Mr. Crowder has nearly twenty years experience in communications networking in a variety of project management, consulting, systems management, and leadership roles. His work has centered around high performance data networks, integrated systems, internetworking, and wide area networking. He led the creation and development of the NWVng program from concept back in 1994 through successful implementation and growth. Today, NWVng connects well over one thousand sites and an estimated 1.4 million Virginians to the Internet and to the national Internet2 system. Mr. Crowder also manages the Virginia gigaPOP which provides access to national and international research networks for faculty, staff, and students at all Virginia universities. He has served on multiple policy, planning, and engineering committees at the state, regional, and national levels. He is a member of the Virginia Internet Technology Innovation Center. He is a frequent speaker and publication contributor. Mr. Crowder holds a B.A. degree in Economics from the University of Virginia and a M.A. degree in Instructional Systems Development from Virginia Tech.