Todd Gale
Chief Development Officer,
Todd Gale is the Chief Development Officer at Applied Digital, bringing over 45 years of expertise in data center design, engineering, and mission-critical infrastructure. With a keen eye for detail and scalability, he has played a pivotal role in collaborating with hyperscalers and advancing data center innovation. Previously, Todd served as VP of Engineering at Flexential, where he spearheaded new data center designs and capacity upgrades. He also held senior leadership roles at Terremark Worldwide, overseeing global technical direction. His contributions include designing North America’s first UTI Tier IV Design Certified colocation facility and pioneering high-efficiency cooling systems.
PTC: How can telecommunications technologies help humanity?
TG: Telecommunications technologies do more than connect people—they can strengthen entire communities. Too often, data centers are seen as isolated facilities, operating in the background with little engagement in the places they call home. However, when done right, digital infrastructure can drive lasting economic and social benefits.Applied Digital embraced this responsibility in Ellendale, North Dakota, where our 400MW AI Factory Campus is just one piece of a much larger commitment. We partnered with local and state organizations to address housing shortages, revitalize small businesses, and invest in spaces that bring people together. From funding new homes to modernizing a decades-old bowling alley, we’ve worked to ensure that our presence enhances everyday life for Ellendale’s residents.
This model proves that data centers don’t have to be distant or disconnected. By engaging with communities in meaningful ways, telecommunications companies can serve as partners in economic growth and long-term prosperity.
PTC: How can corporations and researchers best serve the next generation?
TG: Preparing the next generation for the future starts with giving them real opportunities to learn and contribute. Corporations and researchers can make the biggest impact by focusing on education, hands-on experience, and creating environments where people can build lasting careers.
At Applied Digital, we see this firsthand in Ellendale, North Dakota. Our investment there isn’t just about technology—it’s about people. We’ve worked with local and state organizations to expand housing so workers and their families can put down roots. We’ve supported small businesses to create a more vibrant local economy.
Beyond local investments, companies and researchers should actively mentor and collaborate with schools, trade programs, and universities. Future engineers, data center technicians, and AI specialists need more than theory—they need access to real-world projects and people willing to guide them. The best way to serve the next generation is to prepare them to lead.
PTC: What network-related development will have the greatest impact in our industry?
TG: The most meaningful shift in digital infrastructure will come from building networks that can handle AI’s growing demands without wasting energy or space. AI workloads are unlike anything traditional data centers were designed for, and relying on outdated models won’t work. The industry has to rethink everything—from power and cooling to scalability—if it wants to keep up.
At Applied Digital, we’ve built our facilities to support AI from the start. That means using closed-loop waterless liquid cooling to handle high-performance computing without unnecessary energy waste and designing modular spaces that grow as technology evolves. It’s about making sure the infrastructure we build today is still useful years from now.
The real test of any network-related development is whether it helps companies stay ahead without creating bottlenecks down the line. AI won’t slow down, and neither should the networks supporting it. The companies that recognize this will shape the industry’s future.
PTC: Is it important for companies to continue to innovate their organization or offerings, and why?
TG: Staying relevant means more than just sticking to what works. At Applied Digital, we’ve found that to truly support our clients, we need to stay flexible and tuned into what lies ahead.
Our modular design approach is a good example of this mindset. Instead of locking ourselves into one fixed system, we’ve created infrastructure that grows alongside our clients. It’s a system built to evolve—as AI and high-performance computing advance, so does our solution. We don’t need to start from scratch every time; we’ve set ourselves up to adapt smoothly. It’s about making sure what we build today fits tomorrow’s challenges too.
Innovation, for us, is less about flashy features and more about thoughtful preparation. It’s understanding where the industry is headed and making sure we’re ready. This mindset keeps us engaged, energized, and always looking for smarter ways to meet the needs of those we work with.
PTC: What value does PTC hold for you/your company?
