How do you measure the impact of 25 years? For Bill Severn, President and CEO of 1623 Farnam, it’s not just about longevity — it’s about vision, growth and community. On June 5, Bill celebrated a remarkable milestone: His silver anniversary with 1623 Farnam. Bill has helped shape the organization into one of the Midwest’s premier network interconnection hubs https://www.1623farnam.com/carriers/and a beacon of sustainability in the digital infrastructure industry.

From day one, Bill has been more than a steady hand at the helm — he’s been a strategic force behind 1623 Farnam’s transformation. What was once a regional facility is now a thriving digital ecosystem supporting cloud, carriers, content and enterprises, while connecting the U.S. coast-to-coast through Omaha’s central location. That evolution didn’t happen by accident. It happened because of leadership like Bill’s — deliberate, forward-thinking and grounded in relationships.

Building a Digital Epicenter in the Heart of the U.S.

Over the past two and a half decades, Bill has overseen:

  • The development and expansion of the 1623 Farnam facility into a modern, carrier-neutral interconnection hub
  • The launch and growth of Omaha IX, now one of the most important peering exchanges in the region
  • The ongoing expansion of the facility’s data hall footprint, including the recently completed final phase that added 1.5MW of power and 280 cabinet positions
  • Strategic partnerships with carriers, cloud platforms and broadband innovators that have brought new value to tenants and the region alike

Bill’s leadership has helped position 1623 Farnam as a gateway for AI, edge deployments and low-latency content delivery, driving new opportunities for customers while expanding the ecosystem.

Greener Data Champion (and Style Icon)

But Bill’s influence doesn’t stop at technical milestones. He’s also made a name for himself in sustainability circles, contributing as an author to the acclaimed Greener Data book series — a platform for digital infrastructure professionals working to reduce the industry’s environmental impact.

Ask anyone in the industry, and they’ll probably mention his now-iconic pair of Greener Data socks — a fashion-forward nod to his commitment to smarter, more sustainable infrastructure. Whether it’s on a panel at PTC or at a networking event at ITW, Bill brings a rare combination of substance and style to the table.

A Culture of Collaboration

Beyond the boardroom and the data floor, Bill is known for building a culture of transparency, integrity and growth at 1623 Farnam. Under his leadership, the company has stayed true to its values — fostering strong relationships with customers, employees and partners across the ecosystem.

He’s the kind of leader who shows up, listens closely and rolls up his sleeves. He’s also the kind of guy who can talk about edge data centers and rack density one moment — while cracking a Midwestern joke the next.

Looking Ahead

As 1623 Farnam continues to expand its reach and its impact, Bill’s steady leadership remains a guiding force. Whether it’s driving network convergence, investing in data center sustainability or helping edge deployments flourish, his passion for pushing the industry forward hasn’t slowed down — and neither has his commitment to the people and partnerships that make it all possible.

So here’s to 25 years of Bill Severn at 1623 Farnam — and to the next chapter of growth, innovation, and (yes) even more socks!