George O’Neal: Perfectionism, Public Speaking & West Point
- George O'Neal, the new president and CEO of technology solution provider Aureon, took the helm Jan.
- O'Neal brings nearly 30 years of experience in telecommunications and network administration to Aureon.
- Aureon, established in the 1980s by self-reliant Iowa telephone companies, now employs 450 people.The company boasts access to almost 60,000 miles of fiber in Iowa, with a presence...
George O’Neal, Aureon’s new CEO, brings nearly 30 years of telecom experience, emphasizing the company’s unique position as a multifaceted technology solutions provider. O’Neal, who took the helm on January 13th, prioritizes fiber internet expansion, notably in Iowa, where Aureon boasts nearly 60,000 miles of fiber. he also identifies cybersecurity and AI as key opportunities. Before joining Aureon, O’Neal spearheaded fiber network expansion at GVTC Communications. Reflecting on his journey, he credits West Point for teaching him effective public speaking and time management, qualities he honed while overcoming his perfectionist tendencies. News Directory 3 highlights the critical importance O’Neal places on customer experience. Discover what’s next as O’Neal streamlines Aureon’s customer approach.
aureon’s George O’Neal Focuses on Fiber Internet, cybersecurity
Updated June 08, 2025
George O’Neal, the new president and CEO of technology solution provider Aureon, took the helm Jan. 13, succeeding Scott Behn. O’Neal said he was drawn to the “uniqueness” of the company, citing its broad range of services.
O’Neal brings nearly 30 years of experience in telecommunications and network administration to Aureon. Before joining Aureon, he spent 18 years as vice president of network services for GVTC Communications, where he spearheaded the company’s fiber network expansion.
Aureon, established in the 1980s by self-reliant Iowa telephone companies, now employs 450 people.The company boasts access to almost 60,000 miles of fiber in Iowa, with a presence extending to Kansas City, Chicago, and Minneapolis.
O’Neal sees Iowa as well-positioned in terms of internet connectivity, ranking 14th nationally for gigabyte access. He believes the biggest opportunity lies in enhancing fiber to the home in larger metro areas.
Addressing the importance of public speaking, O’Neal credits his time at West Point for overcoming his initial fear. He learned to prepare thoroughly but also to acknowledge when he doesn’t know an answer.
O’Neal acknowledged his perfectionist tendencies, noting he has learned to temper them over time. He also highlighted his most critically important technological achievement: leading the team that built a fiber network ranked No.1 in the U.S. by Netflix in 2020.
During his time as a board director of the fiber Broadband Association, O’Neal focused on developing industry standards and best practices for fiber construction and monetization.
O’Neal emphasizes the importance of understanding consumer problems and creating solutions that enhance the customer experience. He identified cybersecurity and AI as both significant opportunities and threats.
West Point, O’Neal said, instilled in him valuable time management skills and provided numerous examples of leadership, shaping his relational leadership style.
O’Neal is implementing a “One Aureon” concept to streamline the company’s customer-facing approach, integrating its various product families.
“I like unique challenges and this is definitely one,” O’Neal said, referring to the opportunity at Aureon.
What’s next
Looking ahead, O’Neal aims to improve Aureon’s marketing, showcase its solutions, and enhance the overall customer experience, focusing on leaving a positive impression.