UniTek Executive Team
UniTek’s executive team is comprised of seasoned industry leaders who have dedicated their careers to building, scaling, and leading successful telecommunications businesses. With decades of hands-on experience across construction, engineering, operations, and strategic growth, our leaders bring deep institutional knowledge and a clear understanding of what it takes to deliver complex projects safely, efficiently, and at scale.
Our executives lead with integrity, accountability, and a commitment to excellence and set the standard for performance across the organization. Through disciplined execution, strong operational oversight, and a people-first leadership approach, they have consistently driven sustainable growth, built trusted client partnerships, and positioned UniTek as a reliable partner for North America’s most demanding broadband builds.
Charlie Smith, Chief Executive Office
With more than 45 years of experience shaping the telecommunications infrastructure services industry, Mr. Smith has built a career defined by innovation, leadership, and results. As a founding investor of SDT, he assumed the role of CEO in 1999 and continued to lead the company after it became a division of UniTek in 2018.
Throughout his tenure, Mr. Smith has guided the company’s transformation into a leading telecom engineering and construction provider, delivering reliable, high-quality solutions across the southeastern and south-central United States. His deep expertise in telecommunications engineering and construction, combined with a relentless focus on operational excellence, has positioned the company as a trusted partner to clients navigating complex deployments.
Under his leadership, UniTek has successfully expanded its footprint across the United States and integrated its presence into Canada, setting new standards for quality, safety, and innovation in telecommunications infrastructure. Mr. Smith continues to drive the company forward, leveraging decades of experience and strategic insight to deliver exceptional results for clients and partners alike
Derek Hutchins, Chief Operating Officer
Derek Hutchins brings over 25 years of expansive experience in the telecommunications industry, combining operational expertise with strategic vision. He began his career with Vermeer Corporation before founding Hutchins Telecom in 2007. Following its acquisition by UniTek in 2018, he served as president until 2022 and now leads as Chief Operating Officer, driving productivity and operational excellence across the organization.
Hutchins leverages his extensive knowledge in outside plant construction and telecommunications operations to grow UniTek’s service portfolio while delivering innovative solutions to clients nationwide. His leadership is informed by prior experience as Vice President of Government Services, including managing military fiber programs such as NMCI and CITS, and collaborating with major partners including General Dynamics.
Under Hutchins’ guidance, UniTek has successfully expanded across the United States and continued its growth in Canada, while diversifying services and broadening its customer base. His vision and operational insight have been key to strengthening the company’s ability to deliver high-quality, scalable solutions, ensuring UniTek remains a trusted leader in the telecommunications infrastructure industry.
Glenn Elias, Chief Financial Officer
Glen Elias brings over 21 years of progressive experience in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, combining financial expertise with strategic leadership. He joined UniTek Global Services in June 2021 and oversees all aspects of finance and accounting, ensuring the company’s financial strength supports continued growth and operational excellence.
A CPA with an MBA from the University of Denver and a B.A. in Accounting from William Paterson University, Glen has held senior financial leadership roles at major AEC firms, including serving as CFO of Precision Pipeline, one of the largest divisions of Mastec, and holding key positions at Ch2M HILL and KBR.
Under Glen’s financial leadership, UniTek continues to maintain a strong foundation that enables strategic expansion, operational efficiency, and diversified service delivery. His expertise ensures the company is well-positioned to deliver high-quality, scalable solutions while sustaining long-term growth across the United States and Canada.
Austin Shanfelter, Executive Chairman
Austin Shanfelter brings decades of leadership experience in the telecommunications, power, and specialty construction industries, providing strategic guidance and expertise to Unitek’s executive team. He was appointed Executive Chairman in August 2021 and currently serves as an advisor to the company.
Previously, Mr. Shanfelter served as CEO and President of MasTec, a Fortune 500 infrastructure engineering and construction company, and has been active in the industry since 1981. He also serves as Chairman of the Board for Orion Group Holdings, a marine engineering and construction firm, and has been a member of its Board of Directors since 2007.
With his extensive industry knowledge and leadership experience, Mr. Shanfelter plays a critical role in guiding UniTek’s strategic direction, supporting continued growth, operational excellence, and the company’s position as a trusted leader in telecommunications and infrastructure services across the United States and Canada.