Biographies
Chris Alberding is a seasoned executive with responsibility of more than $1 billion in annual business-to-business product revenues in the high-tech IT service and telecom industry. Combining solid strategic and tactical expertise in operations, sales operations, product marketing and product management, Alberding is an expert in planning and executing strategic product visions across multiple sales channels including, direct, indirect, inside and VAR teams. Alberding has a proven track record in successfully formulating go-to-market strategies and working with cross-functional leadership to execute that vision and over-achieve forecasts and budgets for growth products, including hosted IP voice and MPLS, in a highly competitive, nationwide market.
Prior to joining FairPoint in 2012, Alberding worked for EarthLink, Deltacom and AT&T in a variety of product management, marketing and sales positions. He studied business management at the University of Texas and is a Six Sigma Black Belt.
Chris Ancell, CEO, XO Communications
Chris Ancell is CEO of XO Communications, a leading nationwide provider of advanced IP communications and intelligent networking services for enterprise and wholesale customers. There he is leading the strategy behind a multi-year $500 million expansion of the company’s award-winning network that currently serves more than half of Fortune 500 companies. Ancell joined XO after a 30-year career in operations and sales leadership in the communications and technology industries. Most recently, he served as senior vice president of Sales and Sales Engineering for CoreSite Realty Corporation. Prior to that, he was president of Business Markets of CenturyLink Inc., which generated more than $4 billion in annual revenues from customers in North America, Europe and Asia. Before CenturyLink, Ancell was executive vice president of Qwest's Business Markets organization, where he was responsible for sales, marketing, product development for business and government customers. Earlier in his career, he held various sales roles at Qwest, including vice president of Sales, Western Region and Vice President of Hosting Sales; and management positions at PricewaterhouseCoopers and Oracle's Telecommunications Consulting Practice. Ancell earned a B.S. degree in Economics from the University of Denver.
Tom Beem brings to INS vast experience in technology sales. He understands the importance of identifying customer needs and uses that knowledge to help the engineering team design and deliver extendable, cost-effective communication solutions to wholesale and enterprise customers.
Before joining INS in 2011, Beem served as regional sales director of telephone and network hardware sales for Windstream Corporation. Prior to that, he was a regional sales director for Avaya, where he earned top sales director in the company, as well as numerous regional sales awards. Beem previously worked for Sprint as a national account manager and also sold core network hardware solutions to Sprint while working for Motorola Codex.
Robert Beury has practiced law as in-house counsel for high-tech organizations in the Washington, D.C., area for 30 years. He has been general counsel of Cogent Communications since its earliest days in 2000 as a 30-person start-up. Prior to that, he worked for Satellite Business Systems (an IBM and Comsat-led venture to provide satellite based data communications), Iridium (a Motorola-led venture to provide satellite-based mobile phone service), and Virginia’s Center for Innovative Technology (a non-profit created by the Commonwealth of Virginia to encourage high tech).
Seth Bloom, the president and founder of Bloom Strategic Counsel, PLLC, a Washington, D.C., firm specializing in public policy, government relations and antitrust analysis, is an attorney with extensive governmental and private sector experience in antitrust and competition law. In July 2013, he was named to the Board of Advisors of the American Antitrust Institute. Bloom spent nearly 14 years working in the U.S. Senate on the Judiciary Committee’s Antitrust Subcommittee, beginning as a counsel on the Antitrust Subcommittee staff of Sen. Kohl in 1999, who served as chairman and ranking member of the Subcommittee. From 2008 to January 2013, he was general counsel of the Senate Antitrust Subcommittee. Bloom was responsible for numerous critical antitrust and competition issues that came before the Antitrust Subcommittee during his tenure, from the AOL/Time Warner merger in 2000 to the Comcast/NBC Universal merger in 2010, the proposed AT&T/T-Mobile merger in 2011, and the Universal/EMI merger in 2012. Prior to beginning his service at the Senate, Bloom spent three years as a trial attorney at the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division, where he investigated numerous corporate mergers and participated in litigation directed at the enforcement of the antitrust laws. Earlier in his career, he spent nine years as an attorney in private practice in Washington, D.C., law firms, practicing in the area of complex commercial litigation. He earned a J.D. degree from the University of Pennsylvania Law School and a B.A. from the University of Rochester.
Anand Buch, CEO and Co-Founder of NetSapiens Inc.
Anand Buch has more than 20 years of experience in the converged communications industry, dating back to the early days of commercial “voice over data networks” applications. He began his career in 1993 as a DSP engineer with PCSI, an early producer of voice and data convergence technology, and then served in Systems Engineering and Product Line Management roles, which culminated as a director at the PCSI spin-off and VoIP pioneer, Nuera Communications.
Today, Buch is the CEO and co-founder of NetSapiens Inc., which delivers advanced software solutions to competitive service providers, enabling them to rapidly evolve as cloud-based unified communications providers. Buch has made it his mission to empower a new community of service providers who are joining together as a collective force and successfully competing for the same revenue as the largest and most established providers. Buch earned B.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and an M.B.A. from San Diego State University.
Anand Buch has more than 20 years of experience in the converged communications industry, dating back to the early days of commercial “voice over data networks” applications. He began his career in 1993 as a DSP engineer with PCSI, an early producer of voice and data convergence technology, and then served in Systems Engineering and Product Line Management roles, which culminated as a director at the PCSI spin-off and VoIP pioneer, Nuera Communications.
Today, Buch is the CEO and co-founder of NetSapiens Inc., which delivers advanced software solutions to competitive service providers, enabling them to rapidly evolve as cloud-based unified communications providers. Buch has made it his mission to empower a new community of service providers who are joining together as a collective force and successfully competing for the same revenue as the largest and most established providers. Buch earned B.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and an M.B.A. from San Diego State University.
Sean Buckley is the senior editor of FierceTelecom. He joined the FierceTelecom staff in July 2009 and is responsible for covering news and trends in the wireline section of the telecom industry. Before that, Buckley most recently served as the editor-in-chief for Telecom Engine from 2006 to 2009, overseeing both the former print publication Telecommunications Magazine Americas and its transition to a web-based publication. Buckley returned to Telecommunications in July 2006 after a brief one-year stint covering the public sector IT and mobile network infrastructure trends as a senior analyst at Current Analysis.
Lance Bultena works with Hogan Lovells clients’ legal and public policy teams, as well as senior executives, to evaluate the impact of public sector developments on businesses, develop strategies to optimally manage that impact and then beneficially influence regulatory and legislative outcomes. Bultena also advises clients on how to better utilize their membership in trade associations or business groups, assists with crisis management and has represented not-for-profits and major corporations in investigations conducted by Congress or administrative agencies. Prior to joining the firm, Bultena served as counsel to the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. He also helped found, and for years served as the chairman of the Board, of a not-for-profit company that provides strategic business consulting for other not-for-profits. Bultena is a graduate of University of South Dakota and Harvard Law School. He earned both a Doctorate in Politics and a Master’s degree in Economics while attending Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar.
Stephen Bye, CTO, is responsible for Sprint’s access and roaming, network planning, technology research and development, corporate strategy, development and engineering and spectrum. Bye and his organization drive Sprint’s corporate, technology and spectrum strategy and planning, core and RAN network architecture and planning, network and technology development and integration, global standards, innovation labs and field integration testing. Bye has more than 22 years of engineering, operations, product development, business planning and marketing experience with telecom, cable and wireless service providers. Prior to joining Sprint, Bye was vice president of Wireless at Cox Communications. He also has held executive positions with AT&T, inCode Wireless, BellSouth International, Optus Communications and Telstra.
Bye is a chartered Engineer, a senior member of the IEEE and a fellow of the Institution of Engineering and Technology. He earned a B.S. degree with honors in Electrical Engineering from the University of Tasmania, Australia, and a Bachelor’s degree with honors in banking and finance from the London School of Economics, University of London.
David Byrd, Chief Marketing Officer, ANPI
David Byrd leads marketing, product development and product management for ANPI. Prior to joining ANPI, he was was chief marketing officer and executive vice president of sales at Broadvox, where he built a nationally recognized channel partner program and award winning SIP product offering. Preceding his five years of service to Broadvox, Byrd served as vice president of channels and alliances for Telcordia. As director of eBusiness development with i2 Technologies, he developed major partnerships with many of the leaders in Internet eCommerce and supply chain management. As CEO of Planet Hollywood Online, Byrd partnered with Planet Hollywood using early Internet technologies to pioneer a branded entertainment and eCommerce website company. Over the course of his 30-year telecom career, Byrd also has held executive positions with Hewlett-Packard, Sprint and Ericsson. Byrd earned a Bachelor¹s degree in Music with a Mathematics cognate from Michigan State University.
David Byrd leads marketing, product development and product management for ANPI. Prior to joining ANPI, he was was chief marketing officer and executive vice president of sales at Broadvox, where he built a nationally recognized channel partner program and award winning SIP product offering. Preceding his five years of service to Broadvox, Byrd served as vice president of channels and alliances for Telcordia. As director of eBusiness development with i2 Technologies, he developed major partnerships with many of the leaders in Internet eCommerce and supply chain management. As CEO of Planet Hollywood Online, Byrd partnered with Planet Hollywood using early Internet technologies to pioneer a branded entertainment and eCommerce website company. Over the course of his 30-year telecom career, Byrd also has held executive positions with Hewlett-Packard, Sprint and Ericsson. Byrd earned a Bachelor¹s degree in Music with a Mathematics cognate from Michigan State University.
