Terry Ryan crafts and executes the company's vision and business plan, focusing on organizational and business development activities. Prior to becoming CEO and President, Ryan served as the company's Chief Operating Officer. Before joining HigherGround in 1998, he was the Sales Manager for Hydraulics International. Ryan's extensive computer technology background and experience also includes service in the United States Air Force as a Mechanical Support Engineer for the C-17 program, Test Manager for joint service missile development and Project Engineer for classified computer programs.

Marty McGough comes to HigherGround with a wealth of knowledge and experience in all areas of management for technology industries. As COO, he is utilizing his expertise in Lean 6 Sigma methodologies and tools to support HigherGround's commitment to implement best-of-class practices and help build a scalable organization. In addition, he is dedicated to understanding customer needs and implementing creative solutions to maximize customer satisfaction and enhance long-term relationships. Marty has held senior management positions in manufacturing, development and customer support in various technology companies. His most recent experience was President and CEO of Total Customer Support Team, Inc., a Lean Six Sigma consulting company with a very high success rate in helping their clients optimize their business processes and supporting product commercialization.

Mike Halliwell manages HigherGround Enterprise Sales in North America and brings more than 21 years of Sales and Management experience within the telecommunications industry. Prior to taking on the Role of Vice President Enterprise Sales, Halliwell was a Regional Sales Manager and Director of Enterprise Sales for HigherGround. Halliwell brings years of industry experience to his position via sales roles with Witness Systems, Teknekron Infoswitch (e-talk), and Telecorp Products. Mike specializes in the contact center industry and has participated in numerous industry events, tradeshows, and speaking engagements on best practices in the call center.

With more than 20 years of sales and management experience in the telecommunications industry, Ballard leverages his extensive knowledge to advance HigherGround's Fusion Partnership Program in the North America, UK, and Australia markets. Jim served as the Director of Sales for Startel Corporation which focused on the healthcare and university markets. Beginning in 1994, Ballard played an instrumental role in establishing and nurturing partner programs with major telecommunications technology providers for IntegraTRAK, Inc. of Seattle, WA. During his tenure there, Ballard served as both Strategic Alliance Manager and Director of Sales. His sales career began with Dictaphone Corp., selling dictation systems to the healthcare and legal markets. As the Regional Sales Manager for its special markets division, he sold voice recording systems to buyers in the public safety market as well as the Chicago financial district. Ballard also sold call accounting systems for Infortext Systems Inc. of Schaumburg, IL.

Ric Cahak leads HigherGround's service and support operations and oversees the development of new products and technological advancements. His main responsibility is to manage the interaction between the company and its customers as it pertains to actual service and feedback that will lead to new product improvements. Before joining HigherGround, Cahak spent 12 years with AT&T as both Manager of Operator Services and as Sales Manager, and eight years with the William Morris Agency as the company's Telecommunications Director.

With more than 20 years experience developing systems, processes and infrastructure for numerous companies, Ryan currently manages a diverse range of services and resources within HigherGround. Her responsibilities include oversight of government contracts, legal affairs, development and maintenance of partnership agreements, as well as human resources. Previously Gretchen held several senior marketing positions while employed at 3D Systems, Reynolds and Reynolds, and various marketing agencies.

For the past 14 years, Paula has been responsible for HigherGround's order processing, accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, taxes, banking, ledger and financial statements. She also oversees the customer database and maintenance agreement schedules. Prior to joining HigherGround, Ms. Heiberg served as Accounts Payable Manager for The Aloha Group and Vice President of Operations for Cheesman Associates, a bookkeeping, secretarial and consulting firm.