Former Windstream CEO Jeff Gardner dies unexpectedly

Former Windstream CEO Jeff Gardner, who led the company through its spin-off from Alltel Corp., passed away unexpectedly on Sunday (Aug. 27), according to the current company he leads, CalAmp.

Gardner died from presumed natural causes.

CalAmp is a publicly-traded technology company based in Irvine, Calif. that caters to 14,000 commercial and government organizations worldwide.

“We are shocked and profoundly saddened by the passing of Jeff Gardner. Jeff was a dedicated and humble leader who cared deeply for his colleagues, his family and his community. We extend our most heartfelt condolences and sympathy to his family, especially his wife, Chris, and their three boys. We will honor his legacy and remember the extraordinary impact he had on so many. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time,” said Henry Maier, Chairman of the CalAmp board of directors.

Jason Cohenour, director on CalAmp’s board of directors, has been named interim Chief Executive Officer by the board, effective immediately.

Gardner led Windstream from 2006 when Alltel separated the wireline business to become a pure wireless player. He left the company in December 2014.

“I am proud to have led Windstream from its creation in 2006. It has been a privilege to work with our board, leadership team and talented associates across the organization,” Gardner said when he left Windstream after eight years at the helm.

“We were saddened to learn of Jeff’s passing,” said current Windstream CEO Tony Thomas, who succeeded Gardner. “He led Windstream’s spin-off from Alltel and merger with Valor Telecom and charted our growth path as a public company. He cared deeply about Windstream and our employees. Our prayers are with his wife, Chris, and his three boys.”