About Us

WiConduit's Board of Directors and staff consists of Digital Champions, distinguished by their extensive experience and proactive efforts to bridge the Digital Divide. They are dedicated to advocating for, promoting, and implementing initiatives aimed at enhancing digital inclusion and access to technology, thereby fostering greater participation in the modern digital world.

Calvin Sandeen

Executive Director

Calvin Sandeen is the executive director and founder of WiConduit. He is passionate about broadband expansion and rural economic development. Calvin worked at the Sonoma County Economic Development Board as a Broadband Analyst, managed the Sonoma-Mendocino Economic Development District, and served as the Manager of the North Bay/North Coast Broadband Consortium. In these positions, he gathered experience in project management, networking, lobbying, grant-writing, and local government. He believes WiConduit could be a major tool for publicly driven broadband deployment in rural communities. Calvin graduated from California Polytechnic State University with a degree in Economics and Financial Management. He is a certified fiber optic technician and volunteer firefighter with the Sonoma County Fire Protection District.

Michael Nicholls

Chair

Michael Nicholls has been actively involved in community service and economic development initiatives. He served as the Sonoma County Manager for the North Bay/North Coast Broadband Consortium, focusing on extending affordable high-speed internet access to underserved communities. Additionally, he held positions such as Chair for the Sonoma Mendocino Economic Development District, member of the Community Advisory Committee for Sonoma Clean Power, Chair of the Lower Russian River Municipal Advisory Council, and President of the Board for the Cazadero Community Services District. Prior to his community work, Nicholls had a successful career in the food industry, specializing in production, procurement, quality assurance, and sales management, with international business development experience in various countries. Nicholls demonstrates a commitment to community service and fostering economic growth in Sonoma County.

Joy Sterling

Secretary

Joy Sterling is the CEO of Iron Horse Vineyards, a winery in Sebastopol, CA, where she represents the second generation of the family business. She has a diverse range of professional roles and affiliations, including serving as a member of the California State Food & Agriculture Board, the California Broadband Council Advisory Group, and the California Emerging Technology Advisory Group. Additionally, she chairs the California Democratic Party Rural Caucus and co-chairs the CDP Legislation Committee. Joy's impressive background includes studying history and economics at Yale University, working as a journalist for ABC Network News, and achieving a notable milestone for Iron Horse Vineyards when their sparkling wine was chosen for the President's toast to peace at a summit meeting in 1985. As CEO, she has led initiatives such as a partnership with National Geographic to produce a special edition wine that supports marine conservation efforts.

Damian Boune

Vice-Chair

Damian Bouné is a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience in the technology industry. With a strong background in software engineering and product development, he has held various leadership roles throughout his career. Damian has been one of the key principals deploying GMRS systems throughout Sonoma County. He serves on the board of Pole Mountain lookout which is a nonprofit organization dedicated to hosting fire cameras and promoting public safety. Damian has also supported the development of an application called Watch Duty which reports wildfire incidents in real time to residents for free. Damian has been an active community member by promoting public safety in Sonoma County. He lives in a remote region of Sonoma County and provides fire and emergency-related information to his community.