Purple Senior Leadership
Experience. Diversity. Innovation. Success comes naturally where diversity and experience complement innovation—and our leadership team bring all three to the table. At Purple, our senior leadership know that this isn't just a job—it's passion and dedication to the communities in which we live and work.
John Ferron
President and CEO
John Ferron joined Purple in 2008 and brought with him an extensive and diverse leadership background in technology-driven companies. Prior to joining Purple, Ferron served as CFO and COO of Celerity, Inc., a manufacturing company specializing in precision instruments, and advanced gas and chemical delivery equipment for the semiconductor capital equipment market. Ferron has also served as CFO for Kinetics Group, Inc., vice president of finance for Compaq Computer's Commercial PC division, and vice president of strategic planning and business development for SAIC. An expert in corporate restructuring and operational improvement, Ferron earned a bachelor's of science in finance from Northern Arizona University and a master's of science in tax and financial planning from San Diego State University. Ferron's keen leadership abilities and vision have proved valuable to Purple as he continues to play an integral part of shaping the organization's present and future.
Mark Bella
Vice President of Sales
Mark Bella, Purple's vice president of sales, joined Purple more than 10-years ago. Prior to Purple, Bella worked at the California School for the Deaf, Fremont, and then joined Hands On VRS (HOVRS). There, he pioneered the implementation of HOVRS Spanish services that greatly expanded market share with Latino community services. After merging with GoAmerica, Inc. in 2008, Bella was responsible for managing sales directors. As Purple vice president of sales, Bella plays an important role, educating and advocating for Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals in the importance of equal, easily-accessible and free communications technology, as well as implementing successful sales strategies for his team.
Rita Beier Braman
Senior Director of Operations and Quality, IP-Relay and ClearCaptions
Senior Director of Operations and Quality Rita Beier Braman began her career as a TRS operator for Wisconsin Relay in 1993. She eventually became the national quality director for MCI’s relay business division based in Massachusetts and later, director of quality for Verizon Relay Services. With extensive experience in quality assurance, customer care and relay center operations, Beier Braman joined Purple in 2008, where she was promoted to IP-Relay operations manager. Currently, she manages contracts, quality, training and operations for both IP-Relay and ClearCaptions. Beier Braman holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas and a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin.
Francine Cummings
Vice President of Operations
Vice President of Operations Francine Cummings joined Purple in September 2008. Cummings began her career with Sun Health Care Group, serving as senior vice president for Sun Plus Home Health and Pharmacy division, and later joined Gentiva Health Services as area vice president. Her extensive experience in workforce and operations management continues to be a major asset to Purple. As vice president of operations, Cummings oversees Purple's VRS and Community Operations division.
Gordon Ellis
Senior Vice President
Senior Vice President Gordon Ellis joined Purple in 2007, holding leadership positions in several different divisions, including operations, information technology, customer care and sales. With more than 22 years of experience managing high-performance sales, operations and delivery teams, Ellis brings to Purple a diverse industry background which includes telecom, financial services, healthcare, government, education and manufacturing. Ellis has held leadership positions at EcoTechnology, Inc., NEC, Trinitech, Inc. and the University of Wyoming, and served as president and managing partner for Youngblood Ellis Solutions, pioneering software solutions and methodology, and providing consultant services for a variety of industries and large software companies. Presently, Ellis is charged with business enterprise development, creating communications solutions for large businesses that promote hiring Deaf and hard-of hearing individuals, as well as foster successful diversity strategies.
John Goodman
Corporate Vice President and Chief Legal Officer
Before joining Purple in early 2011, John Goodman, corporate vice president and Chief Legal Officer, spent more than 12 years leading legal and corporate development strategy to drive growth and improvement for Silicon Valley companies. From 1998 to 2005, Goodman held the positions of executive vice president, general counsel and secretary for a privately-held Silicon Valley company with global operations and annual revenues of approximately $1 billion. After closing more than 50 capital transactions, in 2005 Goodman formed the consulting boutique Pacific Advisors, LLC, to deliver customized, dedicated legal and transaction execution leadership. Goodman earned both his bachelor's and J.D. from the University of Oregon.
Tony LaRosa
Chief Technology Officer and Chief Information Officer
Tony LaRosa joined Purple in 2008 and brings more than 25 years of management experience in technology-driven companies. As CTO/CIO, Tony LaRosa is responsible for Purple's portfolio of products and services, and oversees product strategy, product development, engineering, network operations and information systems. Prior to joining Purple, LaRosa was CIO for Celerity, a $350 million engineering and precision instruments manufacturing firm specializing in the semiconductor capital equipment market. Among his duties at Celerity, LaRosa led complex technology and product integration activities in connection with a series of mergers and acquisitions. LaRosa also served as CIO for Kinetics Group, Inc., a privately held Silicon Valley company with global operations exceeding $1 billion. LaRosa earned a bachelor's degree from San Jose State University.
Tanya Monette
Vice President of Human Resources
Tanya Monette joined Purple in 2007. With more than 11 years human resource management experience, Monette oversees Purple's human resources department, as well as consults with outside companies on developing best practices and diversity strategies. As senior director of human resources, she is passionate about helping organizations of all sizes hire Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals by leveraging Purple technology. Prior to joining Purple, Monette worked for Mervyn's, where she was responsible for all aspects of human resources with a strong emphasis on recruiting, training and development, employee relations and succession planning.