Abby Knowles 

Abby Knowles is the Vice President in Verizon's Global Technology Solutions (GTS) Organization. She leads a global organization responsible for the Planning, Engineering & Transformation of Software Development in support of the Verizon Consumer organization with a keen focus on the customer and employee. Prior to this, Abby led teams across the US responsible for building and operating the wireless network. With a focus on harnessing internal

and external innovation, the team delivered transformational results in areas of network energy cost optimization, integration of drones into daily operations, a migration to software defined networks and increased operational use of AI/ML.

Abby has 25 years of experience in the information and communications technology (ICT) industry working for Verizon in various roles including engineering, program management,

operations, business analysis and most recently software development. She is Vice Chair of Membership with IEEE CQR Committee, and serves on the advisory board of cybersecurity at University of Dallas as well as Archangel Ventures Inc. Abby is also a Verizon delegate to the ITU-D development sector and a mentor in their Network of Women program. She is passionate about STEM advancement for minorities and has made many contributions to organizations like National Academy Foundation and Black Girl Rising Inc. to advance opportunities for students of color. Abby graduated from Morgan State University with a BSc degree in Electrical Engineering, and has an MSc in Information and Telecom Systems for Business from Johns Hopkins, as well as a Masters Certificate in Project Management from George Washington University. She loves track & field, reading and traveling to places with beaches. Abby was born

in Kingston, Jamaica and grew up on the military base there and has a special passion for military veterans and their families. She is married, has 2 adult daughters and a granddaughter,

and now lives in Dallas TX.