At Federal Funding Group we are your Rural Healthcare Program Experts. We support hundreds of clients, adding many locations every year!
At FFG we know that a strategic approach to seeking funding enables us to maximize out clients’ opportunities:
We leverage strength in numbers for maximum advantage
Internally developed, proprietary technology ensures we utilize our years of experience and knowledge
Dedication to sound processes ensures we stay compliant
Effective communication is mandatory
Lasting relationships lead to success for all
Our team of experts at Federal Funding Group features over 125 years of combined USAC experience, ensuring deep knowledge and expertise across a range of vital topics:
Government
Healthcare
Schools and Libraries
Community Anchors Institutions
State and local opportunities
About Us
Meet the Team
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Rick Lindner
PARTNER
Rick first learned of the Rural Health Care Program after meeting Tracy Hines, Randy Reznik, and Charlie Wick while working with a mutual client in 2014. What started as a shared interest in helping rural healthcare providers, eventually led to Rick developing software to manage the complex processes and requirements of the Program. Shortly thereafter, Rick joined FFG as a Partner. Rick remains the driver of our proprietary FundView system.
Rick lives in Boulder, Colorado with his beautiful wife, two sons, two dogs, and an aging Volkswagen van. He enjoys trail running, making things with his hands, and playing drums in a local band. The band is unsigned at the time of this writing.
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Randy Reznik
PARTNER
Randy is a founding partner in the Federal Funding Group. He brings together over thirty years of background in IT services, telecom and ten plus years of experience with the Rural Healthcare Program. This mix ensures that the Federal Funding Group maximizes the returns for participating health care providers. He enjoys using his skill set to improve the bottom line for non-profit hospitals rather than large telecom carriers. He rounds out his personal time as a musician, avid sportsman and volunteers as a ski patroller.
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Brad Warkins
PARTNER
Brad is an experienced C-suite executive with a strong history of partnering with visionary founders and entrepreneurs to grow their companies. An experienced builder, grower, and integrator, he has 30+ years of experience as a change agent, fueling rapid innovation and transformation to drive growth.
Brad joined Federal Funding Group in 2024. He has developed a passion for the remarkable work USAC has done, via the FCC’s Universal Service Fund, to advance American connectivity. In 2025 Brad joined Rick and Randy as partners in FFG.
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Tracy Hines
VICE PRESIDENT, CLIENT SERVICES
Tracy has over 15 years working in the Federal Communications Commission’s Rural Health Care program supporting hospital associations and rural healthcare providers with their applications. As Vice President of Client Services at Federal Funding Group, Tracy works closely with our healthcare clients to optimize their access to vital funding for their telecom needs. When not working, she enjoys exploring her native Colorado, enjoying live music, and spending time with family, friends and Crazy-Daisy the Super-Pup.
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Thao Nguyen
DIRECTOR, CLIENT SERVICES
Thao studied Health Care Management with a minor in Computer Information systems at the Metropolitan State University of Denver. She has over 8 years working in the health care industry in public health transportation and the FCC Rural Health Care program. In her free time, she loves spending time with her husband and two children.
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Laura Hill
DIRECTOR, CLIENT SERVICES
Laura, a seasoned professional with over 7 years of experience working with USAC through both the Rural Health Care and the E-rate programs. With a strong background in project management and communications, her dedication and expertise have proven instrumental in providing essential resources to hospitals, schools, and libraries nationwide. Originally hailing from New York, Laura's journey led her to Tennessee, which she now calls home. In her free time, Laura loves cooking, reading thriller novels, and spending time with her husband and beautiful children.
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Carl Parker
DIRECTOR, CLIENT SERVICES
Carl Parker has more than a decade of experience in federal funding programs, compliance, and technology procurement. He has spent the majority of his career in roles as an E-Rate program reviewer and consultant, helping numerous educational institutions and libraries navigate the complex funding processes managed by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). Throughout his career, Carl has built a reputation for his meticulous attention to detail and his commitment to supporting recipients of USAC funding programs. He is dedicated to assisting healthcare providers in achieving sustainable connectivity solutions that enhance patient care and expand access to essential healthcare services. Outside of his professional life, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and often volunteers as a youth sports coach.
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Shantelle Powell
DIRECTOR, CLIENT SERVICES
Shantelle Powell is a seasoned consultant with over nine years of experience specializing in USAC-administered programs, with a strong focus on supporting Rural Health Care Program applicants. She holds both a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration in IT Management, bringing a robust blend of technical expertise and strategic insight to her work.
Beyond her professional achievements, Shantelle is passionate about wildlife conservation. She operates a nonprofit wildlife rehabilitation center dedicated to the care and recovery of native Indiana wildlife. In her free time, she enjoys concerts, hiking, kayaking, and spending time with her four cats.
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Erin Prentice
DIRECTOR, CLIENT SERVICES
Erin has built her career helping others, combining over 20 years of client and customer service experience. Before joining FFG, she spent four years working with the E-Rate Program, gaining in-depth knowledge of telecommunications funding and compliance. This experience has given her a strong foundation in navigating federal funding programs and supporting applicants through complex processes.
Erin was born and raised in Connecticut and now lives just a mile from her childhood home with her partner and their two children. When she is not working, you can usually find her cheering on her kids at their sports games, reading, going to concerts, spending time with friends and family — or enjoying a good meal!
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Sequana Kelley
ACCOUNT COORDINATOR
With over 25 years of experience in building strong customer relationships, Sequana has dedicated her career to fostering connections that drive success and satisfaction. Her passion for understanding client needs and delivering exceptional service has been the cornerstone of her professional journey.
Outside of work, Sequana enjoys spending quality time with her husband and family. She believes in the power of music to bring people together and uplift spirits and actively seeks opportunities to give back to the community. Whether through volunteering or supporting local initiatives, she is committed to making a positive impact in the lives of others.
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Lisa Cencetti-Weiniger
ACCOUNT COORDINATOR
Lisa is a conscientious professional with a legacy of delivering top-notch customer experiences. With over two decades of expertise in project coordination, administrative support, education and business analysis, she has played pivotal roles in various industries, including health benefits, mortgage services, telecommunications and education. She holds a master’s degree in health education and a bachelor’s degree in physical education.
She is passionate about health and wellness and enjoys tennis, gardening, cooking and spending time at the beach, embracing the tranquility of the ocean.
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