Jerry Cady, Director, LSN (Formerly LS Networks)
Jerry Cady is director of Sales and Marketing for Lightspeed Networks, Inc. (DBA LSN), where he is responsible for product development, customer acquisition and service direction. Cady has been charged by the company to maximize the extensive broadband infrastructure that LS Networks has deployed throughout the Northwest. With the most comprehensive network covering Oregon and Washington, going deep into rural markets, Cady is taking LSN products in directions that allow all forms of communications to markets underserved by ILECs. Over the last 24 months, LSN has deployed layer 2 networking via fresh fiber deployments to nearly 500 cell towers in Oregon and Washington in some of the most remote areas of the region. Cady has more than 35 years of telecommunications industry experience, mostly in senior executive operations and engineering roles, including early innovations in VoIP, SaaS and legacy packet technologies. He also holds a patent for “quality determination for packetized information,” which lead to the first real-time voice quality monitoring system for VoIP deployments.
James Capuano is senior vice president and chief of Network Operations for FirstLight where he is responsible for ensuring the business continues to deliver operational excellence to the company’s high-profile customer base. He joined the company in February 2013, and is responsible for managing all aspects of network construction, operations, engineering, IS/IT and carrier relations. Prior to FirstLight, Capuano held multiple senior level management positions, including CTO for Unite Private Networks, COO for Veroxity Technology Partners and vice president of Engineering and Operations for RCN Metro Optical Networks.
Tim Cody is Neustar’s senior director of Research and Development. Prior to joining Neustar, he performed R&D and product management functions at Nortel, Jetstream Communications and Paradyne Networks. Cody led teams in the development and architecture of messaging services that include SMS, MMS, IM and Common Short Codes. Cody is a recognized leader in SMS and MMS services. He started his career at NASA developing avionics software for the Space Shuttle.
Thomas Cohen is a partner in the Washington, D.C., office of Kelley Drye, where his practice focuses on providing legal counsel to further the business interests of entities engaged in the provision of wireline and wireless telecommunications, cable (video), and broadband (Internet) services. He has significant experience in federal and state administrative and legislative advocacy, business-related legal matters, including transactions, and litigation. Cohen has more than 35 years of experience in the communications sector, first as a government policymaker, serving for over a decade as assistant general counsel for legislation at the FCC and as senior counsel for the Senate Commerce Committee. He then was a founder and principal in firms assessing and developing communications/telecommunications properties and advising businesses. He joined Kelley Drye in 2005.
Stephen Currie has worked at EarthLink for more than 15 years, holding a variety of product management roles servicing both consumer and business customers. He has been instrumental in developing new technologies, including the first permission-based email system to give consumers 100 percent spam protection. Recently, he led EarthLink’s transition into IT services by developing their managed services, security and cloud product lines.
Former Sen. Norm Coleman joined Hogan Lovells after dedicating more than three decades to public service. He was a student activist in the 1960s, Minnesota's chief prosecutor and solicitor general in the 1970s and 1980s, and mayor of St. Paul in the 1990s. He represented Minnesota in the U.S. Senate from 2003-2009. As of counsel at Hogan Lovells, Coleman counsels clients on a wide range of regulatory and government affairs issues. During his six years in the U.S. Senate, Coleman served on the prestigious Foreign Relations Committee. He was chair of the Western Hemisphere subcommittee and ranking member of the Near East subcommittee, working to foster closer ties with our hemispheric neighbors and protect America's interests in the crucial Middle East region. Coleman co-chaired the Senate Bio-Fuels and Medical Technology caucuses and was on the Senate Agriculture Committee. He also chaired the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, where under his leadership, the Subcommittee identified more than $80 billion in waste, fraud, abuse and potential taxpayer savings. Coleman serves as chairman of the Board of the American Action Network, a center-right "action tank" located in Washington, D.C. He sits on the Board of the Network's sister organization, the American Action Forum, a forward-looking policy institute dedicated to keeping America strong, free, and prosperous. He also is chairman of the Congressional Leadership Fund, an independent expenditure "super PAC" whose mission is to retain and expand the House Republican majority. He serves on the Board of the National Endowment for Democracy, and is a member of the Advisory Council of the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition.
Andre Cooks joined COMLINK as director of Business Development in January 2008. In this role, he is responsible for managing sales, marketing, product development, software development, and network and data operations. Prior to COMLINK, Cooks gained his industry experience by working for more than 19 years in telecommunications, in roles that included implementation engineering manager/project manger at Global Crossing Telecommunications and manager of Applications Engineering at Great Lakes Comnet. Cooks strengths can be seen through customer service, project management, network design and the implementation of many areas in business.
Steve Davis is responsible for the development and advocacy of CenturyLink’s regulatory and legislative policies at the federal, state and local levels. He leads an organization that includes professional staff located across the company’s service region and oversees the company’s federal regulatory and legislative affairs office in Washington, D.C. Davis has more than 35 years of experience in federal, state and local telecommunications law and policy. Before joining CenturyLink, he was senior vice president of public policy and government relations at Qwest Communications, where he directed the company’s public policy activities, including regulatory reviews of Qwest’s merger with CenturyLink.
Previously, Davis held various legal and regulatory positions at AT&T, where he was responsible for AT&T’s interests in state and local government matters. Based in Denver, Davis serves on the boards of directors of the CenturyLink Foundation, Rocky Mountain Junior Achievement and the Western Governors University National Advisory Board. In addition, Davis is chairman of the Board of Directors of the United States Telecom Association.
Matthew S. DelNero, Deputy Chief, Wireline Competition Bureau, Federal Communications Commission
Matthew S. DelNero was appointed deputy chief of the FCC’s Wireline Competition Bureau in February 2014. Among other matters, he plays a leading role in the Bureau’s efforts regarding the nation’s transition to all-IP networks and the development of rules to protect and promote the open Internet.
DelNero joined the FCC from Covington & Burling LLP, where was a partner in the firm’s Communications & Media and Privacy & Data Security practice groups. Chambers USA, Legal 500 USA, and other publications have recognized him as a leading telecommunications lawyer. He also is an Adjunct Professor at George Mason University School of Law, where he teaches a course on telecommunications and media law.
Matthew S. DelNero was appointed deputy chief of the FCC’s Wireline Competition Bureau in February 2014. Among other matters, he plays a leading role in the Bureau’s efforts regarding the nation’s transition to all-IP networks and the development of rules to protect and promote the open Internet.
DelNero joined the FCC from Covington & Burling LLP, where was a partner in the firm’s Communications & Media and Privacy & Data Security practice groups. Chambers USA, Legal 500 USA, and other publications have recognized him as a leading telecommunications lawyer. He also is an Adjunct Professor at George Mason University School of Law, where he teaches a course on telecommunications and media law.
Chris Drake, CTO and Executive Vice President, iconectiv
Chris Drake is CTO and executive vice president of iconectiv, where he is responsible for the business and technical organizations handling global number portability, addressing databases, device security and mobile content. Drake began his career at Bell Northern Research and has more than 25 years in the telecommunications industry. Prior to iconectiv, Drake held executive positions at Aricent Group, Neustar, Sonus Networks, Telcordia Technologies and Advanced Switching Communications. Drake serves as an advisor to a number of technology startups and the Canadian Consulate Tech Accelerator @ NYC. He also is on the Industrial Advisory Board for the Security and Software Engineering Research Center (S2ERC IAB) through Georgetown University and the National Science Foundation.
Ben Edmond serves as chief revenue officer of Global Capacity, with responsibility for all aspects of the company’s revenue generation, including sales and marketing. He has more than 15 years of experience in the telecommunications industry, encompassing broad expertise in the areas of sales, marketing and managerial experiences. Prior to joining Global Capacity in 2012, Edmond was president of Sales and Marketing at FiberLight, where he led a national carrier and enterprise sales team in 15 metro markets and conducted daily operations in customer and account development and service, as well as implementation of product development and all marketing activities. Edmond previously owned Telecom Inventory, a consulting firm focusing on services for large enterprises requiring better access and use of telecommunications information. His telecom experience also includes eight years with Xspedius Communications (formerly ACSI), where he held several leadership positions. Edmond earned an M.S. degree in International Business from St. Louis University and a B.S. degree in International Business & Finance from Northeastern University.
Eric Einhorn, Senior Vice President, Government Affairs & Strategy, Windstream
Eric Einhorn is senior vice president of Government Affairs & Strategy for Windstream, where he is responsible for managing the company’s regulatory and legislative initiatives and strategies at the federal and state levels. He previously served as the company’s vice president of Federal Government Affairs. Prior to joining Windstream in 2006, Einhorn held positions at AT&T, SBC and in private legal practice in New York City and Washington, D.C. He also worked at the FCC, where he served in several roles, including chief of the Telecommunications Access Policy Division in the Wireline Competition Bureau. He also clerked for Judge Roger Strand in federal district court in Phoenix. Einhorn earned a J.D. from Boston College Law School, cum laude, where he also served as executive editor of the Boston College Law Review, and an M.B.A., with distinction, from Cornell University’s Johnson Graduate School of Management. He also earned a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University.
Eric Einhorn is senior vice president of Government Affairs & Strategy for Windstream, where he is responsible for managing the company’s regulatory and legislative initiatives and strategies at the federal and state levels. He previously served as the company’s vice president of Federal Government Affairs. Prior to joining Windstream in 2006, Einhorn held positions at AT&T, SBC and in private legal practice in New York City and Washington, D.C. He also worked at the FCC, where he served in several roles, including chief of the Telecommunications Access Policy Division in the Wireline Competition Bureau. He also clerked for Judge Roger Strand in federal district court in Phoenix. Einhorn earned a J.D. from Boston College Law School, cum laude, where he also served as executive editor of the Boston College Law Review, and an M.B.A., with distinction, from Cornell University’s Johnson Graduate School of Management. He also earned a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University.
