ABOUT Z 
Mercury Z Leadership
Our Senior Advisors All Have Over 20 Years' Experience
Edward M. Kopko, CEO
During his career in the innovation, design and services industry, Ed has successfully delivered over $6 billion in client assignments and attended to every dimension of successful client delivery. Ed served as Chairman and CEO of Butler International and its subsidiaries, including Butler Aviation, for 23 years. In that time, he produced Butler’s award-winning services in over 40 countries, which resulted in long-term client satisfaction and retention. In terms of leadership, Ed has done it all, including mobilizing teams numbering in the thousands. As leading companies like Sikorsky, Boeing, AT&T, Caterpillar and Verizon can attest, Ed’s direction has provided a host of innovative technology and finance applications.
In addition to his business accomplishments, Ed has served as a past industry association president, as well as CEO and publisher of Chief Executive Magazine. A prolific writer on business matters, Ed’s writings have appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and Detroit Free Press. He has also hosted several Chief Executive Roundtables and Summits in the interests of bringing cutting-edge thinking on technology, logistics and innovation to CEOs worldwide.
Ed holds an M.A. in Economics from Columbia University. Contact Ed at 
George Georgiou, SVP
George Georgiou has a 25-year track record as a preeminent leader of professional, customer-centric organizations and as a communications industry expert. Prior to joining Mercury Z, George was Senior Vice President at Butler International where he was responsible for the Communications Industry Group’s global P&L. George has also held senior management positions at Sprint, Harris Corporation and 2Wire.
As evidenced by his impressive record of service, George is an expert in the sales and delivery of both technical and professional services to large communication clients. These services include: revenue generating software solutions (SaaS), custom application development, consulting, engineering, staffing, installation and maintenance; as well as alternate channel sales and marketing. Additionally, George’s representation has helped many services providers bring innovative voice, data and video networking solutions to market. As a result, his clients have enjoyed higher revenues, enhanced user security, a larger subscriber base, and an enriched overall communications experience for consumers and enterprise users alike. To boot, George’s many technical programs have assisted service providers by readying their core networks in support of subscriber growth and emerging wireless/wireline technologies.
George brings his substantial insight to Mercury Z as a Vice President. George currently serves as Chairman of the Make a Wish Foundation Georgia Alabama Chapter. Contact George at 
Mike Strobo, SVP
A veteran of the US Air Force, Mike began his career as a key contributor in the development and deployment of the Defense Research and Engineering Network (DREN), one of the first high-speed IP networks for the Department of Defense. 22 years later, Mike brings his vast knowledge of complex network design to Mercury Z as a Senior Vice President. Early on, Mike was an Engineer for MCI (now Verizon) where he quickly rose through the ranks and was promoted to Technologist in 1998. As a Technologist he gained valuable experience in evaluating and integrating new technology. Mike also designed and developed the global management infrastructure for managed worldwide accounts while at Verizon. This infrastructure, which used a follow-the-sun architecture, has since been patented and is used today in a variety of industries. Later, Mike achieved the highest level of Cisco professional certification—becoming a Cisco Certified Internetworking Expert (CCIE)—and worked on an array of complex network designs, including those for Bank of America, VISA, Phillip Morris, DOD, Siemens, Lowes, Dow Jones, and American Express. Immediately before bringing his talents to Mercury Z, Mike was a solutions architect at Butler International for 9 years. There he developed a range of innovative customer solutions from network designs to IP video surveillance systems.
As the chief technical advisor for our Mercury EyeZ and ZNet VPN solutions, Mike brings a wealth of network and product development experience to the table. He also possesses a discerning eye to recognize the best solution and the know-how to bring it to fruition. Contact Mike at 
N. Douglas Horne, SVP
Considering his 35 years’ experience, N. Douglas Horne is no stranger to creating powerful solutions for the telecommunications industry. He joins Mercury Z after a successful term as the Chief Operating Officer and Board Member of FTC Communications, Inc. As the COO, Doug successfully oversaw all engineering, operations, P&L and strategic planning for a company with annual revenues in excess of $40,000,000.
Early in his career, Doug held operations and marketing leadership positions at Contel and a position with the State of South Carolina—there he led the effort to implement a state-owned and -operated telecommunication system. Doug’s next stop was Telecom USA where, as the Director of Operators Services, he converted a single, 26-operator center to an outfit with over 600 operators in two locations. During Doug’s tenure, Telecom USA’s operator service saw a rise in profits and was eventually considered the top service of its kind. Doug’s ability to create and significantly turn around operations once again proved useful when he became Vice President and General Manager with ITC Holding Company. With Doug’s help, ITC Holdings saw expanded revenues and growth in employee base. In 1994, Doug was invited to serve as the COO for Farmers Telephone Cooperative and eventually as COO of FTCC.
