.5 billion and serves on an executive leadership team that continuously focuses its efforts on complete customer satisfaction. Meyers joined U.S. Cellular in 1987.

Meyers and his team handle all treasury, reporting, financial planning, budgeting and analysis for the company. The team is also responsible for strategic planning, inter-carrier business and all legal and regulatory matters. Meyers has served in executive-level positions throughout his 17-year career at U.S. Cellular, with responsibilities spanning information services, marketing and operations.

Prior to joining U.S. Cellular, Meyers held financial leadership positions with Imi-Tech Corp. and the Marmon Group. He is a certified public accountant, with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Loyola University Chicago, and a Master of Business Administration from Northwestern University's J. L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management. He also serves on Kellogg's Alumni Advisory Board.

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Jeffrey J. Childs
Senior Vice President - Human Resources

Jeff Childs, senior vice president of Human Resources, is responsible for hiring great leaders and associates, developing their skills, providing them with the proper tools and removing unnecessary distractions so that they can deliver the ideal customer experience to U.S. Cellular customers.

With more than 24 years of diverse experience in sales, marketing, operations and human resources, Childs joined U.S. Cellular in January 2004 and oversees all human resource-related activities, including hiring and organizational development within the corporation. Adhering to the overall U.S. Cellular philosophy that strong leadership drives associate satisfaction - which in turn leads to strong customer satisfaction - Childs develops and implements specific initiatives that provide enhanced training and development for all associates.

Prior to joining U.S. Cellular, Childs was a senior partner with Brimstone Consulting Group, LLC where he was responsible for providing leadership, change management and business consulting services to senior-level executives. Previously, Childs served as a key leader in the transformation of the human resources department at Ameritech/SBC.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Ball State University, where he studied business management and economics. Childs is also a graduate of the University of Michigan's Global Leadership Program. He serves as a board member of the Buehler YMCA, and on the human resources and pension committees of the Chicago Metropolitan YMCA.

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Rochelle J. Boersma
Vice President - Customer Service

As vice president of Customer Service for U.S. Cellular, Rochelle (Shelley) Boersma is responsible for maintaining and enhancing U.S. Cellular's award-winning customer service. In this role, she oversees all customer service interactions in both the retail and call center environments. Associates at the company's six customer care centers handle more than 1.2 million calls every month.

Previously, Boersma was vice president of Sales Operations, overseeing the company’s direct and indirect distribution channels, as well as the acquisition and distribution of wireless handsets and accessories. She was responsible for day-to-day sales operations and instrumental in building a customer-focused sales system, ensuring that customers have a favorable experience with frontline associates. Prior to being named vice president of Sales Operations in 2003, she served as director of Indirect Sales, providing strategic oversight for the company’s authorized agent and mass merchant locations.

Before joining U.S. Cellular, Boersma served as general manager of Dealer Sales, director of Authorized Sales and Service, and manager of Agent Sales for Cingular Wireless. She also held several leadership positions at Iodon, Inc., and Cellular Business Systems. She currently serves on the Leader council of the Mercy Home for Boys and Girls in Chicago.

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Steven T. Campbell
Vice President and Controller

Steven Campbell, vice president and controller, leads all accounting areas, including operational accounting and external reporting.

Before joining U.S. Cellular in 2005, Campbell served as vice president of Financial Operations at 3Com Corporation. In this role, he was responsible for managing several financial and administrative functions including controller, treasury, tax, trade compliance, corporate purchasing and real estate/site services operations. During his seven years at 3Com, Campbell also held several additional executive-level positions in finance and business operations.

Prior to 3Com, Campbell served as vice president and controller at U.S. Robotics Corporation. He also spent 15 years with Amoco Corporation, where he held a number of finance management positions. A certified public accountant, Campbell began his career at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. He holds a Masters degree in Management from Northwestern University and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Quincy University.

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Thomas P. Catani
Vice President - East Operations

Tom Catani, vice president of Eastern Operations, provides directions and support to more than 1,200 associates in markets spanning Florida, Maine, Maryland, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia and West Virginia. With more than 15 years of experience in the telecommunications industry, Catani supports U.S. Cellular's customer satisfaction strategy by regularly communicating with customers and associates to ensure that the company is providing the very best in products and services.

Catani, who joined U.S. Cellular in 1997, most recently served as senior director of Sales and Marketing for U.S. Cellular's East Region. In that position, he led the successful formation of the company's first state-of-the-art Customer Care Center in Knoxville, Tenn. The company now has six such care centers.

Prior to this position, Catani spent 15 years with Lucent Technologies in such positions as area general manager, sales trainer and sales manager.

Catani holds a Master of Business Administration from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio, and a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Illinois in Champaign. He serves on the board of directors for the United Way of Greater Knoxville as well as the Knoxville Opera Company.

