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Co-Founders

Robert Bell
bell-about-us-headshot.jpg Robert heads ICF’s research, analysis and content development activities. He directs the multi-stage analysis of communities for Intelligent Community Certification, Community Assessments and the annual Intelligent Community Awards program. Robert developed and leads the Community Accelerator programs and is a frequent speaker at municipal and telecom events.
   
John Jung
jung-about-us-headshot.gif John originated the Intelligent Community concept and continues to serve as the Forum's leading visionary. Formerly President and CEO of the Greater Toronto Marketing Alliance and Calgary Economic Development Authority, he is a registered professional urban planner, urban designer and economic developer. He has led international business missions to US, European, Asian, Indian and Australian cities, and speaks frequently at universities and conferences. John oversees the ICF Nations and serves as an advisor to regional and national leaders on Intelligent Community development.
   
Louis Zacharilla
zacharilla-about-us-headshot.gif Louis helped found the Intelligent Community movement. He is the developer of the Intelligent Community of the Year Awards programs. He helps ICF communicate the importance of developing viable and innovative communities to audiences and oversees the Institutes of the Intelligent Community Forum around the world. A frequent speaker and moderator at conferences, he appears regularly in the media to discuss the impact of broadband and access technologies on the rebirth of the world’s communities.

Team Members

Matthew Owen, Executive Director
owen-about-us-headshot.jpg Matt joined ICF in 2012 to manage the Forum’s events, video and audio production and online communications. In the years since then, he has steadily advanced in his competencies and responsibilities. Promoted to operations director in 2020, he assumed management of membership and sponsorship fulfillment while contributing to development and execution of ICF programs. As executive director, he now oversees the program, finances and operations of the Forum.
   
Auri Yates, Content & Communications Manager
Auri manages and develops ICF's outbound communications, including press releases, email broadcasts, podcasts, and social media. She brings years of experience in managing media for production companies and universities, and has a BA in Film and Television from Walla Walla University. Her efforts across ICF's communications channels helps maintain the many community and company relationships on which ICF’s work depends.
   
Jessica Figueroa, Administrative Assistant
Jessica brings a strong background in business administration, operations, and team support. With a BA in Business Administration from St. Leo University and experience as both an Executive Assistant and Program Manager, she supports ICF as Administrative Assistant by coordinating schedules, assisting with billing and collections, and providing logistical and organizational support to ensure smooth day-to-day operations.

Senior Fellows

Agustin Argelich
Agustin Argelich assists with ICF's engagement with communities in Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries. Based in Barcelona, he is the Principal Consultant of Argelich Networks, an independent boutique consultancy focused on digital technologies and management. With more than 30 years of experience, he has led significant ICT projects for both business and government, building on his early role as Technological Director of the IX Paralympic Games following the Barcelona ’92 Olympics. A telecommunications engineer by training (Ramon Llull University), he is also a Professor of Leadership at Lleida University and the author of Analyze, Act, Advance, a guide to fostering cycles of innovation, renewal, and continuous improvement. Agustin is a recognized expert in Unified Communications and Collaboration, and an international speaker on technology, innovation, and leadership. He is a longtime member of the Society of Communications Technology Consultants International, where he served for eight years on the board, including seven as Chairman of the International Affairs Committee and two as Vice President. Earlier in his career, he worked at the Asco Nuclear Power Plant and served as a Lieutenant in the Spanish Air Force.
 
Dr. Norman Jacknis
jacknis-about-us-headshot.jpg Dr. Norman Jacknis leads the team of ICF Analysts who help select the Top7 Intelligent Communities of the Year. He also originated ICF’s Rural Imperative, building on the ideas he developed for the US Conference of Mayors on a future-oriented economic growth strategy for rural cities. Before joining ICF, he was Director, Cisco’s IBSG Public Sector Group (the company’s open innovation and pro-bono strategic advisory group), where he worked extensively with states and local government, the National Association of Counties, the US Conference of Mayors and the staff responsible for the Federal government’s website and citizen engagement. In addition to citizen engagement, his focus was on economic growth, innovation, and the future of technology.
   
Dana McDaniel
mcdaniel-about-us-headshot.jpg Dana L. McDaniel has extensive experience in all facets of local government and unparalleled dedication to public service. In his 32-year career with the City of Dublin, ending with his retirement as City Manager, he has gained professional experience in economic development, public works, budgeting, finance and administration. Dana is also a retired Brigadier General with thirty five years of service in the Ohio National Guard. He has Masters in Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College, Masters of Public Administration from The Ohio State University, Bachelors of Arts in Public Administration from Miami University.
   
Kees Rovers
rovers-about-us-headshot.jpg Kees Rovers is the founder and CEO of Close the Gap VB in Eindhoven, Netherlands. His focus is on issues concerning broadband connectivity in European Rural regions and on introducing European cities and regions to the Intelligent Community movement. Before becoming an ICF Senior Fellow, he spent twenty years in senior management positions with the Dutch cooperative bank, Rabobank, founded Telematica International, helped to found the Ons Net cooperative, Kees is a frequent speaker around the world on the Close the Gap cooperative model and was awarded a knighthood by Her Majesty Queen Beatrix.