20-Year Verizon Veteran Sawanobori Named CTO at CTIA

CTIA President Meredith Baker made two more leadership changes. Baker Wednesday named Tom Sawanobori senior vice president and chief technology officer. Sawanobori spent 20 years at Verizon and was “lead planner” of the carrier’s 4G LTE network, CTIA said. “With Tom leading the newly created CTO department, our ability to aid our members and serve as a technical resource to policymakers is greatly enhanced,” Baker said. Stephanie Mathews O’Keefe was named senior vice president-chief communications officer. She was formerly at the American Bankers Association. Baker also announced a series of promotions. She said Brad Gillen, formerly chief of staff, will be executive vice president “responsible for CTIA’s day-to-day management and strategic initiatives.” Gillen was an aide to Baker when she was an FCC member. Rocco Carlitti, formerly vice president-operations, is now senior vice president-chief financial officer. Amy Storey, formerly assistant vice president-public affairs, is now a vice president. Baker became CTIA president in June.