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Alan D. Ferber
Vice President - Marketing and Sales Operations

As vice president of Marketing and Sales Operations, Ferber has positioned U.S. Cellular as one of the country’s top wireless carriers by leading all advertising, retail merchandising, new products, pricing, segment marketing and customer lifecycle activities. Ferber also oversees operations of the company’s direct and indirect sales channels and the purchase and distribution of phones and accessories. Ferber is responsible for directing the company’s customer-focused branding and distribution strategy which emphasizes U.S. Cellular’s commitment to customer satisfaction. He currently manages more than 100 professionals.

Since Ferber joined U.S. Cellular in 2001 as vice president of Marketing, his efforts helped add almost 2 million new customers, garner one of the highest customer loyalty rates in the industry and increase average revenue per user (ARPU). He was also responsible for the successful brand introduction in new markets including Chicago, Portland and Oklahoma City, launching easyedge^SM and spearheading the innovative naming rights agreement for U.S. Cellular Field, home of the Chicago White Sox.

Prior to U.S. Cellular, Ferber held leadership positions at traq-wireless, which he co-founded, and Ameritech. Ferber earned a bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Michigan and a Master of Business Administration in Marketing and Finance from Northwestern University’s J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management.

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Hichem H. Garnaoui
Vice President - National Network Operations

Hichem Garnaoui, vice president of National Network Operations, is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the U.S. Cellular network to ensure that the company’s customers receive the high-quality wireless service they have come to expect.

Under his leadership, U.S. Cellular has upgraded its entire network to maximize service for its customers throughout the country. This included converting the network to advanced CDMA-1X technology to offer customers even better wireless service and new capabilities such as picture messaging and data services.

Prior to joining to U.S. Cellular, Garnaoui held executive positions with Nextel Communications, Inc. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree, a Master of Science degree and a doctorate in electrical engineering from the University of Minnesota.

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Leon J. Hensen
Vice President - Market Transition

Leon Hensen was named vice president of Market Transition for U.S. Cellular in April 2003, managing the company’s market launches, divestitures and acquisitions. In this role, Hensen oversees market analysis, sales distribution strategy, acquisitions of company-owned retail stores, securing retail points of distribution for agents, and ensuring that the company’s network is always ready for new U.S. Cellular customers. He has been responsible for U.S. Cellular’s entrance into Fort Wayne and South Bend, Ind., as well as Stillwater and Enid, Okla. In addition, Hensen handled U.S. Cellular’s exchange of wireless properties with AT&T Wireless in Florida, Georgia and south Texas.

Hensen, who also managed the company’s Chicago and Wisconsin acquisitions, has held executive positions with the company since 1997, including management roles for operations in Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois and Missouri.

Prior to joining U.S. Cellular, Hensen held executive positions with Palmer Wireless, Inc., McCaw Communications, American Cellular Corporation and Rogers Radio Communication Services. He served on the board of directors for Telocator Network of America, Metropolitan Mobile Corporation and Rogers Radio Communications. Hensen served in the United States Army from 1967 to 1970 and attended the Army's Southeastern Signal School. A Vietnam veteran, Hensen was honored with the Bronze Star during his tour of duty.

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Conrad J. Hunter
Vice President - Midwest Operations

Conrad Hunter, vice president of Midwestern Operations, is responsible for all U.S. Cellular operations in the company’s Midwest Region, serving customers in Illinois and Indiana. Since assuming this role in August 2003, Hunter has continued to increase the number of new customers and satisfy existing customers by working with U.S. Cellular’s sales associates to provide the very best in superior customer satisfaction. By removing the everyday distractions and listening closely to his team of more than 820 associates, Hunter is able to provide them with the tools and services to help them maximize their potential in serving the customer.

Hunter joined U.S. Cellular in February 2000 as vice president of Eastern Operations, where he managed company operations in Florida, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, New Hampshire, Vermont, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.

Prior to joining U.S. Cellular, Hunter was a vice president/general manager for the Virginia Region PCS properties of PrimeCo Personal Communications. Before working at PrimeCo, he spent 20 years with GTE Corporation as a general manager, director of Sales and Marketing, and in other senior management positions in operations, sales and product marketing.

Hunter earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Hanover College, where he was active in student development and played on the varsity basketball team.

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Katherine Hust-Schrank
Regional Vice President - Central Operations

As regional vice president of Central Operations, Kathy Hust-Schrank is responsible for managing sales, finance, operations and engineering for U.S. Cellular’s customers in Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska and Minnesota. Having served in her current role since 2002, Hust-Schrank continues to increase the number of new U.S. Cellular customers and satisfy existing customers in the central region by committing her regional sales associates to providing the very best in customer satisfaction at each step of the sales process. She provides direction and support to more than 1,100 U.S. Cellular associates in the company’s central region.

