LINTHICUM, Md. -- CIENA Corporation (NASDAQ:CIEN - news), a global leader in intelligent optical networking systems and software, today announced organizational changes and key executive appointments aimed at supporting CIENA's continued growth. As part of those changes, Steve Chaddick assumes an expanded role as CIENA's Chief Strategy Officer. In addition to his previous responsibilities as Senior Vice President of Systems and Technology, Chaddick will be tasked with driving integrated product strategies across the product lines. As Chief Technology Officer, Steve Alexander's responsibilities have been increased to include Systems Technology as well as Network Architecture. Together with Chaddick, Alexander will play a pivotal role in defining CIENA's strategies for intelligent optical networking technologies, systems and solutions. To facilitate greater focus on CIENA's new generation of metropolitan transport products, Jesus Leon will assume leadership of a newly created Metropolitan Transport Division based in Atlanta. Leon's new title will be Senior Vice President of the Metropolitan Transport Division. Michael McCarthy has been named Senior Vice President, Worldwide Sales and Support, and is now charged with directing these activities across CIENA's global organization. "CIENA has grown at a rapid pace and has successfully achieved a leading position in next-generation optical networking. Today's changes are designed to leverage our seasoned management team as we proactively scale our organization while remaining both agile and focused," said Gary Smith, CIENA's president and CEO.Ciena Corp.