Andrew ‘Drew’ Lydecker Elected to Colby-Sawyer Board of Trustees

The Colby-Sawyer College Board of Trustees has elected Andrew “Drew” Lydecker ’00, of Chicago, as its newest trustee. Lydecker began his three-year term July 1.

Since graduating from Colby-Sawyer with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, Lydecker has established himself as one of the Northeast’s premier minds in the technology industry. After beginning his career at large telecommunications companies such as WorldCom and AT&T, Lydecker assumed a role as a voice and data specialist at CDW, where he contributed to making the company one of the world’s largest telecom agents.

Now, as the president and cofounder of AVANT Communications — a Chicago-based company that specializes in technology and infrastructure consulting, solution selection and service implementation — Lydecker finds himself at the helm of an innovative leader in global telecom services. Since its founding in 2009, and with Lydecker’s guidance, AVANT has become the nation’s premier distributor of next generation technologies and a trusted resource for focused and broad-based providers alike.

Lydecker, whose premiere responsibilities with AVANT include worldwide sales and marketing, said he’s looking forward to using his areas of expertise to benefit the future of Colby-Sawyer and its students.

“I’ve seen first-hand how innovation and evolution are two of the most important factors to getting ahead in life and staying there,” Lydecker said. “I’m looking forward to insightful discussions and sharing my perspective on how to help the students of Colby-Sawyer better prepare and plan for their future.”

An enthusiastic supporter of the Colby-Sawyer Fund and the college’s athletics programs, Lydecker has remained close with his alma mater since graduating, and even appeared as the first guest in its Alumni Speaker Series in 2021. During his time at the college, Lydecker was a four-year member — and captain — of the men’s tennis team.

“We are thrilled to welcome someone with Andrew’s business acumen and vast experience to our board,” Colby-Sawyer President Susan D. Stuebner said. “Andrew’s unique perspective on marketing and technology will be invaluable in the coming years, and it’s always wonderful when our successful alumni offer up their guidance in the service of our current and future students.”

Lydecker is married to Colby-Sawyer alumna Halley Westdale Lydecker ’00. The couple and their two children live in Winnetka, Ill.