The first woman to hold a regional vice president role at U.S. Cellular, Hust-Schrank joined the company in 1997 as district sales manager, and has since held numerous management positions including regional sales manager, area sales manager, area retail manager and director of Sales for California and southern Oregon.

Prior to joining U.S. Cellular, she held management positions with Cellular One/Bell South Cellular. Hust-Schrank earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Mount Mary College in Milwaukee and has a certificate in Management from Marquette University. She serves on the President’s Council Board of the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin.

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George W. Irving
Vice President - Business Support Services

George Irving, vice president of Business Support Services, is responsible for all strategic and operational initiatives involving oversight and management of the organization's shared services team, which includes billing control services, real estate, associate and agent services, supply chain services and standard reporting. Having joined U.S. Cellular in October 2003, Irving utilizes his 20 years of executive leadership experience in the financial services and business arena to direct and lead a team of nearly 175 associates.

Irving's team is focused on driving operational excellence by supporting their internal clients through back office support processes and infrastructure. This focus enhances the capability of all associates to deliver exceptional results to its customers. Irving does this by establishing and communicating measurable goals and service level agreements while empowering associates and celebrating their success.

Prior to joining U.S. Cellular, he served as director, financial services-global business services for AlliedSignal/Honeywell. Irving received a bachelor of science degree in accounting from St. John's University in New York and a Master of Business Administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey. He is a member of The Conference Board, Conference Board Shares Services Council, the Shared Services and Business Process Outsourcing Association (SBPOA) and the Shared Services and Outsourcing Network. Irving has been the keynote speaker at several conferences, including the Shared Services Week 2003 Global Conference and the U.S. Department of State Management Speakers Series.

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James R. Jenkins
Vice President - Legal and External Affairs

As vice president of Legal and External Affairs, James Jenkins provides counsel to the company's leadership team regarding a wide array of legal issues involving operations, business development, compliance, and corporate governance. Jenkins also leads the company's regulatory efforts at both the federal and state levels. He joined U.S. Cellular in February 2002.

Before joining U.S. Cellular, Jenkins held executive positions in the legal departments of ALLTEL Corporation and 360° Communications Company. He was in private practice prior to holding these positions. He earned his Bachelor of Arts and law degrees from Northwestern University.

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Karen C. Johnson
Vice President - Public Affairs and Communications

As vice president of Public Affairs and Communications, Karen Johnson is responsible for U.S. Cellular’s media relations, public affairs, government relations and charitable-giving initiatives. Johnson, who joined U.S. Cellular in April 2002, builds and maintains strategic relationships with key government officials, community and business leaders, members of the news media as well as charitable organizations in each of the company’s new and existing markets. She has overseen a five-fold increase in the company’s philanthropic giving, which now exceeds $2 million annually.

Johnson’s team promotes U.S. Cellular’s commitment to customer satisfaction while ensuring the company serves as a responsible corporate citizen in the communities where it does business.

Prior to joining U.S. Cellular, Johnson was a vice president with Cushman/Amberg Communications where she managed several major accounts, including the public affairs initiatives supporting U.S. Cellular’s entrance into the Chicago market. She serves on the board of directors of Christopher House, a Chicago-based not-for-profit organization that provides outreach services to children, youth and families in need, as well as the Chicago chapter of Human Rights Watch. Johnson earned her bachelor’s degree in Broadcasting from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University.

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Thomas S. Weber
Vice President - Financial Strategy

As U.S. Cellular's Vice President of Financial Strategy, Tom Weber is responsible for the company's strategic analysis, business planning and analysis, treasury and partnership, as well as roaming. Weber joined the company in 1992.

Weber and his team of 35 associates enable the company to maintain its focus on the customer by ensuring that USCC has outstanding decision support to enhance its results and thus help ensure that USCC has adequate financial resources.

Prior to joining U.S. Cellular, Weber held various finance and accounting positions with Chrysler Corporation. Weber, a certified public accountant, earned a Bachelor of Science degree from DePaul University and a Master of Business Administration from Northwestern University's Kellogg Graduate School of Management.

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Nick B. Wright
Vice President - West Operations

As vice president of U.S. Cellular's western region, Nick Wright oversees sales, operations and engineering for U.S. Cellular's customers in Oklahoma, Oregon, Washington, California, Idaho, Missouri and Texas. Wright was appointed to this role in July 2004 after serving as interim vice president for several months. Wright's focus is on increasing the number of new U.S. Cellular customers while satisfy existing customers in the West Region by providing the very best in customer satisfaction. In addition, Wright provides direction and support to more than 795 associates in the region.

Before being named regional vice president, Wright served as senior director of Sales and Marketing for the Western Region. He joined U.S. Cellular in 1993 and has served in a variety of leadership roles during his career, working in three of the company's four U.S. regions.

Before joining U.S. Cellular, Wright served in management positions for Household Finance Corporation. He received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Criminal Justice from Central Missouri State University.