Board Committees

Charles N. “Chip” Hayssen joined the Clearfield Board of Directors in 2008. He brings to our Board strong executive management and financial management experience, as well as experience as a director and audit committee chair of a publicly traded company earlier in his career.

From 2009 until his retirement in August 2021, Mr. Hayssen served as President of Safeway Driving Schools, a privately held provider of driver’s education services.  Prior to joining Safeway Driving, he served as Chief Operating Officer of AllOver Media, Inc., a privately held out-of-home media company, from 2004 to 2007.  From 2002 to 2004, Mr. Hayssen served as Chief Financial Officer of ThinkEquity Partners LLC, an equity capital markets firm.

Mr. Hayssen holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Dartmouth College and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

Donald R. Hayward joined the Clearfield Board of Directors in 2007.  He brings to our Board executive leadership experience, operational and financial experience in manufacturing, and a background in the technology sector, where he specialized in business growth with a concentration on strategic and leadership development.

Mr. Hayward served as President of Schaffer Manufacturing, a privately held metal fabrication manufacturing company serving a variety of industries, including telecommunications, from September 2017 to October 2020.  He also served as an executive advisor to Schaffer Manufacturing from September 2016 to August 2017, and from November 2020 until his retirement in April 2021.  From 2006 to August 2017, Mr. Hayward served as President of Engel Diversified Industries, a privately held manufacturer of fabricated metal products serving multiple industries.  Previously, he served as Director of Corporate Services of Minnesota Technology, Inc., a publicly funded, private non-profit in support of Minnesota’s technology community, from 1997 to 2006.

Mr. Hayward holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin.

Catherine (“Kate”) T. Kelly joined the Clearfield Board of Directors in December 2024.  She brings to our Board extensive experience as a strategic finance executive who has led, built, and turned around significant units in two large national banks, a regional community bank, and a start-up bank.  She also has substantial experience in governance and community service as a former director of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis and as a current or former director of several private and non-profit organizations.

Ms. Kelly served as Regional President and Executive Vice President, Minnesota Market, of PNC Financial Services Group, Inc., the fifth largest commercial bank in the United States by assets, from 2017 to December 2023.  From 2007 to 2017, she served as President and Chief Executive Officer of, and was an investor in, Minnesota Bank & Trust, a chartered community bank.  From 2002 to 2007, Ms. Kelly served as Region President, Financial Services Director, Wealth Management Director, and Bremer Trust President at Bremer Financial Corporation, a regional financial services company.  Prior to joining Bremer, she worked at US Bancorp, the fourth largest commercial bank in the United States by assets, for 18 years in roles of increasing responsibility, serving most recently as District Manager/Vice President, Corporate Banking from 2001 to 2002. 

Ms. Kelly holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management and a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Catherine University.

Ademir Sarcevic joined the Clearfield Board of Directors in December 2024.  He brings to our Board a track record of improving financial performance and driving operational productivity across a variety of industries, cultures and economic environments.  He also has extensive experience in finance and accounting, international business, manufacturing, and mergers, acquisitions and divestitures.

Since September 2019, Mr. Sarcevic has served as Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Standex International Corporation, a global industrial growth company operating in electronics, cutting-edge forming technologies, engraving and scientific refrigeration.  From 2018 to September 2019, he served as Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer of Pentair plc, a global manufacturer of residential and commercial water solutions, pool products and accessories, and a provider of industrial water management solutions.  From 2017 to 2018, Mr. Sarcevic served as Vice President Finance and Global Controller of Pentair.  From 2016 to 2017, he served as Chief Financial Officer, Pentair Valves and Controls, and from 2012 to 2016, he served as Vice President, Corporate Audit at Pentair.  Prior to joining Pentair, Mr. Sarcevic served as Corporate Controller, Head of Tax and Procurement of Eisai Inc., the United States subsidiary of Eisai Co., Ltd., a global pharmaceutical company based in Tokyo, from 2010 to 2012. 

Mr. Sarcevic holds a Master of International Management degree from Thunderbird School of Global Management and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Bridgeport.

Carol A. Wirsbinski joined the Clearfield Board of Directors in December 2021.  She brings to our Board more than 30 years of experience operationalizing both strategy and vision within the telecommunications industry, with a proven track record of building successful organizations through transformational growth, particularly in the community broadband market.