Doug has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from the University of South Carolina. Aside from his impressive professional record, he has served on the Boards of Directors of Communications Service and Supply Association (chairman) PalmettoNet, the Sumter Chamber of Commerce, Palmetto Rotary, Central Carolina Foundation, and University of South Carolina-Sumter. Contact Doug at 
Ken Meek, VP
After 27 years, Ken Meek is as versatile as they come. With a background that includes engineering, operations, management and sales, Ken brings valuable insight to each of our Revenue Generation, Operational and Technological innovations. In the early stages of his career, Ken spent time at Electronic Data Systems. His tenure there culminated in building the state-of-the-art Data Center in Auburn Hills, Michigan, which supported one of the world’s largest private networks in General Motors. In 1989 Ken took his talents to MCI (Verizon Business) where he started as a Data Engineer but moved quickly up the ladder. Soon he began what would be a 10-year stint as a manager supporting MCI’s new Managed Network Services Initiative. With the Managed Services team, Ken expertly performed a variety of assignments: Solution Design of the Network Management Architecture, Solution Cost Analysis, NOC Management, and Technical Sales. During this time, Ken successfully migrated the company’s primary NOC from Virginia to North Carolina, then started a secondary NOC in Amsterdam. He then turned toward marketing as the Associate General Manager, a position in which he led and managed a pivotal team charged with providing CPE and Managed Products sales support. Two years later, Ken merged into sales management where he lead a thriving Managed Products and Consulting Services sales team. All in all, his efforts facilitated MCI’s progression from a single customer entity to its having over 400 clients and earning $1 Billion dollars in revenue.
Ken brings his multifaceted experience and honest approach to Mercury Z where he will focus on innovating solutions for communications clients. Contact Ken at 
Al Ruiz, VP
Al Ruiz began his telecommunications career in MCI’s mailroom at the age of 15. He rose through the ranks using his people skills and desire to learn the business. Eventually, Al earned leadership positions with MCI and Verizon in which he was responsible for assisting enterprise and global businesses with global IT, communications, security, and network requirements. Over his 20-year career, he has been committed to positive, long-term client relationships. Al’s clients and partners recognize that he creates winning business relationships by combining high-level business opportunities with an extraordinary sense of business ethics.
As a Vice President of Mercury Z, Al is responsible for day-to-day client relationship management and the development of strategic partnerships. He strives to develop an intimate understanding of every client’s business, paving the way for client collaboration and the delivery of efficient, flexible solutions. In addition to his work at Mercury Z, Al is an active member of the National Hispanic Sales Network, the National Society of Hispanic MBAs, and the International Association of Microsoft Certified Professionals. Contact Al at 
David Johnson, VP
From his student days in Horry Telephone Cooperative’s accounting department (Conway, SC) to his current position as a Vice President of Mercury Z, David Johnson has amassed over 40 years of telecommunications knowledge. His depth of experience includes work with major corporations as well as successful start-up companies; he has also developed a vast expertise in all things telecommunications including voice, data and video services. A 1971 graduate of the University of South Carolina and a 1979 graduate of the Bell System's Advanced Information Systems and Services Program at Cambridge, MA, David relied on his impressive education while serving as a Systems Manager and Senior Technical Consultant with the Bell System. In 1984, David joined Telecommunications Systems Inc. (TSI-LineOne) as a Regional Sales Manager and, after the company became part of Telecom*USA, he was eventually assigned to business development. Years later, MCI acquired the company and he moved on to MCI Corporate Finance where he worked with independent telephone and wireless companies. In 1992, he returned to Charleston to join the TTE Group. There he played a key role in the company’s rapid growth and development, and his efforts were rewarded when he became a partner and the company’s Vice President. As a testament to David’s ability to build value and his reputation in the industry, the TTE Group was ultimately sold to a Top25 Cable MSO. Most recently, David worked with Spirit Telecom where he was a leader in the company’s effort to deliver wholesale services to non-member companies.
