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Management
Leadership is not just ownership of a title. It’s the ability to believe in a vision, focus on a result, and drive people toward a goal. Our management team embodies this definition of leadership, providing the driving force toward our success.
  
 Charles "Chuck" Vincent 
 CEO/Chairman 
In 1987 Charles Vincent founded Global Data Systems. While the company started out as a small PC and networking shop in Lafayette, today it has moved from primarily acting as a reseller to a true, value-adding professional and managed services provider.

The visionary leader’s underlying philosophy has remained the same: Hire exceptional people and provide exceptional solutions. Charles Vincent, known to most as Chuck, remains the solid leader he was when he founded the company over 20 years ago.

  


Chris Vincent
President

Chris Vincent joined Global Data Systems in 1991 and as Vice President for over 17 years before becoming president in 2007, During his tenure his roles have.included oversight of Solutions Development, Remote Managed Services, Internal IT, and Product Development/Marketing.

He is the visionary leader behind most of Global Data Systems’ strategy and development. With a combination of sales, engineering, and marketing expertise Chris has successfully identified and developed technical, sales, and marketing opportunities while leading high-performing teams throughout his career.

Today as President of Global Data Systems, Chris provides his company with the Vision and Direction needed to execute the Company’s Goals and Objectives in meeting both Customer and Stockholder expectations. 

 
 

 
Brent J. Berard
Vice President of Finance and Business Operations

Brent comes to Global Data Systems with over 18 years of Financial and Operational experience. After completing active duty in the US Army, Brent earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from the University of Louisiana and began his professional career in the Telecommunications Industry with A+ Communications and Florida- Network USA ( listed in Fortune magazine as one of the fastest growing privately held companies in 1990’s), where he served the company in the role of Financial and Operational Management and Mergers and Acquisitions. He is a Certified Public Accountant (inactive).

Prior to joining Global Data Systems, Brent worked as Director of Operations for Cox Communications where he was responsible for the operations of several business locations in Louisiana and over 140 employees.

Brent’s experience in growing small companies and working with large communication companies positions him well for the role in which he serves Global Data Systems today as Vice President of Finance and Business Operations where he is responsible for the Financial and Strategic Planning and Business Operations for the company.

 
  

 

Robert Guidry
Chief Technology Officer

With over 20 years of combined electronics, computer programming and IP communications experience, Robert brings to Global Data Systems the experience needed for the planning and design, installation, and support of IP communications systems. Primarily focused on LAN/WAN technologies, security, and data center design, Robert is also involved in IP Voice and Wireless communications.

Prior to his arrival at GDS, Robert worked as the network administrator for an Internet Service Provider providing Internet connectivity to over 10,000 customers. He also spent nine years in the United States Air Force, working with electronics systems and the associated programming of electronic test stations.

Robert is a Certified Cisco Internetwork Expert (CCIE).

Today Robert serves Global Data Systems as Chief Technology Officer, where he focuses his team on design, delivery and installation of our products and services to our customers.

 
  
  

Philip Priddy

 

Director of Sales, Systems Integration

Philip Priddy joined the Global Data Systems team in 2009 and is Director of Sales for the Systems Integration organization. Global Data Systems is pleased to have someone with more than 25 years of sales and management experience combined.

A Graduate of Louisiana Tech University, in Ruston, LA, Phil majored in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. Post graduation Phil began his career selling computer equipment with Monroe Systems for Business, Inc. It was the beginning of a very successful career for Phil.

With a talent for selling and personality for building relationships, Phil’s career took him to Bellsouth where he worked for almost 10 years selling on the Louisiana State Account Team. Phil’s next move was to Bay Networks where he worked as an Account Executive. In 1998, around the time when Nortel purchased Bay Networks, Phil was promoted to Regional Sales Manager and maintained this role within Nortel for 12 years.
In addition to his business acumen Phil is an avid sportsman and lifetime Louisianan.  

Global Data Systems has seen true value in Phil’s management skills. A team builder at his core, Phil has strengthened the relationships within our sales organization and enabled us to execute with precision. 

 

 

 
 Vaughn Crisp Headshot 5.26.2010 Small 

 Vaughn Crisp

 
 Director of Sales, Energy 
Vaughn Crisp comes to Global Data Systems with a high level of sales performance over the last 20 years. With experience in sales, engineering and management Vaughn is an asset to the GDS Energy Team. His leadership skills have resulted in record growth for GDS in the Energy Sector.

Formally the Vice President of Sales for Broadpoint Communications, Vaughn held responsibility for all energy market sales efforts domestically and globally. He developed, trained, and managed an outside sales force of over ten executives. Vaughn’s entire career has focused on providing communication solutions to the oil and gas sector. With this career history Vaughn, a native of Louisiana and a graduate of LSU Eunice, brings an unprecedented amount of experience to the GDS team.

Global Data Systems is proud to have Vaughn on board and enthusiastic about his ability to manage our growth in the energy market.

 
 

Dave Taylor
Director of Operations

Dave Taylor joined Global Data Systems in 2000 bringing 32 years of IT experience in programming, systems analysis and design, networking, project management, IT management and consulting.  This experience was gained in many industries including healthcare, manufacturing, and petrochemicals; working with sole proprietorships to Fortune 100 companies across the US, in Europe and the Middle East. 

During his tenure at GDS Dave has held a variety of roles in both Sales and Operations.  Prior to joining Global he served as CIO at both private and public hospitals.  The quality of the technical talent is what attracted him to GDS.

Dave is certified as a Project Management Professional by Project Management International as well as holding an ITIL V3 certification for IT Service Management. Dave is a graduate of LSU in Shreveport where his focus was Computer Science and Business. He has lived in many states, the Far East, Middle East and Europe but is proud to have made Lafayette, LA his home.