Paolo (Paul) Diego Salcido
A technology leader and visionary, Craig Farrill is captivated by the power of wireless to provide people with a sense of both connection and freedom. For 38 years, he has successfully designed and built national networks and expanded wireless businesses that have enriched the lives of people around the world.
Craig had an early interest in radios and computers and pursued a BSEE degree from the University of Oklahoma. In 1975, Craig began his wireless industry career as a civilian Air Force telecommunications systems engineer. While at Rockwell International’s Collins Radio Group, he earned a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Dallas in 1979.
In 1980, Craig joined Communications Industries as its first cellular employee. Over the next two decades, Craig went on to serve as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for PacTel Corporation, AirTouch Communications and for UK’s Vodafone AirTouch, serving 27 countries. As an international CTO, Craig became widely recognized as a pioneer in Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) technology. He founded several global wireless industry associations, including the CDMA Development Group (CDG) in 1993, fostering collaboration between wireless carriers and accelerating the global adoption of next generation 2G and 3G wireless networks.
Shortly after 9/11, Craig founded Kodiak Networks, a wireless infrastructure company focused on instant group communications, including push-to-talk (PTT) over cellular; Craig served as Kodiak President and Chief Executive Officer through 2007.
Craig and his wife of 39 years, Rheanell have shared a portion of the blessing they have received with the less fortunate. They have sought to break the cycle of poverty and hopelessness by sponsoring children and by developing ethical, college-educated leaders in Haiti and other impoverished nations. Craig also led a three-year fundraising effort to rebuild the San Francisco City Academy in the city’s poorest area, serving as Chairman from 2007 through the school’s reopening in 2011.
In the last decade, Craig has served as a founding Board member and CTO for FirstNet, the First Responder Network Authority within the Department of Commerce, committed to building the world’s first nationwide broadband wireless network dedicated to public safety. He was inducted into the Wireless Hall of Fame in 2013.