David Downie Foundation
David Downie, the inspiration behind the David Downie Foundation, passed away in 2019 at the age of 51 after a courageous 16-month battle with glioblastoma, a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer. His life was marked by a dedication to both his career and his community, leaving an indelible mark on everyone who knew him.
David began his professional career as an attorney in New York, where he owned and operated his own practice. However, his career path soon led him to Atlanta, where he became a prominent figure in the telecommunications industry. Over the years, David held various operations and business development roles with several companies, including CAC, Teligent, Morrison Hershfield, 52eighty Towers, and AT&T. He also co-founded and managed his own site acquisition firm alongside his brother, Robert Downie.
In 2004, David and several colleagues founded the Georgia Wireless Association, a significant milestone in his career. As the association's first president, David played a pivotal role in raising awareness of the group’s activities. His infectious personality and ability to connect with others quickly made him a beloved figure within the industry.
David’s knack for bringing people together earned him the unofficial title of the “Mayor of Wireless.” He had an exceptional talent for introducing individuals who could benefit from knowing each other, whether in business or in life. Many lasting relationships in the wireless industry began thanks to David's introductions, a testament to his ability to foster connections and create opportunities for others.
David is survived by his devoted wife, Francesca, and their three wonderful children—Kyle, Samantha, and Ethan—who continue to carry forward his legacy. The David Downie Foundation was established to honor his memory and continue his work of bringing people together, supporting communities, and making a positive impact on the world.
Our Mission: Making a Real Difference in People’s Lives
Hello and thank you for visiting our website for this noble cause, where together we can make a difference in one's life. While many nonprofit organizations are focused on raising awareness and funds for research and hospitals, our goal is simple, help those individuals and families in need.
In partnership with hospitals, who will identify individuals and families in need, we will provide support where it’s most needed.
Having deeply affected by David's brain tumor and Hemal having personally gone through and taking care of his father with lung cancer, we realized how difficult life gets. While going through both instances, with David and Hemal’s father, we experienced and received a tremendous amount of support from family, friends, and colleagues. We realized how fortunate we were to have this support. Families didn't have to worry about trips to the hospitals, meals, house cleaning or even having to make minor cancer friendly home adjustments as they were all being taken care of by support structure. If we had not gone through this personal experience, we personally would not have realized how cancer affects not just an individual, but also a family. It is this realization that gave us the idea of starting something to help those who simply can't or don't have the means to go through the journey of their own.
Passionate Leaders
Meet Our Co-Founders:
Kenton Wallace began his professional career in the telecommunications industry in New York after graduating from the University of Maryland. He later relocated to Georgia where he worked in wireless infrastructure development. Kenton has worked both as a carrier and supplier providing great perspective along the way. Working in various operations, supply chain and sales roles along the way. Kenton now focuses on business development within the telecom industry and Electric Vehicle (EV) infrastructure space. A dedicated runner and family man. Kenton is happily married to his wife Deborah and have a wonderful daughter. Kenton has also been a key member and serving as president of the Georgia Wireless Association for the last decade.
Hemal Patel immigrated from India to North Carolina at 13, embracing opportunities and learning to appreciate every moment, even in hardship. He earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering from UNC Charlotte and is driven by a passion for innovation to improve lives. His career spans leadership roles in engineering, sales, and operations in the wireless industry. Recently, he led nationwide EV charging station design for a top EPC firm. An executive board member of Georgia Wireless Association, Hemal values meaningful connections. Now in Georgia with his wife and children, he co-founded the David Downie Foundation in tribute to his close friend and father, Sunny.
Our Executive Board Members
We would not be where we are without our Executive team and we thank them for their support, commitment and guidance
ANDREW WITLIEB
PRESIDENT, GSE WORLDWIDE INC
Andrew Witlieb is the current President of GSE Worldwide. In 2000, Andrew was the co-founder of his own sports agency called Goal Marketing/The Agency, which would later be acquired by The Legacy Agency in 2011. After this acquisition, Andrew oversaw all facets of the Golf Division for The Legacy Agency, managing a roster of 60 professional golfers including Jim Furyk, who he has managed for over 30 years.
Currently, Andrew oversees GSE Worldwide’s golf, broadcasting, basketball, football, tennis, consulting, experiential, and event hospitality divisions. Andrew is a skilled recruiter with an ability to recognize and cultivate talent as well as a strong client manager with over three decades of experience managing PGA tour athletes. Andrew is also an accomplished negotiator with experience with complex, multi-year, 8-figure sponsorship agreements for high-profile clients. Additionally, Andrew has assisted hundreds of corporate clients in creating and implementing strategic marketing strategies for sponsorships, events, and branding initiatives.
Andrew graduated from the University of Maryland with a bachelor’s in communication and journalism. He resides in New York City with his wife and two kids.
MIKE BELSKI
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND CO-FOUNDER
Michael Belski is the Co-Founder and Executive Vice President of Vertical Bridge. He is responsible for creating deep relationships with clients and working with some of the country’s largest carriers to develop leasing contracts.
Prior to co-founding Vertical Bridge, Mr. Belski was the Senior Vice President of Leasing & Marketing at Global Tower Partners (GTP), where he was responsible for leasing and marketing the company’s portfolio of assets and securing build-to-suit contracts. Earlier in his career, Mr. Belski held senior positions at Morrison Hershfield Corporation and SBA Communications Corporation.
He is the Chairman and Co-Founder of the Florida Wireless Association and a Warriors4Wireless board member.
Mr. Belski holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
