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.

Sue has over 15 years of experience coordinating strategies that unite teams behind value-driven solutions.

She is passionate about creating messaging that reflects the Voice of the Customer that is not full of jargon and techno-babble, but easily understood by business and technical users alike.

Ross Owens (he/him) is a Sales Engineer at Precisely focused on Location Intelligence and Data Enrichment solutions. He’s an experienced GIS data analyst with a demonstrated history of working with retail, financial, mar-tech, and real estate industries. Ross first gained conceptual and technical knowledge of geospatial analysis at Colorado State University and has since applied it to his career. Currently, he’s living in rural Western North Carolina with his partner and chocolate labradoodle, Frank.

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.

Tom Williams is Chief Technology Officer with Schurz Broadband Group. Tom began his career in the cable industry as an R&D engineer at Scientific-Atlanta developing and deploying the first digital set-top boxes. He moved into consulting with KPMG and later joined Comcast as the Regional Director of Engineering where he was first to deploy new technologies for the company including the VOD, HD-DVR, CHSI, HDTV and more. In 2006 Tom joined ARRIS as Vice President of Marketing and Business Development, where he won 2 AMY awards and implemented a company-wide brand transformation and management strategy. Tom returned to consulting, as a Managing Partner with Brightset Consulting specializing in global marketing and communications strategies for technology companies. He joined the Schurz Communications leadership team in 2016 where he drives technology strategy for the company.

Tom is a long-standing member of SCTE, CTAM, NCTC and WICT. He enjoys mentoring young people interested in technology and advanced video related careers. He has served as a Board member on the Baltimore County Technology Council and the Technology Board for the University of Maryland driving technology solutions to serve students and faculty of the college. Tom was inducted into the prestigious Cable TV Pioneers in 2019.

An active participant in his hometown of Atlanta, he enjoys coaching youth sports teams, serving on community technology boards and supporting local and military-owned business growth. Tom is a member of the American Legion and a United States Marine Corps veteran. He is a member of the Marine Corps Memorial Association that educates and connects others on the history of the Corps and the sacrifices of those who serve.