TG: Building the infrastructure that powers AI and HPC isn’t just about technology—it’s about connection. PTC is more than an association; it’s really a gateway for collaborating with a global network of other industry experts and innovators. I’ve always believed that progress happens when the right people, ideas, and resources come together. That’s one of the main reasons PTC membership is so valuable. Conversations turn into partnerships, and businesses like ours can exchange ideas with other leaders who are also shaping the future of digital infrastructure.
PTC and its members’ focus on digital transformation and economic development aligns with our approach—whether that’s improving the efficiency of AI workloads or investing in communities like Ellendale. The conversations that stem from PTC aren’t just theoretical. They directly impact how we approach and manage the evolving needs of AI and cloud computing.
PTC: How does PTC fit your company’s goals or career purpose?
TG: Applied Digital’s goal is to do more than simply meet industry needs. We want to anticipate them, creating infrastructure that supports advances in AI and computing while also making a real difference in people’s lives. PTC’s focus on collaboration and education fits into that vision. Whether it’s discussing smarter ways to build or learning how others address the same challenges we see, the conversations feed directly into how we deliver our solutions.
PTC’s emphasis on using technology to improve the human experience also resonates with us. It reminds us why we focus on more than technology, like revitalizing small-town economies or creating spaces where people can connect. Ultimately, PTC doesn’t just fit into our goals; it strengthens them. It reinforces the importance of approaching digital infrastructure with care and purpose, showing us that real progress isn’t just about systems, but about how everything ties back to people and communities.
PTC: What advice would you share with current and future graduates interested in this field?
TG: I’d share that it’s important to study and focus on the basics, such as math, physics, thermodynamics, and mechanical and electrical engineering. These core competencies are vital and deeply integrated into the work we are doing today with AI factories.
PTC: What industry mogul or up-and-coming leader have you followed or are currently pursuing, and why?
TG: There are many that I follow and read about, but to narrow it to a single person, I’d have to say it would be Jensen Huang. As the founder and CEO of NVIDIA, Jensen is leading and powering the current industry revolution and shift toward designing and building AI factories to support NVIDIA GPUs. His vision for the future, his drive, and how he challenges his teams to do more and push boundaries are unmatched.
PTC: What has been a positive outcome organizationally or individually given the current state of the world?
TG: The world has been changing at a rapid pace, but that has created opportunities for us to rethink how we can support the communities we touch. One of the most positive outcomes for Applied Digital has been a stronger focus on sustainable growth and on prioritizing long-term impact on our clients, our industry, and the people in the areas where we operate.
On an industry level, for Applied Digital, being part of PTC has helped us align our goals with broader industry conversations, ensuring we’re not just keeping up but helping lead the way.
Individually, one of the biggest takeaways has been the growing recognition that digital infrastructure isn’t separate from economic development—it’s part of it. If the current state of the world has shown us anything, it’s that business as usual isn’t enough. But by adapting with purpose and working with the right partners, companies can build something better.
PTC: Describe in 100 words or less why you or your company became a PTC member, and the benefits/value you or your organization received since being a member.
TG: PTC offers real value as a place to engage with industry experts, contribute to meaningful discussions, and gain insights that help businesses grow. Whether you’re focused on data centers, telecommunications, AI, or cloud services, being part of PTC provides a direct connection to the people shaping these industries. We’ve seen firsthand how the right partnerships and industry connections can drive both business success and community impact. PTC is one of those rare organizations that brings together innovation, collaboration, and a focus on the bigger picture.
About Applied Digital
Applied Digital develops and operates next-generation digital infrastructure, delivering high-performance computing (HPC) and AI cloud solutions at scale. Specializing in sustainable, high-efficiency data centers, Applied Digital supports AI, machine learning, and blockchain applications with cutting-edge infrastructure. With a commitment to efficiency and innovation, the company collaborates with hyperscalers and enterprises to optimize workloads and accelerate digital transformation. By leveraging advanced cooling and power solutions, Applied Digital ensures reliable, scalable, and sustainable infrastructure for the world’s most demanding compute needs.
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