Joseph Cassis
Deputy Director
Iowa Communications Network

Joseph is the Deputy Director for Iowa Communications Network (ICN), located in Des Moines, Iowa. The ICN is the country’s premier fiber-optic network, consisting of 3100 miles of state-owned fiber optics and 3500 miles of leased fiber. ICN is committed to continued enhancement of distance learning and providing Iowans with convenient equal access to education and government at over 740 video classrooms around the state as well as providing voice and data services for public safety, National Guard, telemedicine, and telejustice. Joseph is responsible for IT, Public Relations and Communications, Legislation and Policy Development as well as Strategic Planning for ICN.

Joseph has extensive experience in IT system development for several major corporations and organizations including Kraft Foods, University of Chicago Hospitals, Sysco, United Airlines and Beatrice.

He has also served as the Vice President of Communications for the Iowa Soybean Association, where his expertise in public relations, communications and marketing provided the insight necessary to position this large commodity organization influentially at both the state and national levels.

As Director of Marketing for University of Iowa Alumni Services his leadership was instrumental in achieving record membership for the Association.

As Vice President of Application Development for Telecom*USA, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  As an integral part of that executive management team, Telecom*USA became the 4th largest long distance carrier in the nation with revenues exceeding $1 billion before being purchased by MCI.

Joseph has also pursued other talents by launching an award-winning marketing and advertising firm as well as an Internet company.

Joseph earned his MBA degrees in Management Information Systems and Marketing from Washington University in St. Louis and a BA degree in Experimental Psychology from University of Connecticut.  He and his wife, Joyce, reside in Johnston, Iowa and their daughter is attending University of Freiburg in Germany through the Foreign Exchange program at University of Iowa.