Telecom companies have had communication networks available throughout the U.S. for years and utilities have depended on these networks. Now the telecom companies can provide a host of services in addition to connectivity. Are utilities interested?

Chairperson:

Kevin Jones
Industry Solutions Practice Manager, Utilities
AT&T

Mr. Jones is an Industry Solutions Practice Manager with AT&T where he supports and inspires AT&T's smart energy initiatives with AT&T's utility customers and partners. He has over twenty years of experience in the information technology, telecommunications and utility industries. Kevin's roles have spanned product marketing, software development, research & development, network & data center management and business consulting, with leadership roles in each.

Speakers:

Gary Kessler
Director of Operations Technology
Public Service New Mexico Resources (PNMR)

Mr. Kessler is the Director of Operations Technology for Public Service New Mexico Resources (PNMR), responsible for the Smart-Grid and Advanced Metering Technology. He has more than a decade of technical project management experience working for companies such as Boeing Aerospace, Hewlett-Packard, Microsoft, AT&T Wireless and Public Service New Mexico. His work has covered a broad range of products and technologies, from cellular telephony to robotic inspection and power line phasing techniques. His technology experience includes such activities as cellular network implementations, robotic wall crawlers for boilers, power line phasing devices and intelligent electronic devices for substation and grid monitoring.

 

Dave Mayne
Director of Business Development
Digi International

Mr. Mayne is currently the Director of Business Development for Digi International. He's specifically focused on establishing solutions and partnerships in the utility industry. He was involved in the early stages of Automated Meter Reading, working for Itron from 1992 - 1999. During this time, Mr. Mayne held various management positions in Engineering, Sales, and Marketing - helping establish early commercial success for Mobile AMR platforms, while also developing new communication solutions for Itron's MV-90 C&I metering system. After leaving Itron, Mr. Mayne joined GE Security - eventually holding the position as Vice President of the Residential Security Group. He was with GE Security from 1999-2005, with global responsibility for the wireless product offerings.

 

Abbas Bagasra
Distinguished Member, Technology, CTO Office
Verizon

Mr. Bagasra is currently leading the Smart Grid project at Verizon. In 2002 he co-founded the demand-response company Anza Energy Management. Prior to Anza, Mr. Bagasra was a founding member of IP services company SpringTide.

 

Travis Leo
Director, High-Speed Internet Product Management
Qwest Communications International

Mr. Leo has 10+ years experience in product management and telecommunications strategy. In his current role with Qwest Communications, he manages all broadband products including DSL, FTTH, FTTN, CPE and ISP services. His team oversees product management, new product development, DSL pricing & promotional activity, customer retention, customer installation, network build-out, CPE Management and SmartGrid programs. Mr. Leo is also responsible for enterprise-wide fiber deployment for Qwest Communications.