Ms. Wirsbinski served as Chief Sales Officer of Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc., a publicly traded national internet and telecommunications service provider, from 2014 to 2017.  From 2011 to 2014, she served as Chief Operating Officer and Corporate Vice President of Enventis Corporation (formerly known as Hickory Tech Corporation), a publicly traded integrated communication service provider serving a five state Midwest area.  From 2009 to 2010, Ms. Wirsbinski served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Citilink Broadband Solutions, a wireless broadband service provider.  From 2007 to 2008, she served as Senior Vice President of Sales, CEB, Inc., a provider of consumer research and strategic advisory services.  Prior to joining CEB, Ms. Wirsbinski served as Senior Vice President, Minnesota and North Dakota at Integra Telecom, an infrastructure and telecommunications service provider, from 2000 to 2006.

Ms. Wirsbinski has served as a director of Underline Infrastructure Inc. since December 2022, and was as a director of Somos Inc. from March 2019 to March 2022.

Ms. Wirsbinski holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.  She is recognized as NACD Directorship Certified by the National Association of Corporate Directors and is an active member of the Private Directors Association.

Walter L. Jones, Jr. joined the Clearfield Board of Directors in December 2021. He brings to our Board nearly three decades of experience in the information communications industry, with significant expertise in network operations, fiber-focused enterprise transformations and Tier 1 operators.

Since August 2021, Mr. Jones has served as an advisor to Harmoni Towers, an owner, operator and builder of mission-critical communications infrastructure. He has also served as an independent board advisor and operations consultant since 2015. In 2015, he served as Vice President of Network Transformation of Verizon Communications Inc., one of the world’s leading providers of communications, technology, information and entertainment products and services to consumers, businesses, and government entities. From 2013 to 2015, Mr. Jones served as Region President of Consumer Mass Business at Verizon Communications. Previously, he served as Chief Technology Officer/West Area Vice President of Network at Verizon Wireless Inc., a subsidiary of Verizon Communications, from 2008 to 2013.

Mr. Jones holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and a Master of Business Administration degree from the College of William and Mary. He is recognized as NACD Directorship Certified by the National Association of Corporate Directors.

Ademir Sarcevic joined the Clearfield Board of Directors in December 2024.  He brings to our Board a track record of improving financial performance and driving operational productivity across a variety of industries, cultures and economic environments.  He also has extensive experience in finance and accounting, international business, manufacturing, and mergers, acquisitions and divestitures.

Since September 2019, Mr. Sarcevic has served as Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Standex International Corporation, a global industrial growth company operating in electronics, cutting-edge forming technologies, engraving and scientific refrigeration.  From 2018 to September 2019, he served as Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer of Pentair plc, a global manufacturer of residential and commercial water solutions, pool products and accessories, and a provider of industrial water management solutions.  From 2017 to 2018, Mr. Sarcevic served as Vice President Finance and Global Controller of Pentair.  From 2016 to 2017, he served as Chief Financial Officer, Pentair Valves and Controls, and from 2012 to 2016, he served as Vice President, Corporate Audit at Pentair.  Prior to joining Pentair, Mr. Sarcevic served as Corporate Controller, Head of Tax and Procurement of Eisai Inc., the United States subsidiary of Eisai Co., Ltd., a global pharmaceutical company based in Tokyo, from 2010 to 2012. 

Mr. Sarcevic holds a Master of International Management degree from Thunderbird School of Global Management and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Bridgeport.

Ronald G. Roth serves as the Chair of Clearfield’s Board of Directors, a position he has held since 2002.  Mr. Roth brings to our Board a strong background in executive management, mergers and acquisitions, business development and marketing through his service for more than 35 years as a chairman of the board, executive and owner of several companies.

From 1990 to 2007, Mr. Roth served as Chairman of the Board and an owner of Phillips Recycling Systems, a privately held recycler of scrap and waste materials.  He served as Chairman of the Board and an owner of Access Cash International LLC, a privately held provider of ATMs and related processing and financial services, from 1995 until its sale in 2000.  In addition, Mr. Roth served as Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and owner of Waste Systems Corp., a privately held waste hauling and disposal company, from 1970 until its sale to a national solid waste management company in 1995.

Mr. Roth holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Michigan State University.

Walter L. Jones, Jr. joined the Clearfield Board of Directors in December 2021. He brings to our Board nearly three decades of experience in the information communications industry, with significant expertise in network operations, fiber-focused enterprise transformations and Tier 1 operators.

Since August 2021, Mr. Jones has served as an advisor to Harmoni Towers, an owner, operator and builder of mission-critical communications infrastructure. He has also served as an independent board advisor and operations consultant since 2015. In 2015, he served as Vice President of Network Transformation of Verizon Communications Inc., one of the world’s leading providers of communications, technology, information and entertainment products and services to consumers, businesses, and government entities. From 2013 to 2015, Mr. Jones served as Region President of Consumer Mass Business at Verizon Communications. Previously, he served as Chief Technology Officer/West Area Vice President of Network at Verizon Wireless Inc., a subsidiary of Verizon Communications, from 2008 to 2013.

