NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association announced today that it has hired Brian Bicknese as the Director of Safety and Education, a new staff position established by the Association. Brian officially begins his duties with NATE on August 1.
Bicknese, a long-time industry subject matter expert whose background includes field and management experience as a tower technician, foreman, project manager, safety trainer, and VP of Operations and Safety, joins NATE after working for Vertical Limit since 2001 and Ontivity since 2019.
During his tenure at Ontivity, Bicknese fulfilled multiple roles, including most recently as Program Manager.
As the NATE Director of Safety and Education, Bicknese will collaborate with the Association’s safety-centric committees and task teams to continue developing and updating NATE’s industry-leading safety resources, manuals, and standards.
Additionally, Bicknese will join NATE Director of Safety, Health & Compliance Kathy Stieler as another staff member available to provide technical subject matter expertise to the Association’s member companies and employees.
“I am excited to be joining this incredible NATE team and eager to contribute to help this dynamic industry keep workers safe and educated. This staff position is a terrific opportunity for me to now focus on an entire industry versus just one company. Together, we can achieve great things and make a meaningful impact,” said Bicknese.
“NATE is thrilled to welcome Brian Bicknese as a member of the staff,” said Chief Operating Officer Paula Nurnberg. “The addition of a subject matter expert like Brian to the NATE staff is a great benefit to our over 1,000 member companies. Through the establishment of this Director of Safety and Education position, NATE is doubling down on safety and investing directly into our growing membership of companies. I encourage member companies to leverage Brian’s expertise to enhance their respective internal safety programs and protocols,” added Nurnberg.
Bicknese has been a professional in the telecommunications construction industry for 25+ years. His passion for keeping workers safe has led him to become an industry-recognized leader in rigging and fall protection.
A talented leader, Bicknese possesses extensive experience in construction management, program management, quality control, safety management, and business development, as well as years of on-the-job experience involving assisting and mentoring teams on means and methods of construction.
Bicknese’s past and active group participation is diverse and includes ANSI/ASSP A10.48-chapter chair, NATE OSHA Relations Committee, NATE Workforce Development Committee, NATE CRTS/RTS Ad Hoc teams, Telecommunications Industry Foundation (TIF), authored several Planning Advisory Notices (PAN’s), Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians (SPRAT) member, an original participant in the National Wireless Safety Alliance (NWSA), as well as the Telecommunications Industry Registered Apprenticeship Program (TIRAP).
Bicknese and his wife Angie are dedicated to raising their family, including Cora, Daxtyn, and Brian’s older son, Trevin, from a previous relationship, creating a strong family unit. Together, they cherish their family and the joy each child brings. Bicknese enjoys the outdoor opportunities Minnesota offers, including hunting and golf, along with several coaching and volunteering roles.