Who We Are
Connecting the World Through Branded Communications
At First Orion, we believe every communication should be clear, trusted, and recognized. We empower businesses to connect with their customers through branded calling and messaging, and identity solutions while protecting both from spam, scam, and spoofing. As the pioneer and a global leader in branded communications, we enable companies of all sizes to communicate transparently and make their mobile interactions safer, smarter, and more meaningful.
Inspired by the Orion constellation, we bring together the essential elements of trusted communications from identity verification and call protection to branded experiences, creating a seamless, ene-to-end approach that builds trust with every engagement.
Our Mission
Ever-evolving since 2008, our mission remains the same – we're here to provide an exceptional mobile experience and protect consumers from bad actors. To us, the phone is a way to connect. As a leader in mobile communications technology, we take the worry out of picking up your device and deliver confidence in every call.
Our Vision
To pioneer a future where businesses and consumers easily connect, and are both protected against scam, spam and spoof communication.
Our Cultural Cornerstones
People First
We are committed to creating a great workplace.
Trust & Transparency
We value an open, honest environment.
Make It Happen
We have a deep passion to excel.
Innovation Wins
We develop world-class, kick-ass solutions & products.
Our Culture
We put people at the center of everything we do.
At First Orion, People First is the foundation of our success. We believe that building a great company starts with taking care of the people within it. Here, our team members feel valued, empowered, and inspired to do their best work. From our collaborative environment to our commitment to well-being and development, we invest in our team so they can thrive — and in turn, build innovative, trusted communication solutions for our clients. Our culture of care, creativity and connection drives everything we do.
Explore A Career at First OrionFirst Orion
Makes History
For nearly two decades, First Orion has blazed the trail of branded communications. In fact, the history of branded calling and First Orion are one in the same, as the concept originated with our team back in 2017.
Named for Orion the Hunter in Greek mythology, we have a long legacy of hunting the bad actors – and creating connections for good. The result of our efforts has made a global impact. What started as a tiny office in small-town Arkansas is now a full-scale, international enterprise effort. Today, we’re one of the fastest-growing telecommunications technology providers, with over 300 team members worldwide at our headquarters in North Little Rock along with our offices in Seattle, London, and Dubai.
2008
First Orion is founded as PRIVACYSTAR®
2010
PRIVACYSTAR becomes the #1 source of scam complaints to the FTC
2012
Carriers request help combatting scams
First Orion develops white label apps
2015
First Orion acquires Accudata
2016
November – First Orion opens London office
Partners with T-Mobile to launch “SCAM LIKELY”, the first in-network scam solution
October – Named to Great Places to Work Top 50
2017
First Orion delivers enhanced call experience
Branded calling is born
2018
April – First Orion launches calltransparency.com
August – Celebrates 10-year anniversary
2019
First Orion opens Dubai office
2020
First Orion moves into new headquarters in North Little Rock, Arkansas
2021
First Orion completes first richcall data proof-of-concept with T-Mobile
2022
First Orion launches developer portal
Launches customer portal
2023
First Orion introduces SENTRY – spoof protection solution
2024
May – First Orion expands INFORM® service to SMBs
June – Launches AFFIRM® – Reputation Monitoring
October – Launches INFORM® with Logo for Enterprises
2025
March – First Orion launches next-gen global exchange
April – Launches Protect+ Risk Detection
October – Launches Enrich™ Branded Messaging
First Orion by the Numbers
Since 2008, First Orion has grown from a single idea — that people deserve to know who's calling — into a global team of 300+ across four offices. Today, more than 16,000 businesses including Fortune 500 companies trust our technology to protect consumers and strengthen every connection between caller and customer.
Meet the team
Learn more about the people paving the way for better connections.
Scott Hambuchen
Chief Executive Officer
Jeff Stalnaker
President and Chief Financial Officer
Libbi Dixon Whitehurst
Chief People Officer
Sam Baxter
Chief Legal Officer
Ash DuttaChowdhury
Chief Information Security Officer
Tiffany Childers
Chief Accounting Officer
Mark Himelfarb
CTO & Ukraine Managing Director
Mike Lloyd
Chief Operating Officer
Keith Rogers
Chief Information Officer
Kevin McKenna
Chief Sales and Client Officer
Susan Nichols
Chief Privacy Officer & General Counsel
Lucie Leach
Head of Marketing
Josh Whitehurst
Head of Product
BK Smith
Head of Self-Service Solutions
Allison Owen
VP, Client Engagement
Clark Wooten
VP, Sales
Temim Nawaf Adwan
Managing Director, International Branded Communication, EMEA
board members
Charles Morgan
Chairman of the Board and Executive Committee
Jim Womble
Board Member
Tom Reilley
Board Member
Tim Baxter
Board Member
Scott Hambuchen
Chief Executive Officer
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Award winning work
From our industry-leading technology to culture, First Orion has received recognition from organizations all over the world.
In the words of our customers
“Our contact rates are slightly down by 1.5% to 2%, but revenue per attempt has increased 15% to 40% depending on the brand that we’re calling about.”
“We were talking with our CEO and showed him a branded call experience from First Orion, and everybody on the executive leadership team thought it was awesome. It just clicked with them that we need this because nobody picks up the phone anymore if they don’t know who’s calling.”
“If someone misses their delivery, it costs us $100 to revisit your house to redeliver an appliance. We do from 5 to 8 million appliance deliveries a year, so these numbers are significant.”
“By branding our calls, we confirm the authenticity of our call for our members which paves the way for more meaningful and constructive conversations. We’re excited to be early adopters of this technology and provide an enhanced relationship for our 150,000 members.”
“First Orion’s branded calling solution is innovative technology that empowers enterprises to restore their customers’ confidence in phone calls. We are excited to continue to help our partners leverage our CX practice by giving them the improved ability to address the growing demand for better calling experiences.”
“Our contact rates are slightly down by 1.5% to 2%, but revenue per attempt has increased 15% to 40% depending on the brand that we’re calling about.”
“We were talking with our CEO and showed him a branded call experience from First Orion, and everybody on the executive leadership team thought it was awesome. It just clicked with them that we need this because nobody picks up the phone anymore if they don’t know who’s calling.”
“If someone misses their delivery, it costs us $100 to revisit your house to redeliver an appliance. We do from 5 to 8 million appliance deliveries a year, so these numbers are significant.”
“By branding our calls, we confirm the authenticity of our call for our members which paves the way for more meaningful and constructive conversations. We’re excited to be early adopters of this technology and provide an enhanced relationship for our 150,000 members.”
“First Orion’s branded calling solution is innovative technology that empowers enterprises to restore their customers’ confidence in phone calls. We are excited to continue to help our partners leverage our CX practice by giving them the improved ability to address the growing demand for better calling experiences.”
First Orion in the News
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