Brian Fung, Reporter, The Washington Post
Brian Fung covers technology for The Washington Post, focusing on electronic privacy, national security, digital politics and the Internet that binds it all together. He was previously the technology correspondent for National Journal and an associate editor at the Atlantic. His writing has also appeared in Foreign Policy, Talking Points Memo, the American Prospect and Nonprofit Quarterly.
Brian Fung covers technology for The Washington Post, focusing on electronic privacy, national security, digital politics and the Internet that binds it all together. He was previously the technology correspondent for National Journal and an associate editor at the Atlantic. His writing has also appeared in Foreign Policy, Talking Points Memo, the American Prospect and Nonprofit Quarterly.
Michele Farquhar, Partner, Hogan Lovells
Michele Farquhar serves as leader of the Hogan Lovells’ communications practice group, and is a past president of the Federal Communications Bar Association (2005-2006). She focuses her practice on commercial and private wireless regulation and compliance; spectrum, broadband and Internet policy issues; FCC auction regulatory and transactional issues; domestic and international licensing of new technologies; mass media regulation; and global telecommunications convergence and competition issues. Prior to joining Hogan, she served as chief of the FCC’s Wireless Telecommunications Bureau and as deputy assistant secretary of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. Farquhar has extensive experience in practice before the FCC and federal courts, as well as the U.S. Congress, the White House, the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Department of Commerce and international regulatory bodies.
Michele Farquhar serves as leader of the Hogan Lovells’ communications practice group, and is a past president of the Federal Communications Bar Association (2005-2006). She focuses her practice on commercial and private wireless regulation and compliance; spectrum, broadband and Internet policy issues; FCC auction regulatory and transactional issues; domestic and international licensing of new technologies; mass media regulation; and global telecommunications convergence and competition issues. Prior to joining Hogan, she served as chief of the FCC’s Wireless Telecommunications Bureau and as deputy assistant secretary of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. Farquhar has extensive experience in practice before the FCC and federal courts, as well as the U.S. Congress, the White House, the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Department of Commerce and international regulatory bodies.
Jeff Gardner, President and CEO, Windstream
Jeff Gardner is an experienced telecom leader with more than 25 years working with regional and national communications providers. Since December 2005, he has served as president and CEO of Windstream, a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 provider of advanced network communications with $6 billion in annual revenues, where he is executing a focused strategy to transform the company into the premier enterprise communications and services provider in the United States and create value for shareholders. Windstream has completed nine acquisitions since its 2006 spinoff from Alltel Corp., adding more than $4 billion in revenue and creating a robust portfolio of advanced communications and technology services, including multisite networking, VoIP services, cloud computing and Ethernet managed services to help businesses succeed in the global marketplace. Before joining Windstream, Gardner served as executive vice president and CFO of Alltel Corp., which he joined in 1998 when the company merged with 360° Communications. He also is former chairman of the United States Telecom Association, the nation’s premier trade association representing service providers and suppliers for the telecom industry. Gardner is a certified public accountant. He serves on the board of directors of RF Micro Devices Inc., Arkansas Children's Hospital, Darlington School and Loras College. He serves as chairman of the Arkansas Research Alliance and is chairman of the advisory board for the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Center for Distance Health. He also serves on the UAMS Foundation Fund board.
Jeff Gardner is an experienced telecom leader with more than 25 years working with regional and national communications providers. Since December 2005, he has served as president and CEO of Windstream, a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 provider of advanced network communications with $6 billion in annual revenues, where he is executing a focused strategy to transform the company into the premier enterprise communications and services provider in the United States and create value for shareholders. Windstream has completed nine acquisitions since its 2006 spinoff from Alltel Corp., adding more than $4 billion in revenue and creating a robust portfolio of advanced communications and technology services, including multisite networking, VoIP services, cloud computing and Ethernet managed services to help businesses succeed in the global marketplace. Before joining Windstream, Gardner served as executive vice president and CFO of Alltel Corp., which he joined in 1998 when the company merged with 360° Communications. He also is former chairman of the United States Telecom Association, the nation’s premier trade association representing service providers and suppliers for the telecom industry. Gardner is a certified public accountant. He serves on the board of directors of RF Micro Devices Inc., Arkansas Children's Hospital, Darlington School and Loras College. He serves as chairman of the Arkansas Research Alliance and is chairman of the advisory board for the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Center for Distance Health. He also serves on the UAMS Foundation Fund board.
Dr. Chris Gibbons, Scholar in Residence, Connect2Health FCC Task Force and Associate Director, Johns Hopkins Urban Health Institute
Dr. Chris Gibbons is associate director of the Johns Hopkins Urban Health Institute and is an assistant professor of Medicine, Public Health and Health Informatics at the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions. Dr. Gibbons’ is a physician informatician, healthcare disparities and urban health expert whose research focuses on the use of technology and consumer health informatics to improve healthcare disparities. Dr. Gibbons has been named a Health Disparities Scholar by the National Center for Minority Health and Health Disparities at the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Gibbon’s has recently authored/edited four books. including “eHealth Solutions for Healthcare Disparities.”His work also is leading the emergence of the field of Populomics. He is an advisor and expert consultant to several state and federal agencies and policymakers in the areas of urban health, eHealth, minority health and healthcare disparities. Dr. Gibbons earned his medical degree from the University of Alabama. He then completed residency training in Preventive Medicine, fellowship training in General Surgery and also in molecular oncology basic research. He also earned a Master of Public Health degree ,focusing in health promotion among urban and disadvantaged populations all from Johns Hopkins.
Dr. Chris Gibbons is associate director of the Johns Hopkins Urban Health Institute and is an assistant professor of Medicine, Public Health and Health Informatics at the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions. Dr. Gibbons’ is a physician informatician, healthcare disparities and urban health expert whose research focuses on the use of technology and consumer health informatics to improve healthcare disparities. Dr. Gibbons has been named a Health Disparities Scholar by the National Center for Minority Health and Health Disparities at the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Gibbon’s has recently authored/edited four books. including “eHealth Solutions for Healthcare Disparities.”His work also is leading the emergence of the field of Populomics. He is an advisor and expert consultant to several state and federal agencies and policymakers in the areas of urban health, eHealth, minority health and healthcare disparities. Dr. Gibbons earned his medical degree from the University of Alabama. He then completed residency training in Preventive Medicine, fellowship training in General Surgery and also in molecular oncology basic research. He also earned a Master of Public Health degree ,focusing in health promotion among urban and disadvantaged populations all from Johns Hopkins.
Trey Hanbury, Partner, Hogan Lovells
Trey Hanbury is a partner in Hogan Lovells' Washington, D.C. office and a member of the Technology, Media and Telecoms practice. He has extensive experience working for the private and public sectors on a variety of communications policy issues, including wireless, spectrum, satellite and international telecom matters. Hanbury came to Hogan Lovells from Sprint Nextel, where he served as director of Government Affairs, acting as regulatory counsel in major rulemaking proceedings, mergers and acquisitions, and cases before the FCC, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration of the Department of Commerce, the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security, Congress and federal courts. Prior to working for Sprint Nextel, Hanbury held various policymaking positions at the FCC, including working on numerous satellite and international telecom matters in the International Bureau. He also served as special counsel in the Office of General Counsel, where he was responsible for providing policy and legal advice to the Office of Chairman on wireless issues. Hanbury previously served as Co-Chair of the Federal Communications Bar Association's FCC Wireless Practice Committee. He also frequently lectures on complex communications policy issues and industry trends.
Trey Hanbury is a partner in Hogan Lovells' Washington, D.C. office and a member of the Technology, Media and Telecoms practice. He has extensive experience working for the private and public sectors on a variety of communications policy issues, including wireless, spectrum, satellite and international telecom matters. Hanbury came to Hogan Lovells from Sprint Nextel, where he served as director of Government Affairs, acting as regulatory counsel in major rulemaking proceedings, mergers and acquisitions, and cases before the FCC, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration of the Department of Commerce, the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security, Congress and federal courts. Prior to working for Sprint Nextel, Hanbury held various policymaking positions at the FCC, including working on numerous satellite and international telecom matters in the International Bureau. He also served as special counsel in the Office of General Counsel, where he was responsible for providing policy and legal advice to the Office of Chairman on wireless issues. Hanbury previously served as Co-Chair of the Federal Communications Bar Association's FCC Wireless Practice Committee. He also frequently lectures on complex communications policy issues and industry trends.
During the past 33 years, Bruce Holdridge has held various management positions of increasing responsibility in engineering, network operations, regulatory and government affairs, sales, marketing and finance/accounting. He is experienced with both domestic and international long distance, voice and data services (both TDM and IP), fiber optics, packet and circuit switched technologies, VoIP, CATV, IPTV, cellular services, fixed and mobile broadband and many additional technologies and applications.
Holdridge started his career with Mountain Bell Telephone and has worked for Sprint, Citizens/Frontier Communications, Time Warner Communications, ICG Telecom Group, Yipes Communications, TelePacific Communications, Global Valley Networks and Gila River Telecommunications, Inc. Most recently, while at Global Valley Networks as vice president of Operations, Holdridge strategically worked to sell the company to Frontier Communications at a record price per access line while personally supporting the Cache Creek Casino & Resort customer account. He came to Gila River Telecommunications from Accipiter/Zona Communications. Holdridge now manages the CLEC subsidiary of GRTI, Alluvion Communications, which operates in the greater Phoenix and Tucson metro areas. Holdridge earned a B.S. degree in Communications from the University of California at Davis.
