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Ursini, Preston Louis

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Statements of Support.

Affiliation: Quad State Internet / Paducah Internet Exchange

Candidate Assessment: Qualified

Candidate Questionnaire

1. Public Contact Information:

a) Please provide one URL to an online location (LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.) where community members can dialogue with you. [Optional.]

https://www.linkedin.com/in/preston-ursini-3721337/

b) Please identify your organizational affiliations. Note that Advisory Council (AC) members serve as individuals required to take ARIN’s best interests into account—not those of the organizations with which they are affiliated.

CEO of Quad State Internet LLC
President for The Fire Horn, Inc.
Executive Director of the Paducah Internet Exchange
Member TFHJP Media Group, LLC
Member WeatherTalk LLC

2. Relevant Biography:

a) Please describe your relevant professional experience and expertise and explain how this background will make you an effective AC member.

I have over two decades of experience in the Internet and telecommunications industry, ranging from ISP operations and infrastructure design to regulatory compliance and peering coordination. As the CEO of a facilities-based ISP and CLEC, I lead strategic initiatives involving IPv4 and IPv6 addressing, RPKI, BGP route optimization, and interconnection through regional Internet exchanges. I also serve as Executive Director of the Paducah Internet Exchange (AS21927), where I actively promote local interconnection to strengthen the resiliency and efficiency of the Internet in underserved areas.

My hands-on background includes designing and deploying fiber optic networks, operating LIR services, and navigating both ARIN policy and FCC regulations. I am well-versed in IP address policy, resource management, and the practical concerns of small and mid-sized network operators. I have authored technical documentation, contributed to open standards, and mentored emerging network engineers.

I bring a pragmatic, operationally grounded perspective to ARIN’s Advisory Council. My commitment to open Internet principles, regional equity in policy, and thoughtful stewardship of number resources positions me to contribute constructively to ARIN’s policy development process. I believe in transparent, consensus-driven governance and will advocate for policies that are both technically sound and operationally viable for networks of all sizes.

b) Attach a resume, curriculum vitae, or other biography highlighting your experience most relevant to the duties of the AC. (PDF, DOC, DOCX files only)Remove any personal contact information (postal address, email, and/or phone number) from your resume/CV, as it will be posted publicly as part of the candidate information.

https://arin-elections.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/ursini_preston_louis_resume.pdf

c) Optionally, you may also include additional web links to external websites (e.g., social media), though not as a substitute for your biography.

https://prestonursini.com/

3. Eligibility:

a) Please disclose any conflicts of interest you may have, real or perceived, that would impact your ability to perform your duty as a member of ARIN’s Advisory Council. How do you propose to resolve any such conflicts?

I actively manage IP address resources and related policy matters for several organizations, including Quad State Internet (QSI), The Fire Horn (TFH), and Paducah Internet Exchange (Paducah IX), as well as assisting other independent operators with ARIN allocations and compliance.

While these roles may present a perceived conflict, they are rooted in operational expertise and align with ARIN’s mission to serve the community. I am committed to transparency and will fully disclose any potential conflicts. If an issue arises that directly affects one of these organizations in a way that could compromise impartiality, I will recuse myself from deliberations or votes to uphold the Advisory Council’s integrity and trust.

b) Are you currently eligible to serve on the Advisory Council, according to the Conflicts of Interest Policy?

Yes

c) If not currently eligible, how will you become eligible to serve if elected (e.g.. “If elected, I will resign from the position of ______ before 31 Dec 2025”). If not applicable, simply enter “N/A”

N/A

d) Describe any limitations on your ability to: attend AC and Public Policy Meetings in person; or serve all of the elected term.

I have ongoing executive responsibilities with Quad State Internet (QSI) and The Fire Horn (TFH), which may occasionally create scheduling conflicts. However, I understand the importance of active participation and will make every reasonable effort to attend all Advisory Council and Public Policy Meetings in person. I am fully committed to serving the entirety of the elected term and will proactively coordinate around my professional obligations to fulfill the duties of the role without compromise.

4. Nominee Information

a) Have you attended ARIN meetings or otherwise participated in ARIN activities in the past? What did you find the most rewarding from those meetings or activities? What suggestions for improvement do you have?

Yes, I have attended ARIN meetings virtually and have participated in policy discussions and mailing list engagement. The most rewarding aspect was witnessing how genuinely community-led the process is, decisions are shaped by open dialogue, technical merit, and shared stewardship rather than top-down mandates. It reinforced my belief in the importance of operator-driven policy. One suggestion for improvement would be to broaden outreach to smaller operators and individual resource holders who may not realize how accessible and impactful ARIN participation can be. Increasing regional engagement and simplifying the onboarding experience for new voices could further strengthen community representation.

b) What areas of Internet number resource policy, if any, need more attention by ARIN, and why?

