Our Team
Chief Executive Officer
James Kennedy and partners founded Twenty First Century Communications (TFCC) in 1989, to provide electric utility companies with the technology to improve customer service during power outages. Mr. Kennedy then adapted TFCC’s technology to the needs of federal, state and local government, by providing critical communications support services during an emergency. Prior to founding Twenty First Century Communications, Mr. Kennedy held executive positions with the State of Ohio Public Utilities Commission, directing regulatory affairs, including energy facility licensing, energy policy, operations review, performance auditing, and load growth forecasting. Mr. Kennedy holds an M.A. in Economics and an MBA from the Ohio State University.
Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Managing Director
Gary Robertson joined TFCC in 1998. He has over 30 years experience specializing in closely held entrepreneurial organizations. Mr. Robertson has held a number of senior financial positions with companies in banking, mortgage banking, real estate, and investment management. During five years with Deloitte, Haskins and Sells, Mr. Robertson concentrated on providing tax and consulting services to small and emerging businesses. Mr. Robertson holds a B.S. in Finance from the Ohio State University and completed post-graduate studies in accounting. He has been a Certified Public Accountant since 1979.
Vice President of Operations, Managing Director
Keith Rothe has been with TFCC since 1998. Keith has over 30 years technical and management experience, in roles ranging from Computer Programmer, Systems Analyst, Project Manager and Systems and Applications Development Manager to CIO. Prior to joining TFCC Keith was the Deputy Director of Applications Development and Project Management at the Ohio Bureau of Workman’s Compensation; the largest premium generating insurance company in the United States. Keith’s industry experience spans mortgage and commercial banking, insurance, retail gas and oil, and retail fulfillment. Keith has an Associate Degree in Computer Programming from Columbus Technical Institute and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Management from Franklin University in Columbus, Ohio.
Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Managing Director
Bently Collier leads the Twenty First Century Communications Sales and Marketing operations, where he is responsible for developing and executing the company’s multi-segment sales strategies. He joined Twenty First Century in 2008 having previously spent seven years with AT&T in several sales leadership roles. In his last position with AT&T, Collier led the sales teams for AT&T Global Business Services, providing complex business solutions to National and Multinational Enterprise Customers. Bently began his communications career with ISP pioneer UUNET, developing and managing strategic partner relationships with hosted Application Service Providers and Enterprise Software companies delivering Software as a Service (SaaS) over the UUNET global IP backbone. He also spent ten years with CBC Companies, an Information Service Provider to the credit and mortgage industries where he last held the position of General Manager, leading sales, marketing and operational functions. Bently is a graduate of the University of Kentucky where he received a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