Joanne Hovis, President, CTC Technology & Energy, and Immediate Past President/Board Member of National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA)
Joanne Hovis is president of CTC Technology & Energy and a recognized expert in communications policy at the federal, state and local levels. She has extensive experience as a broadband business consultant working for the public interest. has developed public-private partnerships on behalf of numerous public sector networks, and provides communities with guidance on the structures, business models and financing opportunities available for broadband development. She is the co-author of “Facilitating Broadband Construction,” a report on gigabit-capable networks that was recently featured in Broadband Communities magazine. Hovis serves on the Boards of Directors of OneCommunity and the Benton Foundation and is immediate past president of the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA). She represents local government on the Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition. She also is CEO of the Coalition for Local Internet Choice (CLIC). Hovis earned a J.D., with honors, from the University of Chicago law school. She is a member (inactive) of the bars of Illinois and the District of Columbia.
Joanne Hovis, President, CTC Technology & Energy, and Immediate Past President/Board Member of National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA)
Joanne Hovis is president of CTC Technology & Energy and a recognized expert in communications policy at the federal, state and local levels. She has extensive experience as a broadband business consultant working for the public interest. has developed public-private partnerships on behalf of numerous public sector networks, and provides communities with guidance on the structures, business models and financing opportunities available for broadband development. She is the co-author of “Facilitating Broadband Construction,” a report on gigabit-capable networks that was recently featured in Broadband Communities magazine. Hovis serves on the Boards of Directors of OneCommunity and the Benton Foundation and is immediate past president of the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA). She represents local government on the Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition. She also is CEO of the Coalition for Local Internet Choice (CLIC). Hovis earned a J.D., with honors, from the University of Chicago law school. She is a member (inactive) of the bars of Illinois and the District of Columbia.
Henry “Hank” Hultquist, Vice President, Federal Regulatory, AT&T
Hank Hultquist joined AT&T in 2004 and currently represents AT&T at the FCC on a number of issues, including broadband and Internet policy, video and media policy, intercarrier compensation and universal service. He is a member of the Board of Directors and of the Wireless Communications Association International and serves on the North American Numbering Council. Prior to joining AT&T, he was with MCI for eight years. Hultquist is a graduate of the George Mason University School of Law and the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service.
Hank Hultquist joined AT&T in 2004 and currently represents AT&T at the FCC on a number of issues, including broadband and Internet policy, video and media policy, intercarrier compensation and universal service. He is a member of the Board of Directors and of the Wireless Communications Association International and serves on the North American Numbering Council. Prior to joining AT&T, he was with MCI for eight years. Hultquist is a graduate of the George Mason University School of Law and the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service.
Michael Hurley has served as vice president, Sales and Marketing for Fibertech Networks, and and a member of the executive team, since the company was founded in 2000. In this position, he is responsible for the company's enterprise and carrier sales efforts, in addition to its overall strategic marketing direction. Prior to joining Fibertech, Hurley served four years at MCI, where he was national accounts branch manager. Hurley began his telecom career in 1982 at New England Telephone in Boston. After joining Rochester Tel Business Marketing in 1987, he spent nine years working in a number of sales, sales management and marketing roles at what became Frontier Corporation. His various positions included sales manager of Premier Accounts and industry segment manager. In this last position, Hurley had overall responsibility for a team of sales and customer service personnel servicing Rochester's healthcare, education, government and financial markets. Hurley earned a B.S. degree in Marketing from Michigan State University and an M.B.A. in Finance from the William E. Simon School of Graduate Business at the University of Rochester. He is a former president of the Seneca Park Zoo Society, where he continues to serve on the Capital Campaign Committee; former vice chairman of the Rochester Healthcare Information Group; and has been a guest lecturer in the Telecommunications Department of the Rochester Institute of Technology and a frequent speaker at regional and national industry conferences.
After joined Equinix in 2009, Adam Janota initially focused on the development of the Networks & Mobility business in Europe, but since taken on a Global role. With his expertise, Janota has helped define the strategy for enabling network service providers to discover their opportunities within Equinix IBX data centers. Prior to Equinix, Janota was a general manager in the International Business unit at Reliance Globalcom, where he was responsible for international business development, strategy and revenue. Janota also held roles at Confere.net Corporation, EXARIO Networks Corporation and POLO Ralph Lauren Corporation. Janota earned a B.S. degree in Ceramic Engineering and Materials Science from Alfred University.
Larry Jonczak, Director of Information Services/Technology, Lakes Regional Community Center
Larry Jonczak has been the director of Information Services/ Technology at Lakes Regional Community Center for 10 years. He has previous work history as a telecommunications product engineer. LRCC provides behavioral health, substance abuse, intellectual developmental disability and early childhood intervention services at seven large clinics and 43 other service locations spanning 14 counties in Northeast Texas. In his current role, Jonczak is responsible for the LRCC computer system (34 servers), network infrastructure (MPLS network and point-to-point wireless), the clinical software application/records system (including clinical data analysis and reporting), help-desk and technical support for 420 users/workstations, and network printers. His other responsibilities include support of all phone systems, telemedicine systems, and video conferencing systems. Jonczak earned a B.S. in Computer Information Systems and B.S. in Business Administration from North Carolina Wesleyan.
Larry Jonczak has been the director of Information Services/ Technology at Lakes Regional Community Center for 10 years. He has previous work history as a telecommunications product engineer. LRCC provides behavioral health, substance abuse, intellectual developmental disability and early childhood intervention services at seven large clinics and 43 other service locations spanning 14 counties in Northeast Texas. In his current role, Jonczak is responsible for the LRCC computer system (34 servers), network infrastructure (MPLS network and point-to-point wireless), the clinical software application/records system (including clinical data analysis and reporting), help-desk and technical support for 420 users/workstations, and network printers. His other responsibilities include support of all phone systems, telemedicine systems, and video conferencing systems. Jonczak earned a B.S. in Computer Information Systems and B.S. in Business Administration from North Carolina Wesleyan.
Gene Kimmelman is president and CEO of Public Knowledge. Prior to this, he served as director of the Internet Freedom and Human Rights project at the New America Foundation, and as chief counsel for the U.S. Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division. Before joining the Department of Justice, Kimmelman was vice president for Federal and International Affairs at Consumers Union. He also has served as chief counsel and staff director for the Antitrust Subcommittee of the Senate Judiciary Committee and legislative director for the Consumer Federation of America. Kimmelman began his career as a consumer advocate and staff attorney for Public Citizen’s Congress Watch. Kimmelman is a graduate of Brown University and earned a J.D. from the University of Virginia, where he received the Fortsman Fellowship. He also was a Fulbright Fellow. He presently serves as a senior fellow at the Silicon Flatirons Center for Law, Technology, and Entrepreneurship at the University of Colorado and is senior associate with Global Partners Digital.
Ron Kormos is a founding member of FiberLight and has been with the organization since 2000. After serving as FiberLight's chief development officer for five years, Kormos was promoted to resident of Texas Operations in 2013. He began his FiberLight career as vice president of Construction with FiberLight's predecessor ACSI NT. With ACSI NT and Xspedius Communications, he also served as vice president of Operations. Kormos is a 30-year veteran of the utility construction industry, with a specialized background in the placing, splicing and testing of fiber optics. He also has 20 years of experience in operational budgeting and contract management.
Tim Koxlien, Founder and CEO, Rural Health Telecom, a division of TeleQuality Communications, Inc.
Tim Koxlien has become one of the country’s most respected and effective leaders on rural health care telecom issues, and is recognized widely by health care providers as an articulate, knowledgeable advocate for deployment of broadband connectivity throughout rural America. Koxlien serves on the board of COMPTEL and has spoken about rural health telecom funding issues before the FCC, USAC, Congress, industry leaders, and other policymakers. Koxlien founded Rural Health Telecom in 1999 to take advantage of benefits provided by the USAC-RHC federal funding program, and has focused exclusively on upgrading telecommunications networks and providing sound guidance and support for rural health care providers across the continental U.S. His telecom career began in 1986 with US West (Qwest). In 1991 he founded The Koxlien Group as a design and project management firm for US West and Ameritech in Minneapolis-St. Paul, working closely with the Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, Gunderson Lutheran, and other Midwest health care providers, representing major telecom service companies. Rural Health Telecom is a division of TeleQuality Communications, Inc., of which Koxlien also serves as CEO.
Tim Koxlien has become one of the country’s most respected and effective leaders on rural health care telecom issues, and is recognized widely by health care providers as an articulate, knowledgeable advocate for deployment of broadband connectivity throughout rural America. Koxlien serves on the board of COMPTEL and has spoken about rural health telecom funding issues before the FCC, USAC, Congress, industry leaders, and other policymakers. Koxlien founded Rural Health Telecom in 1999 to take advantage of benefits provided by the USAC-RHC federal funding program, and has focused exclusively on upgrading telecommunications networks and providing sound guidance and support for rural health care providers across the continental U.S. His telecom career began in 1986 with US West (Qwest). In 1991 he founded The Koxlien Group as a design and project management firm for US West and Ameritech in Minneapolis-St. Paul, working closely with the Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, Gunderson Lutheran, and other Midwest health care providers, representing major telecom service companies. Rural Health Telecom is a division of TeleQuality Communications, Inc., of which Koxlien also serves as CEO.
Angie joined COMPTEL as chief advocate and general counsel in 2013 after serving for three years in an advisor role for FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn. Prior to that, she was a special counsel in the Spectrum and Competition Policy Division of the FCC’s Wireless Telecommunications Bureau. She also practiced telecommunications and media law in the Washington, D.C. office of Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP for more than a decade. Angie earned a Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, from the Columbus School of Law at The Catholic University of America, where she also earned a certification from The Institute for Communications Law Studies, and she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree, magna cum laude, from Baylor University and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa.
