Meet Our Team
TOM KIRBY
President
Tom co-founded Outer Reach Broadband in 2020 with a simple goal: to build a local company that helps bring better internet to communities across Maine and northern New England. Today, he leads Outer Reach as it works with municipalities, businesses, and residents to build and operate reliable broadband networks, with a particular focus on places that have historically been underserved.
When he’s not working, Tom enjoys spending as much time as possible outdoors with his family and dogs—hiking, skiing, and taking advantage of Maine’s natural beauty.
Mike Akers
EVP of Operations
Mike is Outer Reach’s head of network operations and has spent nearly forty years in the telecommunications industry. Over that time, he has become an expert in cybersecurity, fiber-optic broadband infrastructure, and critical communications systems for utility and industrial environments. In addition to leading several teams, he has led projects to build significant broadband infrastructure throughout Maine. Mike has dedicated his career to expanding reliable communications and broadband access in rural communities.
Born and raised in Maine, outside of work Mike can usually be found working on his farm, sitting in a tree stand, or helping others to appreciate Maine’s wilderness.
Dave Dow
Senior Network Engineer
Dave began his telecommunications career in 1986, working for a local telephone company serving rural Maine. Over the years, he has seen the industry evolve from traditional telephone networks to the fiber and wireless broadband technologies that connect communities today. In addition to his decades of industry experience, Dave has a passion for solving challenging technical problems and keeping customers connected.
Outside of work, Dave enjoys cars, guitars, vintage amplifiers, and working on just about anything mechanical or electronic.
Sheila Philpot
Customer Success Manager
With decades of experience in telecommunications, Sheila is dedicated to helping customers find the right internet solutions while ensuring every interaction is friendly, respectful, and straightforward. She is proud to support a team that brings reliable, high-speed internet to families, businesses, and communities across Maine. We are very proud that, prior to her career in telecommunications, Sheila served in the United States Air Force.
Outside of work, Sheila enjoys boating on Little Sebago Lake and spending time around the campfire with her family. A proud mother and grandmother she values family, connection, and appreciating life’s simple moments.
Brandi Greenleaf
Office and Community Relations Manager
A lifelong Central Maine resident and 2004 graduate of Skowhegan Area High School, Brandi serves as Office & Community Relations Manager at Outer Reach Broadband. Her career has focused on helping locally owned businesses grow, connect with their communities, and succeed.
Brandi lives in the region with her husband, daughter, and three dogs. She is passionate about giving back and strengthening the communities where she lives and works.
Brad Dubay
System Administrator & Field Engineer
Brad was born and raised in the backwoods of Central Maine. Most of his childhood involved sports, fishing, camping, hiking, and anything with an engine.
He took to digital technologies while in middle school when he got his first 486 PC and has become an enthusiast ever since. This has led to him spending a significant portion of his life in the IT and telecommunications space. It has taken him to virtually every corner of New England, installing and servicing computers, servers, satellite TV & internet, and a myriad of miscellaneous electronic systems and components
Steve Gardner
Senior Field Technician
After 26 years as an operator and papermaker at Great Northern Paper, Steve transitioned into the wireless industry, eventually operating four Unicel stores across Maine. Known for solving difficult cellular and internet connectivity problems in remote locations, including the North Maine Woods.
As a lifelong technology enthusiast, Steve has been fascinated by radios, wireless communication, and creative problem-solving from an early age. He especially values helping customers stay connected and working alongside people who genuinely care about their communities.
