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Metrocall, Inc., (OTCBB: MCLLQ) the wireless messaging company
based in Alexandria, Virginia, confirmed today that the Company's
Chief Operating Officer, Steven D. "Jake" Jacoby, was listed among
the passengers who boarded American Airlines Flight 77 Tuesday morning.
He was en route from Washington to Los Angeles to participate in
the Personal Communication Industry Association (PCIA) conference
and exhibition this week.
"Taken from us yesterday morning was an outstanding
father, a loving husband, an incredible and loyal friend, and a
creative, dedicated steward of Metrocall," said Bill Collins, Metrocall's
Chairman, President and CEO. "Anyone who knew Jake can imagine the
unspeakable loss we are feeling. The thoughts and prayers of the
entire Metrocall family are with Jake's family during this difficult
time."
Mr. Jacoby, 43, was the Chief Operating Officer
(COO) and Executive Vice President of Metrocall, Inc., one of the
nationÕs largest wireless data and messaging providers. Mr. Jacoby
held this position since 1994 when Metrocall merged with FirstPage
USA, where he had been COO, Vice President and Secretary since 1988.
As COO, Mr. Jacoby managed all of MetrocallÕs sales,
marketing, distribution, customer service and engineering areas
during a period that saw the CompanyÕs subscriber-base grow to more
than six million and its annual revenue increase from less than
$100 million to over $500 million.
Vince Kelly, Metrocall's Chief Financial Officer
stated, "The fact that Metrocall's technical operating network continued
to function and provide critical communications during this horrific
event was a tribute to Jake. He was a close personal friend, a leader
and loved by the employees within our organization. There are no
words to describe the loss this caused and right now our hearts
are broken. As a team we are committed and dedicated to continuing
the standard of excellence with which Jake embraced all challenges
in his life."
Mr. Jacoby also initiated several strategic partnerships
that complement Metrocall products and service offerings, including
but not limited to: AT&T Wireless, Motorola, Aether Systems, Verizon
Wireless, Weblink Wireless and other complementary high-tech partners.
Also under his direction Metrocall integrated more than a dozen
major acquisitions into its own operations, including AT&TÕs Advanced
Messaging Division and ProNet, a major wireless healthcare provider.
From 1994 to 1996 he was also a member of MetrocallÕs Board of Directors.
Previously, as COO and one of the founders of FirstPage
USA, Mr. Jacoby was responsible for the acquisition and subsequent
build-out of the companyÕs exclusive nationwide license.
Prior to his position with FirstPage USA, Mr. Jacoby
was a principal with Collins and Clarke, Inc., a national communications
marketing and management company. During his tenure with Collins
and Clarke he helped develop over 20 cellular market systems for
various partners. In 1986 and 1987, Mr. Jacoby was General Manager
and Director of Operations for Vanguard Cellular Systems, where
he managed all field operations, system build-out and budget functions
for the companyÕs Pennsylvania ÒSuper System.Ó
He was a Director on the Board of MNET, a startup
wireless Application Service Provider (ASP). Mr. Jacoby also served
on the Board of the Gloria Heyison Breast Cancer Foundation, was
actively involved with the Camp Fantastic/Special Love Charity Golf
Tournament, George Washington University Athletics, as well as Catholic
Charities. He also dedicated time to coaching within the Lorton,
Virginia, Little League system.
Mr. Jacoby graduated from PennsylvaniaÕs Shippensburg
University, where he earned a bachelorÕs degree in Administration.
He was a resident of Alexandria, Virginia and an active member of
Good Shepherd Catholic Church.
He is survived by his wife Kim and three children:
Nicholas, Jesse and Jenna.
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