Russell Lahti has worked in the telecommunications/IT industry for the last 16 years in systems administration, database planning and deployment, architecture planning, systems integration, software development, network and application security for a variety of clients. He has been COMLINK’s director of Technology and Systems for the past nine years, where his main focus is on the review and implementation of a broad range of new technology platforms and systems. His areas of expertise include network engineering and design, datacenter engineering and design, server administration, virtualization, network and system security, traditional and IP telephony, software development, web development, disaster recovery planning and implementation. Lahti earned a B.S. degree in Telecommunications-Information Technology from Michigan State University.
Ryan Lehman, Director of Health, BT in the Americas, BT Global Services
Ryan Lehman leads the growth of BT’s Health IT business in the Americas, applying the knowledge and expertise the company has built in delivering health IT solutions to the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) and around the world. He has spent 18 years selling and delivering large-scale integrated IT programs in the defense and healthcare industries, providing leadership across the lifecycle of complex and major program management and delivery. Since joining BT in 2005, Lehman has held key roles in the company’s health vertical, working with customers to shape solutions to their business needs and running the programs to deliver those solutions. This experience extends across BT’s Health business in the United Kingdom, Asia Pacific, and the United States.
Ryan earned a B.S. in Electrical Engineering, an M.S. in Computer Science, and an M.B.A.
Ryan Lehman leads the growth of BT’s Health IT business in the Americas, applying the knowledge and expertise the company has built in delivering health IT solutions to the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) and around the world. He has spent 18 years selling and delivering large-scale integrated IT programs in the defense and healthcare industries, providing leadership across the lifecycle of complex and major program management and delivery. Since joining BT in 2005, Lehman has held key roles in the company’s health vertical, working with customers to shape solutions to their business needs and running the programs to deliver those solutions. This experience extends across BT’s Health business in the United Kingdom, Asia Pacific, and the United States.
Ryan earned a B.S. in Electrical Engineering, an M.S. in Computer Science, and an M.B.A.
For more than 30 years, Randy Lowe has represented both providers and users of communication
services and networks and is actively engaged in structuring and helping to sustain next generation networks on behalf of healthcare providers. He began his career with AT&T in Washington, D.C., and New York City and then ITT, where he represented its domestic and foreign communications subsidiaries. Prior to joining Davis Wright Tremaine LLP, Lowe was the executive vice president and chief legal officer for Prism Communications, Inc. and a member of its Office of the President, where he was charged with implementing the design, construction and operation of a nationwide, integrated voice and broadband data network.
Philip Macres, Principal, Klein Law Group PLLC
Philip Macres is a principal with Klein Law Group PLLC. He has more than 20 years of experience in the telecommunications industry, with more than 15 years practicing communications law. Macres primarily represents competitive providers of wireline and wireless telecommunications and information services on regulatory policy, compliance, litigation and dispute resolution matters before the FCC, state public service commissions and federal courts. His experience also includes advising rural local exchange carriers, along with litigating access charge disputes and negotiating commercial contracts with incumbent carriers. Prior to becoming an attorney, Macres worked for more than five years with Sprint’s former ILEC affiliate in Florida, where he held various positions in the regulatory and marketing departments. Macres is a member of the Federal Communications Bar Association and is co-chair of the Wireline Committee. He is admitted to the District of Columbia and Florida Bars. He received a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Florida and a J.D. from Stetson University College of Law.
Philip Macres is a principal with Klein Law Group PLLC. He has more than 20 years of experience in the telecommunications industry, with more than 15 years practicing communications law. Macres primarily represents competitive providers of wireline and wireless telecommunications and information services on regulatory policy, compliance, litigation and dispute resolution matters before the FCC, state public service commissions and federal courts. His experience also includes advising rural local exchange carriers, along with litigating access charge disputes and negotiating commercial contracts with incumbent carriers. Prior to becoming an attorney, Macres worked for more than five years with Sprint’s former ILEC affiliate in Florida, where he held various positions in the regulatory and marketing departments. Macres is a member of the Federal Communications Bar Association and is co-chair of the Wireline Committee. He is admitted to the District of Columbia and Florida Bars. He received a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Florida and a J.D. from Stetson University College of Law.
Milo Medin has been part of the Internet development community for more than 25 years. He is currently the vice president of Access Services at Google, where he oversees the company’s Gigabit Fiber to the Home project and other efforts to improve access to the Internet. Prior to joining Google in 2010, he was founder and CTO of M2Z Networks, a company that sought to deploy a national broadband wireless network system, and he was co-founder and CTO of Excite@Home, where he led the development of the company's national infrastructure and helped deliver the first large-scale residential broadband access service in partnership with major cable operators, including the development of the DOCSIS cable modem standard. Earlier, Medin worked at NASA's Ames Research Center, where he developed the first peering point between backbone networks,managed primary West coast interconnect for the Internet and architected and managed the global NASA Science Internet, including the deployment of the first Internet connections to a number of countries around the world. Medin majored in computer science at UC Berkeley. He has participated in a number of public policy forums, including two National Academy of Sciences panels, given testimony in Congress and before the FCC on broadband technology policy, and served on the PCAST working group on Spectrum Sharing. He holds several patents in the field of network access technology, and sits on the FCC’s Technical Advisory Committee.
Craig Moffett has consistently been ranked as the top analyst in the U.S. in both the U.S. Telecom and Cable & Satellite sectors. He was rated the #1 analyst in the U.S. Telecommunications sector by Bloomberg Markets in their first annual research poll in 2012, and has been ranked among the top analysts in Telecommunications in the U.S. in Institutional Investor’s survey every year since 2008, securing the #1 ranking in 2011 and #2 ranking in 2012. He has received Greenwich’s #1 Research Quality ranking in the U.S. Telecommunications sector in each of the past four years. Moffett has also been ranked as the top analyst in the U.S. Cable and Satellite sector. He was ranked #1 for eight consecutive years, from 2005-2012, according to both Institutional Investor Magazine and the Greenwich Research quality rankings. Mr. Moffett spent more than eleven years at The Boston Consulting Group, where he was a Partner and Vice President specializing in telecommunications. His relationship with a U.S. RBOC spanned more than a decade, and he was the author of more than 20 articles about the telecommunications industry during the 1990s. Moffett graduated from Harvard Business School with Honors in 1989. He received a BA from Brown University phi beta kappa in 1984.
Melissa Newman is senior vice president - Federal Policy and Regulatory Affairs for CenturyLink, where she is responsible for developing, implementing and coordinating the company’s advocacy at the FCC, other federal regulatory agencies and with the administration. Prior to Qwest’s merger with CenturyLink, Newman was Vice President - Federal Relations at Qwest Communications International, Inc. She also has served as deputy division chief of the Policy Division in the FCC's Common Carrier Bureau, and as legal counsel to the Common Carrier Bureau Chief. Prior to these positions, Newman was an associate at the law firm of Willkie Farr & Gallagher, where she practiced communications law.
She is a member of the Board of Directors of the National Exchange Carriers Association (NECA). Newman earned a B.A. from the University of Minnesota and a J.D. from the Washington University School of Law.
Greg Ortyl is a seasoned technology sales executive with a distinguished history of building long-lasting, trusting relationships across a broad range of telecommunications and technology organizations, with a majority of his career focused on the wireless backhaul industry. Today, Ortyl is responsible for all sales, marketing and business development functions within PEG Bandwidth. Prior to founding PEG Bandwidth in early 2009, Ortyl served as a director and vice president in the Wireless Backhaul Sales organization at Level 3 Communications, where he managed a sales team selling cell site backhaul services to the major U.S. wireless operators. Before that, he served as a national account director at FiberTower, where he developed, managed and maintained crucial large wireless carrier relationships on a nationwide basis. Ortyl also has held key sales positions at LightCore, New Edge Networks, Gabriel Communications and started his career at Southwestern Bell Mobile Systems. Ortyl earned an undergraduate degree in Communications and an M.B.A. from St. Louis University.
Peter Radizeski, Consultant, RAD-INFO, Inc.
Peter Radizeski is an accomplished blogger, author, agent and consultant in the telecom industry.
He has helped many telecommunications companies with sales training, marketing, channel development and business strategy.
He is a trusted source of knowledge about the telecom sector.
Peter Radizeski is an accomplished blogger, author, agent and consultant in the telecom industry.
He has helped many telecommunications companies with sales training, marketing, channel development and business strategy.
He is a trusted source of knowledge about the telecom sector.
Tim Naramore has served as chief technology officer of Masergy since March 2008, where he is responsible for the Information Technology, Product Management, Network Engineering and Software Engineering groups. Prior to joining Masergy, Naramore served as CIO and group vice president of IT at McLeodUSA. He previously held CIO positions at Broadwing Communications and Allegiance Telecom, Inc., was director of Product Development at Netcom/ICG, and held a variety of technical positions at Frito-Lay Inc., Boeing Computer Services and Texas Instruments. Naramore earned a B.S. degree in Information Systems from Pittsburg State University.
Erin Ostler is responsible for the entire wireless, wireline, M2M portfolio for wholesale customers at Sprint. She has more than 20 years of sales, management, marketing and product development in the domestic and international telecommunications industry with and for Fortune 100 companies, as well as startups. She has a solid working knowledge of leading-edge technologies within the wireless, data, IP, M2M, voice and hardware segments and has been successful in founding and operating three technology companies in the Midwest. As a multi-year Presidents Circle honoree, her vision and experience has driven strong customer partner relationships throughout the nation.