In addition to his telecom experience, David brings an impressive record of leadership and service to Mercury Z. A draftee in the US Army, David was eventually selected for officer training and was awarded a commission in early 1968. Soon after, he served as the Logistics Officer at the Pittsburgh Air Defense Site before being released from active duty in 1970 at the rank of First Lieutenant. Throughout his career he has developed a keen interest in business innovation and an understanding of the rural telecommunications marketplace. Such qualities, along with David’s passion for optimizing client value, make him a crucial member of our innovation team. Contact David at 
Belinda E. “Bee” Jackson, VP
Throughout her 34-year career, Bee Jackson has become an authority in increasing productivity, decreasing expense, improving processes, and providing suitable personnel for a smooth operation. At Bell Atlantic/Verizon for 25 years, Bee held a variety of supervisory, managerial, and executive positions. As the Manager of Taskforce Regional Support she was instrumental in consolidating 17 service locations into three regional customer centers, thereby alleviating unnecessary overhead and labor. Bee also won three Verizon Excellence Awards (’00-’02), the last of which was given for her development of the company’s emergency preparedness plan. Her tenure at Verizon culminated in being named Interim Executive Director of Customer Response Call Centers, a position in which Bee oversaw 1,350 employees in ten states and managed a $60 Million budget. Prior to joining Mercury Z, Bee was the Global Client Relationship Director for the Eastern Region and was recognized as the 2007 Salesperson of the Year for the staff augmentation solutions she provided to Fortune 500 clients.
As Vice President at Mercury Z, Bee uses her leadership abilities and experience as a team coach and developer. She takes great care and enthusiastically supports clients new and old with solutions to streamline operations and increase revenues. Bee is certified as a group facilitator through Senn Delaney Leadership. She is also the Board Director of Highland Park Christian Academy. Contact Bee at 
Bill Carey, VP
Resulting from his 15 years’ experience in technology and communications account management, Bill Carey brings a track record of solid customer relationships, large account guidance, and producing profitable solutions for a variety of clients. Bill’s career began at Residential Communications Network, where he ascended from an entry-level position to Access Sales Manager over a four-year period. The skills he developed at RCN eventually led Bill to the post of Global Account Manager at Computer Sciences Corporation. At CSC he was responsible for assessments and requirement identification along with solution development, coordination, and implementation for such Fortune 500 clients as Pepsi, New York Life, and M&T Bank. Immediately before joining Mercury Z, Bill served as Managing Director (Americas) at GigaBeam Corporation—a provider of wireless fiber—from 2006 to 2011, during which he oversaw the company’s domestic sales and operations effort, managed the implementation process for GigaBeam wireless links, established critical partnerships, and boosted key accounts in a variety of vertical markets.
Bill is a graduate of University of Massachusetts (1995). Contact Bill at 
Tony Breland, VP
Mr. Breland brings 20 years' experience to Mercury Z and leads our business development efforts to deliver all things wireless: 4G/LTE, WiMAX, RF infrastructure, and WiFi. Prior to joining Mercury Z, Tony served as the Vice President of Technical Services for GigaBeam Corporation where he led sales engineering, customer support efforts, and field engineering. During his tenure, Tony developed GigaBeam’s Gi-Support® Maintenance Policy, Gi-Advanage (Pro-Services), and Site License Plans, accounting for a (+)25% increase in revenue in the first year of inception.
Tony has held senior sales engineering and technical positions at Corona Networks Inc., AT&T Broadband, Verizon, and Alcatel Lucent. Additionally, as Principle Network Architect of IT Operations at Sony Ericcson Mobile Communications, he re-architected Sony Ericcson America’s LAN/WAN infrastructure consisting of over 6500 elements regionally.
Along with his extensive wireless background, Tony brings in-depth knowledge of product sales and development, customer training, and start-up operations. He has far-reaching sales experience in the US, Europe, and the Middle East where he supported enterprise and government clients. Tony holds an Electronic Engineering Degree from ITT Technical Institute. Contact Tony at 
Scott Purvis, Chief Network Architect
After 30+ years of engineering excellence, Scott Purvis has left an indelible footprint on the telecommunication industry. With wide-ranging qualifications—from network design to business systems analytics; from vendor technical management to sales proposal development—it's easy to see why. Since 1977, when he oversaw the online Medics system for Dallas Presbyterian Hospital, Scott has developed architectures for the US Postal Service, federal agencies and NASDAQ, as well as some of America's retail and banking giants. Additionally, his work with NASDAQ culminated in winning the prestigious Computerworld Smithsonian Award for implementing technology that directly benefits the American people. Scott has also pioneered industry-leading processes and, as recently as 2008, has been awarded patents for use in telecommunication technologies. It goes without saying that we can expect innovative design and driving technologies from Scott in his role as Chief Network Architect. Contact Scott at 