ARIN should focus more on policies that incentivize IPv6 adoption and make the process of obtaining and managing resources more approachable for smaller and emerging operators. While the community has made progress, there is still a need to reduce complexity and perceived risk around IPv6 deployment. Additionally, policies that lower the operational and financial barriers to entry, especially for rural ISPs, community networks, and individual technical operators would help ensure more equitable access to Internet number resources and strengthen the overall resilience of the Internet.

c) Aside from the professional experience and expertise detailed above, describe any other specific skills, background, and/or areas of expertise you believe will assist the Advisory Council in carrying out its duties.

In addition to my technical and operational background, I bring experience in public policy advocacy, regulatory engagement, and community organizing, particularly in the context of broadband expansion and infrastructure equity. I’ve worked closely with state PSCs and local governments to shape policy that supports open access and fair utility regulation. I also have strong communication skills, with a track record of mentoring operators new to ARIN processes, translating complex policy into approachable guidance. My ability to bridge technical, regulatory, and community perspectives helps me engage constructively with a wide range of stakeholders and build consensus around practical, forward-looking policies.

16 responses

  1. TJ Scott

    Preston has proven himself to be a steward of best practices and has been a strong voice in advising best practices for networking locally in Kentucky. He would be a strong addition to the advisory council, and would bring perspectives of large peering partners an small ARIN users alike to the table.

  2. Drew Hastings

    I have known Preston for over 20 years now dating back all the way to when we were in high school attending A+ class together. Preston has always been a stand up gentleman & he has brought fiber internet to an underdeveloped portion of Western Kentucky by starting a Fiber To The Premise Internet Service Provider. I remember when we were in that A+ class that Preston was an advocate then, and still is now, for an open internet, at a fair cost, so that the world can share the same level of access across the board irregardless of where the user is from. And he has put his time, and money, into helping to be sure that happens.

    Preston would be an amazing addition to the ARIN Advisory Council.

  3. Donald Canada

    I think Preston would make a great addition to the board. His passion for providing high quality internet is unmatched. He is a valuable asset you should add to your team.

  4. Josh Amyx

    I strongly support Preston Ursini’s candidacy for the ARIN Advisory Council.

    Preston combines deep technical expertise with real-world operational experience that few in our community can match. As CEO of Quad State Internet and Executive Director of the Paducah Internet Exchange, he has proven his ability to not just talk about Internet resiliency and equity, but to build it—deploying networks, standing up local IXPs, and directly serving communities that too often get left behind in policy conversations.

    What makes Preston exceptional is his perspective: he operates daily in the space where ARIN’s policies meet the realities of small and mid-sized ISPs, rural operators, and underserved communities. He knows what policies look like on paper, and he knows what they mean when applied in practice. That balance of vision and pragmatism is exactly what ARIN needs on the Advisory Council.

    I have full confidence that Preston will approach this role with transparency, integrity, and the same relentless commitment to improving Internet access that he demonstrates in his professional work. ARIN will benefit greatly from his voice, leadership, and dedication.

    I strongly advise a vote for Preston Ursini.

  5. Jason Lane

    I have worked with Preston for over 20 years. In this time, one thing has remained constant, his passion for how the internet can be used to benefit everyone everywhere. We founded Quad State Internet around this passion with the goal of providing the best connectivity in the region with the highest bandwidth and lowest possible cost. He is one of the first to embrace new technologies and his obsession with ensuring low latency high bandwidth connectivity has turned Quad State Internet into the region’s most preferred internet service provider. I believe Preston would make a fantastic candidate due to his experience and determination to make the internet something that connects the entire world without limits.

  6. Martin Hannigan

    Refreshing exuberance. I support Preston’s candidacy.

  7. Brian Jones

    I have had the pleasure of working with Preston on some of his submitted policy proposals. He is an engaged member of the ARIN community and is a great candidate for the ARIN Advisory Council.

  8. Christopher Dierolf

    I’ve known Preston for 25 years. He is intelligent, motivated, and ambitious — and when he commits to something, he accomplishes it with integrity and honor. He is also extremely knowledgeable in ARIN’s work and well-suited to contribute meaningfully on the Advisory Council.

  9. J. Willie Kerns

    Support Statement for Preston Louis Ursini

    ARIN Advisory Council Election

    I’ve known Preston Ursini over 20 years—since he as a teenager rebuilt computers in my repair shop. We’ve served alongside one another as volunteer firefighters for a small community where you get to really know an individual’s character. Over 20 years have gone by as I’ve watched him mature from that eager teenager into a person who’s literally building internet infrastructure to bring abandoned communities into the digital economy.

    Preston reaches communities that matter: Massac County, Illinois, where 71 percent of the population believes they’re unserved or underserved and 41 percent of farms don’t have internet at all. McCracken County, Kentucky, where median household incomes are $39,061 with 21.8% living below poverty. These aren’t high-tech hubs—these are communities where internet access is a matter of economic survival or falling behind.