Ray Patalano is the director of Solutions & Partner Marketing at Cyan Inc. He has worked for several premier companies in the networking industry, including Ciena, Motorola, Vanguard Managed Solutions and 3Com; and held positions of increasing responsibility including product line manager, field marketing manager, business development manager, and director of Channel Sales and Business Development. Patalano’s main areas of expertise are in developing go-to-market and vertical marketing strategies for strategic customers and partners. He has nearly 20 years of experience in helping high-tech organizations determine the best approach in delivering integrated networking solutions to better serve their customers. He has been a featured speaker and guest in numerous publications and media appearances including; CBS’s The Early Show, WBZ News Radio Boston, Health Management Technology, Police Magazine, Security Magazine, Remote Site Magazine and Computer Telephony. He earned a B.S. degree in Management Information Systems from Northeastern University.
Prayson Pate, Chief Technologist, Overture
Prayson Pate is the co-founder and chief technologist at Overture, the preferred provider of carrier Ethernet solutions for the metro edge. Since 1983, he has been building Ethernet and telecom products and delivering them to major carriers, both as an individual developer and as a leader of development teams. Pate is now focused on evangelizing and supporting Overture's new Ensemble OSA architecture. He earned a B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering from Duke, an Master’s degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from NC State and is the holder of nine U.S. patents.
Prayson Pate is the co-founder and chief technologist at Overture, the preferred provider of carrier Ethernet solutions for the metro edge. Since 1983, he has been building Ethernet and telecom products and delivering them to major carriers, both as an individual developer and as a leader of development teams. Pate is now focused on evangelizing and supporting Overture's new Ensemble OSA architecture. He earned a B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering from Duke, an Master’s degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from NC State and is the holder of nine U.S. patents.
Chip Pickering became CEO of COMPTEL in January 2014. Pickering was a six-term Congressman, representing Mississippi’s Third District. During this time, he served on the House Energy & Commerce Committee, where he was vice chairman from 2002 to 2006 and a member of the Telecommunications Subcommittee. He also was co-chairman and founder of the Congressional Wireless Caucus and an assistant minority whip of the House. Previously, Pickering worked for Sen. Trent Lott (R-Miss.) and served as a staff member on the Senate Commerce Committee, where he helped shape the Telecommunications Act of 1996. Because of his role in drafting the 1996 Act, he became well known as a Congressional leader on telecommunications issues. Most recently, Pickering was a partner with Capitol Resources LLC, a public affairs and government relations firm, where he represented an array of telecom clients, including wireless, cable and competitive broadband providers, as well as non-profits and companies specializing in education, energy, technology and defense. There, he also played a vital role as one of the principal negotiators in developing a wireless industry agreement for interoperability in the 700 block.
Matthew M. Polka is responsible for the daily operations and affairs of the American Cable Association, a 900-member non-profit association dedicated to serving the needs of independent, smaller and medium-sized cable businesses and the owners of smaller cable television systems across the United States. He joined the Association as its first president in May 1997. Prior to that, he was the vice president and general counsel of Star Cable Associates. In five years of private legal practice from 1986 through 1990, Polka specialized in civil litigation and corporate practice with the Pittsburgh law firms of Buchanan Ingersoll Professional Corporation and Thorp, Reed & Armstrong, representing a number of independent cable television clients in a variety of corporate transactions, contract negotiations and litigation matters. Mr. Polka, a frequent speaker throughout the cable industry, has been a member of the CableFAX 100 list for multiple years and in 2009 was named a “Cable Television Pioneer.” Polka earned a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from West Virginia Univer¬sity and a J.D. from Duquesne University School of Law, where he was editor of the Law School Newsmagazine, JURIS, and recipient of the Law School's Most Distinguished Graduate award.
Duncan Puller is vice president of data center and cloud strategy at Ciena Corporation. In this role, he is responsible for developing strategic relationships with key datacenter, cloud and content providers, to collaboratively bring innovative solutions to market, strengthening Ciena’s importance in this segment.
Puller joined Ciena from Sidera Networks, where he was vice president of cloud services and was responsible for building strategic relationships within the datacenter, cloud and content ecosystem. Previously he held executive roles at Nimbus Exchange, SAVVIS, Cable & Wireless, and UUNET, where he developed solutions to address complex client issues that leveraged datacenter and communications infrastructure at their core. Puller earned a B.S degree in Management Science from Virginia Tech and an M.S. degree in Telecommunication from George Washington University.
As AT&T’s Senior Vice Presidentâ€ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂFederal Regulatory and Chief Privacy Officer, Robert W. Quinn, Jr. leads AT&T’s Federal Regulatory group which is responsible for all regulatory matters affecting AT&T and its affiliates before the Federal Communications Commission. Quinn is also responsible for customer privacy policies at the international, federal and state level across all lines of businesses. Prior to being appointed to his current position on February 1, 2006, Quinn served as Vice President, Federal Regulatory Affairs for AT&T Corp. in Washington, DC where he represented AT&T before the Federal Communications Commission and the United States Department of Justice.
A Chicago native, Mr. Quinn graduated from the University of Illinoisâ€ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂChicago with a bachelor’s degree in English. He also received his J.D. with Honor from DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois where he served as Managing Editor of Lead Articles for the DePaul Law Review.
Dr. Jonathan Reeve, Senior Director for Cloud Product Marketing, CenturyLink
Dr. Jonathan Reeve is CenturyLink’s senior director for Cloud Product Marketing, leading all product marketing, sales enablement and product communications for the Cloud & Hosting segments for CenturyLink Technology Solutions. With more than 20 years of experience in the IT industry, Reeve has enjoyed leadership roles in product marketing and management for technology vendors and service providers across both Fortune 500 companies and start-ups. Prior to joining CenturyLink, he was with VM Turbo, where he led product marketing for a suite of virtualization and cloud management products. His professional experience integrates hands-on technology development with executive-level management. He has been responsible for all aspects of product management and marketing direction including product innovation; research and development; competitive analysis; primary and secondary market research; strategy and roadmap design; portfolio management; patent writing; development team management; hands-on leadership and support for sales, marketing, engineering, and external customers; business development and partnership activities; and extensive work with distributed development teams across different cultures and time zones. Reeve earned a B.S. and Ph.D. in Electronic Engineering from the University of Durham in the United Kingdom.
Tom Savard, Vice President, Product & Technology Development, Transition Networks
Tom Savard, Ph.D., joined Transition Networks in January 2013. In his role as vice president of Product & Technology Development, Savard is responsible for directing R&D, product management and marketing for Transition Networks’ portfolios. Savard’s background in innovation and portfolio management practices spans several industries including automotive, defense and space, and medical devices. He has a Six Sigma Master Black Belt, and following several successful DMAIC and DFSS projects, he has developed an expertise in developing organizations that reduce time to market, improve product quality and increase the return on R&D investment. Savard earned a B.A. from St. John’s University and an M.S. and Ph.D. in Physics from Duke University.
Tom Savard, Ph.D., joined Transition Networks in January 2013. In his role as vice president of Product & Technology Development, Savard is responsible for directing R&D, product management and marketing for Transition Networks’ portfolios. Savard’s background in innovation and portfolio management practices spans several industries including automotive, defense and space, and medical devices. He has a Six Sigma Master Black Belt, and following several successful DMAIC and DFSS projects, he has developed an expertise in developing organizations that reduce time to market, improve product quality and increase the return on R&D investment. Savard earned a B.A. from St. John’s University and an M.S. and Ph.D. in Physics from Duke University.
Jeff Schilling, Chief Security Officer, FireHost
Ret. Col. Jeff Schilling is chief security officer of FireHost, where he is responsible for the cyber and physical security programs for the corporate environment and customer hosted capabilities.
Previous to joining FireHost, Schilling was the director of the Global Incident Response practice for Dell SecureWorks, where his team supported more than 300 customers with incident response planning, capabilities development, digital forensics investigations and active incident management. Schilling retired from the U.S. Army after 24 years of service in July 2012. In his last assignment, he was the director of the Army’s global Security Operations Center under U.S. Army Cyber Command. In this position, Schilling was responsible for synchronizing the global security operations/monitoring and incident response for more than 1 million computer systems, on 350 wide area networks, supporting all Army organizations in over 2,500 locations. Previous to this position, Schilling was the director of the Department of Defense’s global Security Operations Center with Joint Task Force Global Network Operations, where he managed security operations and global incident management for more than 4 million globally connected computer systems.
Ret. Col. Jeff Schilling is chief security officer of FireHost, where he is responsible for the cyber and physical security programs for the corporate environment and customer hosted capabilities.
Previous to joining FireHost, Schilling was the director of the Global Incident Response practice for Dell SecureWorks, where his team supported more than 300 customers with incident response planning, capabilities development, digital forensics investigations and active incident management. Schilling retired from the U.S. Army after 24 years of service in July 2012. In his last assignment, he was the director of the Army’s global Security Operations Center under U.S. Army Cyber Command. In this position, Schilling was responsible for synchronizing the global security operations/monitoring and incident response for more than 1 million computer systems, on 350 wide area networks, supporting all Army organizations in over 2,500 locations. Previous to this position, Schilling was the director of the Department of Defense’s global Security Operations Center with Joint Task Force Global Network Operations, where he managed security operations and global incident management for more than 4 million globally connected computer systems.
