Michael D. Rhodes

Michael D. Rhodes, P.E., joined Cavell Mertz in 1998 and is a Senior Engineer working on detailed broadcast station allocation, coverage and interference analysis, and the development of custom computer software programs to support these studies. He is frequently called upon to supervise complex engineering projects.  In addition to broadcasting, these projects have included government and private sector work with various public safety and land-mobile radio systems, satellite radio interference prediction, in-building communications systems, and other wireless communications projects.  He also has experience in technical writing and litigation support, including appearance at zoning hearings.

Prior to joining Cavell Mertz, Mr. Rhodes was employed by Moffet, Larson and Johnson, Inc. (MLJ) as a Senior Engineer/Project Manager with a focus on broadcast and cellular communications planning and implementation projects. In addition to traditional FCC technical-regulatory support work for clients, he had been heavily involved in project management, scheduling and supervision of a multi-million dollar construction project for an AM station in the Meadowlands, New Jersey. 

In addition to broadcast specific work, he also spent 18 months in the field as a Senior RF engineer and project manager for a PCS construction project, which started with the initial system design, and continued through construction, testing, optimization, and launch of the first GSM PCS system in Houston, TX.  He worked closely with the construction department, approving all construction drawings and ensuring the system planning, coverage, and RF safety guidelines were met.

Prior to joining MLJ, Mr. Rhodes was a staff engineer with Jules Cohen & Associates, P.C., in Washington, DC where he was involved in developing broadcast facility proposals and design of ITFS microwave systems.

Mr. Rhodes received a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Virginia Tech. He is a Registered Professional Engineer in Virginia and is a member and past President of the Association of Federal Communications Consulting Engineers (AFCCE).  Mr. Rhodes is also a member of the National Society of Professional Engineers (NPSE) and the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO).  In addition, he holds an amateur radio Extra Class license (KD4LQS), serves as the lead AV technical resource at his church and was deeply involved in the construction of a new 900 seat sanctuary.  He also serves on the Board of Directors and as Treasurer of his 1,700 unit homeowners association.

Updated February 22, 2012