Mr. Jones holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and a Master of Business Administration degree from the College of William and Mary. He is recognized as NACD Directorship Certified by the National Association of Corporate Directors.

Charles N. “Chip” Hayssen joined the Clearfield Board of Directors in 2008. He brings to our Board strong executive management and financial management experience, as well as experience as a director and audit committee chair of a publicly traded company earlier in his career.

From 2009 until his retirement in August 2021, Mr. Hayssen served as President of Safeway Driving Schools, a privately held provider of driver’s education services.  Prior to joining Safeway Driving, he served as Chief Operating Officer of AllOver Media, Inc., a privately held out-of-home media company, from 2004 to 2007.  From 2002 to 2004, Mr. Hayssen served as Chief Financial Officer of ThinkEquity Partners LLC, an equity capital markets firm.

Mr. Hayssen holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Dartmouth College and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

Donald R. Hayward joined the Clearfield Board of Directors in 2007.  He brings to our Board executive leadership experience, operational and financial experience in manufacturing, and a background in the technology sector, where he specialized in business growth with a concentration on strategic and leadership development.

Mr. Hayward served as President of Schaffer Manufacturing, a privately held metal fabrication manufacturing company serving a variety of industries, including telecommunications, from September 2017 to October 2020.  He also served as an executive advisor to Schaffer Manufacturing from September 2016 to August 2017, and from November 2020 until his retirement in April 2021.  From 2006 to August 2017, Mr. Hayward served as President of Engel Diversified Industries, a privately held manufacturer of fabricated metal products serving multiple industries.  Previously, he served as Director of Corporate Services of Minnesota Technology, Inc., a publicly funded, private non-profit in support of Minnesota’s technology community, from 1997 to 2006.

Mr. Hayward holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin.

Catherine (“Kate”) T. Kelly joined the Clearfield Board of Directors in December 2024.  She brings to our Board extensive experience as a strategic finance executive who has led, built, and turned around significant units in two large national banks, a regional community bank, and a start-up bank.  She also has substantial experience in governance and community service as a former director of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis and as a current or former director of several private and non-profit organizations.

Ms. Kelly served as Regional President and Executive Vice President, Minnesota Market, of PNC Financial Services Group, Inc., the fifth largest commercial bank in the United States by assets, from 2017 to December 2023.  From 2007 to 2017, she served as President and Chief Executive Officer of, and was an investor in, Minnesota Bank & Trust, a chartered community bank.  From 2002 to 2007, Ms. Kelly served as Region President, Financial Services Director, Wealth Management Director, and Bremer Trust President at Bremer Financial Corporation, a regional financial services company.  Prior to joining Bremer, she worked at US Bancorp, the fourth largest commercial bank in the United States by assets, for 18 years in roles of increasing responsibility, serving most recently as District Manager/Vice President, Corporate Banking from 2001 to 2002. 

Ms. Kelly holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management and a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Catherine University.

Carol A. Wirsbinski joined the Clearfield Board of Directors in December 2021.  She brings to our Board more than 30 years of experience operationalizing both strategy and vision within the telecommunications industry, with a proven track record of building successful organizations through transformational growth, particularly in the community broadband market.

Ms. Wirsbinski served as Chief Sales Officer of Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc., a publicly traded national internet and telecommunications service provider, from 2014 to 2017.  From 2011 to 2014, she served as Chief Operating Officer and Corporate Vice President of Enventis Corporation (formerly known as Hickory Tech Corporation), a publicly traded integrated communication service provider serving a five state Midwest area.  From 2009 to 2010, Ms. Wirsbinski served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Citilink Broadband Solutions, a wireless broadband service provider.  From 2007 to 2008, she served as Senior Vice President of Sales, CEB, Inc., a provider of consumer research and strategic advisory services.  Prior to joining CEB, Ms. Wirsbinski served as Senior Vice President, Minnesota and North Dakota at Integra Telecom, an infrastructure and telecommunications service provider, from 2000 to 2006.

Ms. Wirsbinski has served as a director of Underline Infrastructure Inc. since December 2022, and was as a director of Somos Inc. from March 2019 to March 2022.

Ms. Wirsbinski holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.  She is recognized as NACD Directorship Certified by the National Association of Corporate Directors and is an active member of the Private Directors Association.