Michael Noel
Founder
Michael Noel is the founder of DeReticular and the visionary architect behind the Rural Infrastructure Operating System (RIOS). His work is driven by a foundational belief: that the most profound and sustainable solutions do not come from the top down, but from empowering communities with the tools to build their own futures.
With a career dedicated to systems thinking, Michael has a unique ability to see the underlying frameworks that shape our world. He founded DeReticular not simply to create technology, but to build a new operational layer for rural economies—one that fosters self-reliance, local ownership, and decentralized opportunity. He believes in building the builder, providing the infrastructure that allows others to innovate and prosper on their own terms.
As the guiding force of the company, Michael provides the core vision and fosters a culture of relentless innovation. His leadership ensures that every aspect of DeReticular’s strategy remains focused on the ultimate goal: to create a world where geography is no longer a barrier to opportunity.
Josh Banks is the strategic engine driving DeReticular’s growth and innovation. As the Head of Intelligence and Grant Strategy, he is responsible for navigating the complex landscapes of data, funding, and market intelligence to illuminate the path forward for the entire organization.
With a deep expertise in AI-driven analysis, Josh’s primary role is to ensure that every strategic decision is informed by robust data and aimed at a clear opportunity. He identifies the resources and pathways that allow DeReticular to turn ambitious goals into funded, actionable projects.
At the core of his function is “Thunder,” DeReticular’s proprietary business intelligence and grant acquisition engine. Josh directs Thunder to sift through vast datasets, uncovering high-potential grant opportunities, analyzing market trends, and providing the critical insights that give the company its competitive edge.
His work provides the strategic bedrock upon which our projects are built. By pinpointing the most viable funding sources and strategic partnerships, Josh ensures that DeReticular’s innovations have the fuel they need to achieve scale and create lasting impact. In a world of noise, Josh finds the signal, ensuring our mission is not only visionary but also strategically sound and relentlessly data-driven.
Kimberly Gateb
Acting Chief Executive Officer
Kimberly Gateb is the architect of DeReticular’s operational and strategic framework. As Acting CEO, she is responsible for transforming the company’s ambitious vision into a scalable, impactful, real-world enterprise. Her leadership is centered on a core belief: innovation only matters when it creates clarity, connection, and opportunity.
Kim’s career has been defined by her ability to build the systems that bring disruptive ideas to life. She founded Career Garage, an AI-powered coaching platform designed to help professionals navigate the evolving workforce, and pioneered Cribbit, a blockchain property marketplace aimed at streamlining complex real estate transactions. These ventures proved her unique talent for operating at the intersection of vision and structure—connecting technology with people, and people with opportunity.
With a background that spans corporate leadership, real estate, and technology startups, Kim brings a wealth of cross-industry expertise to DeReticular. She is currently spearheading the formalization of the company’s corporate structure and leading the development of the AI Alliance, ensuring that a powerful vision is supported by a world-class foundation.
Steve Bonenberger is a builder, a storyteller, and the pioneering leader of DeReticular’s most critical ground-level initiative. As our first-ever Innovation Hub Champion, he is tasked with a mission of immense importance: establishing the blueprint for how technology, community, and opportunity intersect to create a better future.
An accomplished author and creator, Steve possesses a unique ability to transform a complex vision into a compelling, human-centric narrative. He understands that for innovation to take root, it must be understood, embraced, and championed by the community it serves. This gift for communication, honed over years of building worlds on the page, is essential for translating the potential of the Rural Infrastructure Operating System (RIOS) into tangible, real-world value.
But Steve is more than a visionary; he is an architect of action. He carries the pragmatic and determined spirit required to build from the ground up. In his role, he is responsible for assembling the local teams, guiding the deployment of our AI mesh network, and serving as the primary liaison between DeReticular’s technology and the community’s ambition.
As the inaugural Champion, Steve is not just following a playbook—he is writing it. His work will define the path for a new generation of leaders who will follow in his footsteps, making him a foundational figure in the DeReticular story.