The Honorable John B. Shadegg, Partner, Steptoe & Johnson
John B. Shadegg, a former U.S. Congressman, is a partner in Steptoe's Washington and Phoenix offices. Shadegg was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1994 and served eight terms before retiring from Congress in 2010. He currently practices in Steptoe’s Government Affairs & Public Policy Group, where he consults on matters related to energy, healthcare and healthcare reform, as well as telecommunications. He also focuses on a variety of issues in state and federal trial and appellate courts, in state legislatures and Congress, and before regulatory agencies. During his 16 years in Congress, Shadegg served on the Energy and Commerce Committee and a variety of its subcommittees, including Energy and Power, Environment, Health, and Telecom. He also was named to the House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming. In addition, he served on the Budget, Financial Services, Natural Resources, and Government Reform committees and the Select Committee on Homeland Security. From 2005-2006, Shadegg served as chairman of the House Republican Policy Committee, the fifth-ranking position in elected House Republican Leadership. Previously, he chaired the Republican Study Committee, the largest conservative organization in the House. Prior to being elected to Congress, he practiced law privately in Phoenix, served as a special assistant attorney general in Arizona and as special counsel to the Arizona state House Republican caucus. He was a founding director of the Goldwater Institute for Public Policy and is now a senior fellow of the Institute. He also served as an assistant to former Arizona Governor Jack Williams and clerked for Chief Justice James Duke Cameron of the Arizona Supreme Court. Shadegg earned a J.D. and a B.A. from the University of Arizona.
John B. Shadegg, a former U.S. Congressman, is a partner in Steptoe's Washington and Phoenix offices. Shadegg was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1994 and served eight terms before retiring from Congress in 2010. He currently practices in Steptoe’s Government Affairs & Public Policy Group, where he consults on matters related to energy, healthcare and healthcare reform, as well as telecommunications. He also focuses on a variety of issues in state and federal trial and appellate courts, in state legislatures and Congress, and before regulatory agencies. During his 16 years in Congress, Shadegg served on the Energy and Commerce Committee and a variety of its subcommittees, including Energy and Power, Environment, Health, and Telecom. He also was named to the House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming. In addition, he served on the Budget, Financial Services, Natural Resources, and Government Reform committees and the Select Committee on Homeland Security. From 2005-2006, Shadegg served as chairman of the House Republican Policy Committee, the fifth-ranking position in elected House Republican Leadership. Previously, he chaired the Republican Study Committee, the largest conservative organization in the House. Prior to being elected to Congress, he practiced law privately in Phoenix, served as a special assistant attorney general in Arizona and as special counsel to the Arizona state House Republican caucus. He was a founding director of the Goldwater Institute for Public Policy and is now a senior fellow of the Institute. He also served as an assistant to former Arizona Governor Jack Williams and clerked for Chief Justice James Duke Cameron of the Arizona Supreme Court. Shadegg earned a J.D. and a B.A. from the University of Arizona.
Jeff Shaffer, Group Leader for the North Texas Electronic Crimes Task Force Manager, Digital Forensics Lab, U.S. Secret Service, Department of Homeland Security
Senior Special Agent Jeff Shaffer has been with the U.S. Secret Service for 24 years. He spent five-and-a-half years on the Presidential Protective Division for Presidents Clinton and Bush, but has spent the majority of his career in the area of electronic crimes. Shaffer currently holds two positions: group leader for the North Texas Electronic Crimes Task Force, where he manages their mobile investigations and network intrusion cases, and manager of their Digital Forensics Lab. Shaffer is a founding member of both the Mobile Interest Group and the North Texas Chapter of the Cloud Security Alliance. He was previously assigned to Secret Service Headquarters in the Electronic Crimes Branch for more than two years, where he researched smart card technology and managed the National Mobile Devices Program. In addition to conducting protective advances worldwide, Shaffer has investigated cases involving credit card and identity fraud, counterfeit currency, and other government obligations, as well as narcotics and telecommunications fraud. He has spent 15 years in telecommunications and electronic crimes.
Eitan Schwartz is RAD’s Vice-President, responsible for the service provider line of business in North America. He has been instrumental in developing RAD’s Carrier Ethernet strategy including Business, Wholesale and Mobile Backhaul services over Packet Switched Networks as well as Legacy TDM/SONET Migration to Ethernet. Schwartz joined RAD Israel in 1991 as manager of technical support and later relocated to the United States where he served in such capacities as Director of Technical Services and Vice President of Engineering. He holds degrees in electrical engineering and computer science.
Fedor Smith, President, ATLANTIC-ACM
Fedor Smith is the president of ATLANTIC-ACM, a market research and consulting firm based on Boston, where he specializes in operations analysis, customer feedback research and market sizing. Smith heads up proprietary projects, ranging from competitive benchmarking to customer satisfaction for major telecommunications providers and Smith has worked extensively in both the wireless and wireline markets. He also has been regular panelist and speaker at some of the nation’s premier prepaid and mobile conferences. Prior to joining ATLANTIC-ACM, Smith worked at Alloy Media and Marketing in New York City, Eureka Broadband and Putnam Investments. Smith earned a Bachelor’s degree in History and Economics from Hamilton College and has done graduate work in finance, marketing and operations management at Harvard University.
Fedor Smith is the president of ATLANTIC-ACM, a market research and consulting firm based on Boston, where he specializes in operations analysis, customer feedback research and market sizing. Smith heads up proprietary projects, ranging from competitive benchmarking to customer satisfaction for major telecommunications providers and Smith has worked extensively in both the wireless and wireline markets. He also has been regular panelist and speaker at some of the nation’s premier prepaid and mobile conferences. Prior to joining ATLANTIC-ACM, Smith worked at Alloy Media and Marketing in New York City, Eureka Broadband and Putnam Investments. Smith earned a Bachelor’s degree in History and Economics from Hamilton College and has done graduate work in finance, marketing and operations management at Harvard University.
Drew Snow, Vice President of Member Services, Metroplex Technology Business Council
Drew Snow is the vice president of Member Services for the Metroplex Technology Business Council and the Richardson Chamber of Commerce. He is responsible for recruiting and retaining members for both groups, as well as developing new services for both groups. During his career, Snow has served as corporate relations director for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, covering Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arkansas, as well as working in the federal regulatory and legislative arena. He also worked for MultiAd Software, where he moved the company to a digital platform that included the implementation of a digital asset management system and outsourced all consumer package goods photography for Kroger Food Stores in 2001. Earlier in his career, he was worked start-up web development company AIVIA, and managed a $20 million portfolio of national retail clients for The Dallas Times Herald and Dallas Morning News. Snow earned a B.F.A. in Journalism from Southern Methodist University, certificates in mass merchandising and retailing from the Cox School of Business, and a certification in E-Commerce from the Bobby Lyle School of Engineering.
Drew Snow is the vice president of Member Services for the Metroplex Technology Business Council and the Richardson Chamber of Commerce. He is responsible for recruiting and retaining members for both groups, as well as developing new services for both groups. During his career, Snow has served as corporate relations director for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, covering Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arkansas, as well as working in the federal regulatory and legislative arena. He also worked for MultiAd Software, where he moved the company to a digital platform that included the implementation of a digital asset management system and outsourced all consumer package goods photography for Kroger Food Stores in 2001. Earlier in his career, he was worked start-up web development company AIVIA, and managed a $20 million portfolio of national retail clients for The Dallas Times Herald and Dallas Morning News. Snow earned a B.F.A. in Journalism from Southern Methodist University, certificates in mass merchandising and retailing from the Cox School of Business, and a certification in E-Commerce from the Bobby Lyle School of Engineering.
Vaughn Suazo is 20-year veteran in the technology field with experience in server technologies, LAN/WAN networking and network security. His career at Cisco began in 1999, working directly with service provider customers. Suazo has achieved certifications as a dual CCIE for “Routing and Switching” and “Security.” His primary responsibility at Cisco today is as a distinguished systems engineer (DSE) for service provider customers, specializing in DC and IP NGN architectures. As a DSE, Suazo provides subject matter expertise for current industry trends, service provider solutions and architectures, strategic planning and proof-of-concept testing. Before working at Cisco, he worked with technology companies providing customers network design consulting, pre- and post-deployment support and network audits for many enterprise and commercial companies in the Tulsa and Oklahoma City areas.
Ryan Stafford, Director Marketing Communications, Emerging Business Markets, AT&T
Ryan Stafford began his career in 1999 in finance and has held a variety of positions in network, advertising, operations, marketing, consumer sales and retail. Prior to joining AT&T as director of Marketing Communications for Emerging Business Markets, Stafford was responsible for running AT&T’s company-owned and indirect retail sales organization in Oklahoma. Stafford joined the Emerging Business Group at the Foundry in Plano, Texas, in February 2013 to lead marketing communication efforts for the AT&T Partner Exchange. Stafford earned a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Oklahoma State University and an M.B.A. from the University of Dallas.
Ryan Stafford began his career in 1999 in finance and has held a variety of positions in network, advertising, operations, marketing, consumer sales and retail. Prior to joining AT&T as director of Marketing Communications for Emerging Business Markets, Stafford was responsible for running AT&T’s company-owned and indirect retail sales organization in Oklahoma. Stafford joined the Emerging Business Group at the Foundry in Plano, Texas, in February 2013 to lead marketing communication efforts for the AT&T Partner Exchange. Stafford earned a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Oklahoma State University and an M.B.A. from the University of Dallas.