    My firm is one of his customers, so I’ve been a witness to how Preston resolves issues. When infrastructure is not functioning, he doesn’t just fix it—he shows up. He has his “Connectivity for Hope” program that provides free fiber internet to charities serving communities. He created his Paducah Internet Exchange so local networks can trade traffic locally instead of routing it via Chicago or Nashville. That’s not just doing business—that’s building the foundation for a community’s economic growth.
    What ARIN should understand about Preston is this: He brings a high-level technical background to bear with real-world operational scars. He’s not debating theory about putting out IPv6 deployment or allocation policy— he’s doing it day-in and day-out for communities where internet access is literally transformative. He’s just been granted CLEC status in Kentucky, interconnects with major carriers like Hurricane Electric, and operates infrastructure that even helps non-customers.

    Preston brings something distinctive to ARIN’s policy discussions: an understanding of what becomes of smaller operators if policies don’t work out. He has a good instinct for the difference between policies that sound good in a meeting room and policies that enable rural connectivity. His frame of mind fills a void between ARIN’s policy decision regarding resources and their practical impact upon digital equity.

    I’m neither going to sugarcoat it—Preston can be socially candid in a way that would create waves thoward-facing. But ARIN’s Advisory Council is thoward service—technical policy development amongst our peers. That same candidness that would occasionally cause social waves is exactly what’s necessary when determining whether or not a policy proposal is realistically going to work.

    Vote Preston Ursini: Because internet resource policies should be crafted by people who’ve built networks that count, rather than merely scaleable networks.

  10. Clinton Strouth

    I’m proud to support Ursini Preston Louis for ARIN’s Advisory Council.

    Preston brings over 20 years of real-world experience in the Internet and telecom industry — not just from a technical standpoint, but as a leader who understands the operational, regulatory, and community challenges that network operators face every day. As CEO of a facilities-based ISP and CLEC, and Executive Director of the Paducah Internet Exchange (AS21927), he’s been directly involved in everything from IPv6 deployment and RPKI implementation to BGP optimization and local interconnection strategy.

    What sets Preston apart is that he’s not just policy-aware — he’s policy-affected. He knows firsthand how ARIN’s decisions impact small and mid-sized operators, especially in underserved areas. He’s built fiber networks, run LIR services, and worked through both ARIN and FCC compliance. He’s also a mentor, a contributor to open standards, and a steady advocate for transparency and community-driven governance.

    Preston is thoughtful, pragmatic, and committed to making sure all voices are heard — especially those often overlooked. ARIN will be better with his experience, perspective, and leadership on the Advisory Council.

  11. Brad Kilbey

    Preston is an impressive and passionate technology Executive who constantly is advocating for the expansion of broadband to Rural America. His entrepreneurial & collaborative nature enables those around him to elevate their creativity & overall performance.

  12. Dujuan Thomas

    I strongly support Preston Louis Ursini for the ARIN Advisory Council. Preston’s record of service in the Internet and telecommunications industry reflects both depth and dedication. He has built his career on strengthening infrastructure, promoting interconnection, and ensuring that even smaller and rural operators have a voice in the larger Internet community.

    Through his leadership at Quad State Internet, The Fire Horn, and the Paducah Internet Exchange, Preston has shown an ability to turn technical expertise into real-world impact. His background in IPv4 and IPv6 deployment, regulatory compliance, and network design makes him exceptionally qualified to contribute to ARIN’s policy development.

    I believe Preston approaches his work with integrity, transparency, and a genuine desire to make the Internet accessible. I am confident that he will bring those same values to his role on the Advisory Council.

  13. Eddie Jones

    Preston Ursini will make a great addition to the Advisory Counsel. Preston and I both live in the same community. I serve on our local county government governing board. I see the impact Preston is making in our community. He is involved and respected. He also gives wise insightful advice.

  14. Timothy C. Quinn

    I have worked with Preston over the years and he has always displayed a high degree of professionalism and aptitude in networking and information technology. I highly recommend Preston as a member of the Advisory Council.

  15. Chris Grundemann

    Preston’s hands on experience with and passion for interconnection, broadband networking, and public safety communications provide him with an invaluable, real-world operator perspective on internet number resources. I have every confidence that he will make an excellent and productive member of the Advisory Council.

  16. B. J. Lampley

    I am pleased to submit this statement of support for Preston Ursini in his candidacy for the ARIN Advisory Council.

    Preston brings more than two decades of experience in the Internet and telecommunications industry, with a proven track record of leadership as CEO of Quad State Internet, President of The Fire Horn, and Executive Director of the Paducah Internet Exchange. His expertise spans critical areas including IPv4 and IPv6 resource management, RPKI, BGP route optimization, and peering coordination—skills that directly align with ARIN’s mission.

    What sets Preston apart is his deep commitment to strengthening Internet resiliency in underserved areas. He has consistently worked to promote equitable access, foster local interconnection, and mentor the next generation of network engineers. His perspective is both pragmatic and visionary: grounded in the daily realities of network operations, yet always forward-looking in advocating for community-driven policy and IPv6 adoption.

    I am confident that Preston’s blend of technical expertise, regulatory insight, and passion for transparent, consensus-driven governance will make him a valuable addition to the Advisory Council. His dedication to serving the Internet community with integrity and fairness is exactly what ARIN needs.

    I strongly support Preston Ursini for the ARIN Advisory Council.