Wayne Perry’s leadership, humor and wisdom brought together the splintered factions of the early wireless industry to address issues of common concern and chart a course for cooperation in the highly competitive wireless market. In a career covering more than three decades, he oversaw one of the largest mergers in wireless history, then went on to pioneer the deployment of digital wireless technologies in rural markets.
A lawyer by training, he is a widely recognized business leader with strong diplomatic skills. Wayne received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington, a JD from the Lewis & Clark Law School, and a Master of Laws in Taxation from New York University School of Law. He is a member of the Board of Trustees of New York University Law School, and an advisor to the Tax Program of the Lewis & Clark Law School, where he was honored as the law school’s first Distinguished Business Law Graduate.
Wayne helped launch McCaw Cellular Communications Inc. in 1976. He served as General Counsel and Executive Vice President before becoming President in 1985. After McCaw’s merger with AT&T Wireless Services in 1994, Wayne served as Vice-Chairman of AT&T Wireless Services. He joined NEXTLINK Communications as Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairman before co-founding Edge Wireless in 1999. Wayne realized the opportunities and benefits of deploying digital wireless technologies in rural markets and under his direction Edge Wireless funded, constructed, and operated wireless systems serving rural areas in northern California, southern Oregon, eastern Idaho, and Wyoming. Edge Wireless was acquired by AT&T Wireless in 2008.
In addition to his business leadership, Wayne was instrumental in building CTIA, the wireless industry’s trade group. He was a member of the board for many years and served as CTIA Chairman for the 1993 term.
Wayne has also been deeply involved in the Boy Scouts. The father of four Eagle Scouts, Wayne began as a Cubmaster and has served in many positions since. In May 2012, he was named National President of the Boy Scouts of America, the group’s top volunteer leader. He currently serves as a Life Member of the Board for World Scouting. Wayne was inducted into the Wireless Hall of Fame in 2012.