Emergent Connext Announces Appointments to Strategic Advisory Board to Advance Mission of Connecting Agriculture and Rural America

Emergent Connext, a leading provider of LoRa IoT network solutions dedicated to enhancing agricultural efficiency and rural community resilience, is pleased to announce the appointment of Bob Trogele, Joyce Hunter, Lamar Steiger, Jay Vroom, and Phil Maag to its strategic advisory board. These industry veterans bring a wealth of expertise that will be instrumental in advancing Emergent’s mission to connect rural America.

“We are thrilled to welcome Bob, Joyce, Lamar, Jay, and Phil to the Emergent team. Their combined experience and deep understanding of agriculture, critical infrastructure, and rural telecom landscape will be invaluable as we expand our network and bring state-of-the-art IoT connectivity to the rural markets and industries,” said Mike Roudi, CEO of Emergent.

“Our mission at Emergent is to elevate agriculture and rural community resilience and sustainability though enabling millions of connected IoT devices. The addition of these distinguished advisors aligns perfectly with our vision and will help us accelerate the deployment of IoT solutions in rural areas,” said David Alpert, Co-Founder of Emergent.

Meet the Board of Advisors:


Bob Trogele, PhD, is a master of personal and organizational reinvention. He went from professional basketball player to a university professor to executive officer of several Fortune 500 companies serving as an operational president, managing director and chairman in Europe, the Americas, and Asia Pacific. Bob has been a juggernaut in agriculture for over 40 years, successfully applying his intellect, business acumen, creativity, and entrepreneurial vision to Aventis, Bayer, FMC, and most recently, American Vanguard.

“Emergent’s innovative approach to leveraging IoT technology for the agricultural sector will be a force multiplier for the adoption of AgTech and deliver the potential of enhanced productivity and sustainability through connected solutions. I am excited to contribute to Emergent’s mission and help drive the transformation of rural connectivity and agricultural practices,” said Trogele.

Joyce Hunter is the Executive Director of Mission Critical, a nonprofit that focuses on cybersecurity and critical infrastructure. She is the former USDA Deputy CIO for Policy and Planning and interim CIO in the Obama administration, and the founder of the Science Technology Engineering Agriculture and Math (STEAM) camp, for underserved, underrepresented and under resourced youth which is celebrating its 10th year of operation.

“The integration of IoT technology into rural infrastructure is a game-changer. Emergent’s work is not only innovative but also essential for the advancement of rural economies. I am eager to help guide their strategic initiatives,” said Hunter. “Emergent’s mission resonates deeply with my commitment to leveraging technology for public good. Their innovative solutions address critical challenges in rural America, and I am excited to contribute to this impactful journey.”

Lamar Steiger, a world-renowned Angus breeder and owner of 808 Ranch has served as Wal-Mart’s beef supply chain consultant for over a decade. He has been driving transformative change in cattle ranching and supply chain management the entirety of his career. His consultancy extends to significant retailers including global AgTech firms and ranchers across the nation, specializing in ranch-to-retail beef supplies and profitable ranch management.

“Emergent’s commitment to rural communities and its focus on improving agricultural practices through advanced technology is inspiring. The integration of IoT solutions into the agricultural landscape will revolutionize how we manage and optimize our operations, from ranch to retail. I am excited to be part of a team that is dedicated to driving positive change and ensuring the sustainability and profitability of the agriculture industry,” Steiger said.

Jay Vroom has been advocating for and advising modern agriculture for more than 45 years as a family farmer, former CEO of CropLife America, Chairman of the Advisory Board for Farm Journal’s Trust in Food and America’s Conservation Ag Movement initiatives. He shared, “Emergent’s vision of a connected farm is critical for the future of agriculture. I am excited to support their efforts in creating a more efficient and profitable agricultural landscape.”

“Throughout my career, I have seen the transformative power of technology in agriculture. Emergent’s innovative solutions have the potential to revolutionize how we approach farming and rural development. I am honored to be part of this journey and to contribute to the advancement of sustainable and profitable agriculture,” said Vroom.

Phil Maag has been a prominent leader in the rural telecom and broadband industry for over 20 years.  He serves as Chairman and CEO of MetaLINK Technologies, Emergent’s infrastructure partner in northwest Ohio and Indiana. Maag has driven growth at MetaLINK through innovation and relentless customer satisfaction, helping bridge the rural digital divide, enhancing connectivity and economic development in northwest Ohio.

He joined Emergent’s strategic advisory board because, “Emergent’s vision to bring low cost, long range IoT connectivity to rural communities, agriculture and adjacent industries through ISP partnerships is a win-win-win for rural internet service providers, rural America and Emergent. By integrating IoT technology into rural infrastructure, we can significantly enhance economic development and now extend connectivity into the fields of our Agriculture customers to help them automate and optimize their operations. I am excited to join this forward-thinking team and contribute to their vision of a connected and prosperous rural America.”

Emergent’s new strategic advisors will play a crucial role in guiding the company’s direction, fostering partnerships, and driving innovation in the deployment of its LoRa IoT network. Their collective expertise will support Emergent’s goal of enhancing the sustainability and profitability of rural communities across the United States.

About Emergent:


Emergent is a pioneer in LoRa IoT network solutions, dedicated to improving the efficiency, reliability, and profitability of agricultural operations and rural communities. By partnering with rural internet service providers, Emergent addresses critical issues such as soil health, climate resilience, and water pollution, fostering a more sustainable and connected rural America.

For more information visit www.emergentconnext.com.
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