Sara Straley, Director of Product Development, Emerging Business Markets, AT&T
Sara Straley works in the Emerging Business Markets organization at AT&T where she has responsibility for driving adoption and consumption of APIs. She joined AT&T as part of the Leadership Development Program in 2004. During her 10 year career at AT&T, she has held various leadership positions in Business Marketing and most recently, Emerging Business Markets. Her primary experience has been in business-to-business marketing, where she helped launch the Business U-verse Internet product and established a mid-markets campaign marketing team. In November 2012, Straley was asked to join the Emerging Business Markets organization and build a digital experience and channel enablement team to support AT&T Partner Exchange. Most recently, her focus has shifted to help drive adoption and consumption of a new API platform built to support strategic services. In this role, Sara has assembled a high-performing team to help transform the way AT&T sells products in the business space. She earned a Bachelor’s degree from the Southern Methodist University Cox School of Business.
Sara Straley works in the Emerging Business Markets organization at AT&T where she has responsibility for driving adoption and consumption of APIs. She joined AT&T as part of the Leadership Development Program in 2004. During her 10 year career at AT&T, she has held various leadership positions in Business Marketing and most recently, Emerging Business Markets. Her primary experience has been in business-to-business marketing, where she helped launch the Business U-verse Internet product and established a mid-markets campaign marketing team. In November 2012, Straley was asked to join the Emerging Business Markets organization and build a digital experience and channel enablement team to support AT&T Partner Exchange. Most recently, her focus has shifted to help drive adoption and consumption of a new API platform built to support strategic services. In this role, Sara has assembled a high-performing team to help transform the way AT&T sells products in the business space. She earned a Bachelor’s degree from the Southern Methodist University Cox School of Business.
Deborah Ward, CEO, TSI, and Chairwoman, COMPTEL Board of Directors
Deb Ward is a seasoned and respected veteran in the telecom industry, providing leadership and strategic direction to various companies since the early 1980s, when she initially founded TMS, a Pacific Bell Joint User in California that resold local and long distance services. In 1999, she founded TSI, a nationwide switchless reseller, reselling local and long distance services. Ward is well versed in all aspects of the business, from sales and marketing to network and product development. Today, TSI (Televergence Solutions Inc.) is a facilities-based carrier providing long distance, international and toll-free services to carriers, resellers, agents and retail end users via traditional TDM and/or VoIP interconnections. Ward is one of the few female CEOs in a male dominated and highly competitive telecom space, and she is a regular contributor to various groups devoted to the promotion of females in executive leadership positions.
Deb Ward is a seasoned and respected veteran in the telecom industry, providing leadership and strategic direction to various companies since the early 1980s, when she initially founded TMS, a Pacific Bell Joint User in California that resold local and long distance services. In 1999, she founded TSI, a nationwide switchless reseller, reselling local and long distance services. Ward is well versed in all aspects of the business, from sales and marketing to network and product development. Today, TSI (Televergence Solutions Inc.) is a facilities-based carrier providing long distance, international and toll-free services to carriers, resellers, agents and retail end users via traditional TDM and/or VoIP interconnections. Ward is one of the few female CEOs in a male dominated and highly competitive telecom space, and she is a regular contributor to various groups devoted to the promotion of females in executive leadership positions.
Kevin Wheeler, Founder and Managing Director, InfoDefense
An industry veteran, Kevin Wheeler has more than 17 years of information security, IT audit and compliance experience. He is the founder and managing director at InfoDefense, an information security services firm that specializes in IT governance, risk and compliance.
Wheeler has performed information security audits and assessments, as well as network security design, computer incident response, business continuity planning and IT security training for organizations in the financial services, healthcare, government and IT services industries. Wheeler’s project and employment portfolio includes organizations such as the United States Department of Defense, Bank of America, H-P (formerly EDS), Symantec and the State of Texas. Kevin authored “IT Auditing: Using Controls to Protect Information Assets,” a McGraw-Hill publication. He also has been adjunct IT governance, risk and compliance professor at Southern Methodist University, as well as a frequent speaker at information security and information technology audit conferences.
An industry veteran, Kevin Wheeler has more than 17 years of information security, IT audit and compliance experience. He is the founder and managing director at InfoDefense, an information security services firm that specializes in IT governance, risk and compliance.
Wheeler has performed information security audits and assessments, as well as network security design, computer incident response, business continuity planning and IT security training for organizations in the financial services, healthcare, government and IT services industries. Wheeler’s project and employment portfolio includes organizations such as the United States Department of Defense, Bank of America, H-P (formerly EDS), Symantec and the State of Texas. Kevin authored “IT Auditing: Using Controls to Protect Information Assets,” a McGraw-Hill publication. He also has been adjunct IT governance, risk and compliance professor at Southern Methodist University, as well as a frequent speaker at information security and information technology audit conferences.
Tom Wheeler became the 31st Chairman of the FCC on November 4, 2013. For more than three decades, Chairman Wheeler has been involved with new telecommunications networks and services, experiencing the revolution in telecommunications as a policy expert, an advocate, and a businessman. As an entrepreneur, he started or helped start multiple companies offering innovative cable, wireless, and video communications services. He is the only person to be selected to both the Cable Television Hall of Fame and The Wireless Hall of Fame. Prior to joining the FCC, Chairman Wheeler was managing director at Core Capital Partners, a venture capital firm investing in early stage IP-based companies. He served as president and CEO of Shiloh Group LLC, a strategy development and private investment company specializing in telecommunications services and co-founded SmartBrief, the Internet’s largest electronic information service for vertical markets. From 1976 to 1984, Chairman Wheeler was associated with the National Cable Television Association (NCTA), where he was president and CEO from 1979 to 1984. Following NCTA, he was CEO of several high tech companies, including the first company to offer high-speed delivery of data to home computers and the first digital video satellite service. From 1992 to 2004, Chairman Wheeler served as president and CEO of the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association (CTIA). Presidents Clinton and Bush each appointed Chairman Wheeler a Trustee of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, where he served for 12 years. He is also the former Chairman and President of the Foundation for the National Archives, the non-profit organization dedicated to telling the American Story through its documents, and a former board member of the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). Chairman Wheeler is a graduate of The Ohio State University and the recipient of its Alumni Medal.
Geoff Why, Member, Mintz Levin
Geoffrey Why has substantial experience in prominent policy and legislative issues affecting the cable, broadband, wireline, and wireless industries. Prior to joining Mintz Levin, he served as a commissioner (2009-2014) and general counsel (2007 - 2009) of the Massachusetts Department of Telecommunications and Cable (DTC). While Commissioner, Why led the DTC on a number of fronts, including spearheading state interests at the FCC regarding the upcoming spectrum auction, public safety, broadband deployment, IP transition and Universal Service Fund reform. He also was heavily involved in adjudicating cable rate cases, handling interconnection disputes, and enabling wireless companies to do business in the Commonwealth as “eligible telecommunications carriers.” In addition, Geoffrey initiated investigations regarding telephone service quality and the federally funded Lifeline program, chaired the FCC’s Section 706 Joint Conference on Advanced Telecommunications Services and co-chaired the North American Numbering Council. He also was a member of the FCC’s Communications Security, Reliability and Interoperability Council and the New England Conference of Public Utilities Commissioners. Earlier in his career, Why served as an assistant attorney general in the Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General, Consumer Protection and Antitrust Division, where he investigated and litigated matters related to consumer protection and antitrust law and specialized in enforcement actions with telecommunications and cable companies. He also served as assistant district attorney at the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office, Appellate Division.
Geoffrey Why has substantial experience in prominent policy and legislative issues affecting the cable, broadband, wireline, and wireless industries. Prior to joining Mintz Levin, he served as a commissioner (2009-2014) and general counsel (2007 - 2009) of the Massachusetts Department of Telecommunications and Cable (DTC). While Commissioner, Why led the DTC on a number of fronts, including spearheading state interests at the FCC regarding the upcoming spectrum auction, public safety, broadband deployment, IP transition and Universal Service Fund reform. He also was heavily involved in adjudicating cable rate cases, handling interconnection disputes, and enabling wireless companies to do business in the Commonwealth as “eligible telecommunications carriers.” In addition, Geoffrey initiated investigations regarding telephone service quality and the federally funded Lifeline program, chaired the FCC’s Section 706 Joint Conference on Advanced Telecommunications Services and co-chaired the North American Numbering Council. He also was a member of the FCC’s Communications Security, Reliability and Interoperability Council and the New England Conference of Public Utilities Commissioners. Earlier in his career, Why served as an assistant attorney general in the Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General, Consumer Protection and Antitrust Division, where he investigated and litigated matters related to consumer protection and antitrust law and specialized in enforcement actions with telecommunications and cable companies. He also served as assistant district attorney at the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office, Appellate Division.
Lisa R. Youngers, Vice President and Assistant General Counsel - Federal Affairs, XO Communications
Lisa Youngers is vice president and assistant general counsel - Federal Affairs at XO Communications, where she is responsible for all federal policy, regulatory and legislative matters affecting XO’s interests before the FCC, Congress and all levels of executive administration, including regulatory and legislative strategy. Youngers also oversees the company’s corporate PR and messaging. Prior to joining XO, she was federal regulatory counsel for General Communication, Inc., in Washington D.C., a telecommunications and cable television provider operating primarily in the state of Alaska, whom she represented before the FCC on wireline, wireless, universal service, telehealth, and school access issues. Youngers also served as federal regulatory counsel for MCI, appearing before the FCC on competition policy, enforcement matters, and consumer issues. Youngers is a former assistant attorney general for the state of Minnesota, where she served as legal counsel to the Minnesota PUC. A former television news producer, Youngers is a frequent presenter at industry events, has appeared on C-SPAN, and has been quoted in several publications regarding regulatory and public policy matters. Youngers earned a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin and received her J.D. magna cum laude from William Mitchell College of Law. She is a member of the Minnesota and District of Columbia Bars.