McLean-based wireless provider announces new leadership

Melissa Blanken joins Kajeet as VP marketing and Bill Stribrny as VP sales

Published August 6, 2020 by Sydney Lake

McLean-based wireless technology company Kajeet announced Wednesday it has hired Melissa Blanken as vice president of marketing and Bill Stribrny as vice president of sales.

For 25 years, Blanken has worked in marketing and was most recently the chief marketing officer with McLean-based internet company ID.me. She has also previously held marketing leadership positions with Baltimore-based companies Apkudo and Constellation (an Exelon company). In her new role, she will work to expand Kajeet’s go-to-market strategy.

Bill Stribrny. Photo courtesy Kajeet

Stribrny, who also has 25 years of experience, most recently served as regional vice president of business development for global telecom provider Bridgewater, New Jersey-based iconectiv. He has also held sales management roles with Scientific Atlanta, Neustar Inc. and Cisco Systems Inc. In his new role, he will lead sales and account management teams for education and enterprise IoT (internet of things) and work to create custom options for customers.

“We welcome Melissa and Bill to the team with the expectation that their knowledge and experience in the software, wireless and telecom markets will refine our strategy and deliver new opportunities to the company,” Kajeet CEO and founder Daniel J.W. Neal said in a statement.

Founded in 2003, Kajeet offers mobile services for students approved by parents and educators. Its services are available in all major North American wireless networks and in 24 other countries. The company has 11 regional offices and holds 36 U.S. patents. The company primarily serves companies, school districts, educators and administrators.