Jim leads Heavy Reading's research on the service assurance and security impact of the virtualized cloud on the control plane and application layers, both in the fixed and mobile core and at the enterprise edge. Jim focuses on the security impacts that cloud-based technologies such as 5G introduce from a cyber-threat detection perspective, as well as billing and service assurance transformation implications. Jim joined Heavy Reading from Nortel Networks, where he tracked the VoIP and application server market landscape and was a key contributor to the development of Wireless Intelligent Network (WIN) standards. Additional technical experience was gained with Bell Canada, where he performed IN and SS7 network planning, numbering administration, technical model forecast creation and definition of regulatory-based interconnection models. Jim is based in Ottawa, Canada.

Kirsten currently leads Transformation for AT&T’s Cybersecurity Operations and is responsible for capital strategy, platform modernization, data analytics, and vendor management. Prior to taking the Cybersecurity role, she was responsible for Org Optimization of a global workforce of over 25,000 people.

Kirsten strives to make a difference in employees lives and inspire them to do their best work. Her high performing teams, with extraordinary engagement scores, collaborate within and across organizations and feel comfortable taking risks that lead to innovation such as:

• a Customer Communication approach and application that facilitated near perfect CX ratings during a high-profile divestiture
• Operations first virtual assistant (Simone) that enabled redeployment of many employees to higher value work
• Operations first Workforce Analytics solution (Org Optimization Dashboard) that provides leaders 24X7 mobile-friendly access to their data

Ohad Kushner heads ServiceNow’s Technology, Media and Telecom (TMT) go-to-market functions for the America’s region. In his role, he spearheads the company’s activities with new and existing customers in these sectors around generating and realizing value from their investments in the company’s product portfolio.

Prior to joining ServiceNow, Ohad spent nearly 15 years at AT&T, in a variety of strategy and transformation roles – across AT&T’s Technology org’ and mostly within AT&T”s Business Unit. In his latest roles, he led strategic transformation programs across AT&T Business within its Transformation Office.

Ohad lives in the Boston area with his wife, 3 children and dog. He drums amateurly in a local cover band.

Proven technical leader with 30+ years of expertise in driving innovation and new product launches with advanced network technologies which enable new services that establish revenue generation and produce cost reductions. Focused on maximizing value of technology, utilizing SDN automation including virtualized network platforms and cloud native ecosystems for service providers. Leverage emerging technologies to improve service performance and the customer experience. Able to attract and retain industry leading engineers, leading to successful new product launches, many of which were first in the telecommunications industry.

Robert leads the Cox access engineering team that manages the technical deployments for Cox FTTH builds for both residential and commercial customers. Robert previously led the Cox commercial services engineering that built a national Cox Business services backbone and metro access network. He started his career at BellSouth and later AT&T. He was part of the product management team that launched DSL services as well as the initial fiber-to-the-cell site builds. He is a former board member and treasurer of the Metro Ethernet Forum.

Dean Stoneback is the Senior Director of Engineering and Standards at SCTE•ISBE and is responsible for the development of standards and operational practices for the broadband communications industry. Specific targets include reducing energy usage through the Energy 2020 program; assuring that networks are ready for DOCSIS 3.1 deployments; enabling advanced and IP video services and digital advertising; developing Internet of things (IoT) deployment methods; and supporting the migration of networks from coax to fiber delivery.

Prior to joining SCTE/ISBE in 2014, Dean spent 26 years with the Jerrold division of General Instrument, Motorola and ARRIS. As a senior manager with ARRIS, he most recently was responsible for systems analysis and architecture development for transmission products for the cable industry, including optics, RF, Ethernet and PON products. During his career he has focused primarily on fiber optic, RF and PON transmission systems and has experience in systems engineering, hardware design, and system integration and test.

Dean was editor of and a contributor to the Third Edition of the NCTA Recommended Practices for Measurements on Cable Television Systems in 2002 and the secretary and a contributor to the SCTE Measurement Recommended Practices for Cable Systems, Fourth Edition in 2012. He co-authored a book on the return path entitled, “Broadband Return Systems for Hybrid Fiber/Coax Cable TV Networks.” A longtime participant in the SCTE Standards Program, he was the recipient in 2012 of the SCTE Excellence in Standards award. Dean received a B.S.E.E. degree from Geneva College in Beaver Falls, PA in 1988 and his M.S.E.E. degree from Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA in 1993.