John Staurulakis, Inc. (JSI) announces that Michael East has joined its management services staff.  In keeping with its near half-century commitment to strong ties with its clients, JSI remains squarely focused on assessing - and shaping - the business environment in which independent providers operate.  With a background rooted in operational management and financial analysis, East adds significantly to JSI's resources in helping clients assess the effects of the Federal Communications Commission's National Broadband Plan and the nuances of the transition to an IP-based network and services.  East joins JSI as staff director-management services, and broadens JSI's reach as clients investigate financial and operational strategies to take advantage of current opportunities in delivering advanced services.  East's background as a strategic and process-minded executive, expertise in rapidly evolving high-tech markets, and hands-on management experience have made him well versed in such skills as business planning, competitive and financial analysis, and communication.

East comes to JSI after more than seven years of executive experience.  He served four years as CEO of Endeavor Communications in Cloverdale, Indiana, where he improved corporate performance, developed a long-term management team, and maximized operational efficiencies.  Integrating the company's vision and goals and focusing on sales and customer service, East helped Endeavor increase recurring revenues and developed a business case for a fiber-to-the-premise network built with in-house resources, reducing the overall cost by $20 million.  While at Endeavor, East was elected to serve on numerous industry boards and committees, including the Indiana Telephone Association and the National Telecommunications Cooperative Association.  Prior to Endeavor, East spent three years as CEO/President of Molalla Communications in Molalla, Oregon, where he reorganized the work environment and laid the groundwork for the company to be competitive for years to come.  He directed strategic planning; recruiting, retaining, and motivating staff; and setting protocol, goals, and missions for the various business units.  

East also spent seven years in the financial consulting arena, as an accounting manager at Moss Adams, LLP in Stockton, California.  There, he worked predominantly with telecom (ILECs, CLECs, cellular, and cable) companies and developed rate case models and testimony for independent providers.  East earned a B.A. Degree in Accounting and Management from California State University, Sacramento, and holds a certificate of Public Accountancy, for Oregon and California.

"Like the nation as a whole, the independent telecom industry is gearing up for the transition to a broadband network - and broadband economy," noted Leo Staurulakis, JSI EVP.  "We await regulatory, legislative, even judicial, views of how that journey will unfold, but the truth of the matter is that, right now, no one knows.  Thus, strategic financial and operational decision making is more critical than ever if our clients are to take best advantage of their competitive opportunities.  That's why we're pleased to welcome Michael to our team.  He has almost two decades of extensive experience in financial analysis and operational management, which he can bring to bear for our clients' benefit.  He understands how community-based providers think and feel, and he brings a wealth of financial knowledge and business sensitivity to the table to help our clients assess their situations and opportunities realistically."