Experience

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  Connectbase

  • Herndon, VA

  • Sr. Director - Legal Affairs

    • Jan 2018 - Present
    • Herndon, VA

    Director - Supplier Relations & Contracts – Report to CFO, direct support to CEO/CFO – Connectbase ("CB") (www.connectbase.com) is a SaaS platform for market participation in the network industry helping network owners and network buyers improve transparency, speed and effectiveness with information, automation and predictive analytics. Establish/staff Legal Department as growth requies. Support or lead contract negotiations as required by sales for our SaaS services as well as negotiate/manager supplier agreements. Develop/negotiate referral and strategic partner agreements. Developed Data Use agreement to obtain supplier data (geospatial files, building lists, pricing data/telco demarc) for input to platform service modules allowing greater visibility of US network and buildings serviced by carriers. Work with CB leadership to roll out consulting and professional services to carrier customers. Provide vendor support / management services for enterprise customer(s) and manage providers/agreements. Maintain company privacy and terms of service provisions covering CB website, serve as CPO; Support contract negotiations with suppliers and customers; implement robust commercial contract management system. Engage outside counsel as needed/directed by leadership. Support leadership w/development and/or review of internal/external communications. Work w/marketing and sales to review external/internal press releases, publications, etc. are consistent with company policies and/or client agreements. Establish/maintain relationships with key federal, state and municipal agencies (e.g., Congress, FCC, USAC, NTIA, state Public Utility Commissions, local (city/county) municipalities) to educate and develop awareness of company capabilities and benefits to such agencies. Analyze /advise CB on regulatory activities that could impact/benefit CB operations and determine CB engagement in regulatory proceedings. Participate in/represent CB before designated trade associations.

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  Blue Aqua Consulting, L.L.C.

  • Oak Hill, Virginia

  • Principal Owner

    • May 2016 - Present
    • Oak Hill, Virginia

    Provide regulatory and policy guidance to new or existing telecommunications firms, systems integrators or other firms regarding Federal and State telecommunications regulatory operations. Prepare and file, on behalf of telecommunications firms, federal or state compliance reports required by the F.C.C. or state public utilities commissions. Prepare and file at both the federal and state level, certifications requests to commence operations as a carrier. Coordinate with new carriers in states where legal representation is required, obtaining for the carrier such legal resource. Provide, as required on an interim basis, commercial contract management support to commercial companies, IT outsourcing companies or systems integrators. Provide support and guidance to commercial companies, carriers and systems integrators related to the management of telecommunications vendors (Carrier Management/Vendor Relations). Provide review of companies telecommunications costs/networks and work with vendors to reduce/renegotiate contacts and/or identify and resolve billing errors discovered through contract and billing reviews.Served as strategic advisor and acting Director of Communications and Marketing for a cutting edge startup software and services company - Contract Management as a Service (CMaaS, www.contractmanagementasaservice.com )

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  Contract Management As A Service

  • Herndon, VA

  • Strategic Advisor and Director Marketing and Communications

    • May 2016 - Dec 2017
    • Herndon, VA

    I worked with Contract Management as a Service (www.contractmanagementasaservice.com) helping the company to refine (and then launch in December 2016) their revolutionary contract management (CM) software. CMaaS offers contract management as a service (staffing), CMBI (Contract Management Business Intelligence) software which looks at the CM process holistically and can reduce your TC) and also FAR Collaborator which not just a FAR reference tool. This stand alone module or bolt on to CMBI allows companies to see all the FAR provisions, but also provides a summary of the provision and each and every FAR requirement along with each requirement and an associated risk. Both CMBI and FAR Collaborator allow for substantial CM reporting and dashboard at a glance so your organization can see what areas (Risks, Deliverables, etc.) are creating headaches for meeting your contract obligations. The CMBI software also provides you with the ability to comply with all 24 of the CPSR requirements. In addition to advising the company, I served as the company's Director of Marketing and Communications drafting press releases, writing articles and coordinating our companies communications efforts.

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  CSC

  • Herndon, VA

  • Principal - Strategic Programs, Americas Commerical Contract Management

    • Feb 2014 - May 2016
    • Herndon, VA

    Report to Director, Americas CCM. Support CSC’s growth in Network Services as a result of strategic relationship established with industry leading Network Services carrier and reporting to CSC relationship executive in the Office of the CTO. Serve as primary contact with CSC’s inside counsel, finance and tax, outside counsel and consultants to (1) determine CSC status as private carrier at federal level (operating as system integrator, Federal USF obligations), (2) review and determine regulatory status (including impacts of offering interconnected VoIP, E911, USF and CALEA obligations) in all 50 states and filing certifications/registrations if required; (3) coordinating and determining the regulatory status in several European Union and other international countries as CSC focuses on future growth. Output will include model structure that will determine how CSC can provide bundled network services and remain a private carrier (or if required to offer services in an agency or sharing arrangement (pass through)), including review of all CSC marketing and related collateral materials and means to minimize of regulatory fees and taxes on CSC’s operations. Upon completion of stand-up and run phase for CSC’s Network Services model, maintain on-going operations, training, compliance, and reporting. Serve as subject matter expert and point of contact for questions from America's CCM's and provide training related to rules of engagement for Network Services deals. Serve as liaison between the America's CCM organization and the Network Services organization managing the underlying contract between CSC and the Network Services provider. Attend weekly pipeline meetings and provide input to the America's CCM organization related to deals containing Network Services and engage with pursuit teams as required to ensure offering to CSC client is consistent with developed regulatory model. Work with Sales organization to roll out new model in CSC's portfolio.

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  HP Enterprise Services

  • Sr. Commercial Contracts Neogtiator

    • Apr 2006 - Feb 2014

    Responsibilities include: Client-facing position responsible for supporting legal affairs activities associated with the Tier I accounts – currently supporting a global bio-pharma company (ITO), global banking company (ITO), and national health care company (ITO) accounts and prior support for major global telecommunications company (ITO), Customer CARE (BPO) and Applications Development and Maintenance (ADM) contracts, and a human resources outsourcing company's Information Technology Services Agreement to include: identify and track issues related to the ITO agreement; negotiate and draft and submit for approval contract change requests (CCRs). Project schedules and amendments; identify and resolve issues early to minimize risks and reduce and eliminate the escalation of disputes; implement local country agreements; address intellectual property, limitations of liability, termination for convenience, confidentiality, security and data privacy contract issues; coordinate and implement best shore plans as related to data privacy provisions; negotiate letters of agreement for hardware resale; work on issue escalation and dispute resolution when necessary; draft settlement letters with counsel review; document changes to HP and customer obligations as required; negotiate non-disclosure agreements (NDAs); position requires supporting internal client needs and regularly interfacing with client’s supply chain and IT management organizations. Also participate as core pursuit team member on numerous new business opportunities, manage internal account team contract database/Web sites (Microsoft SharePoint and Aldea), and maintain conformed versions of all contracts. Process Tier II client legal aid requests including new statements of work as well as contract extensions.

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  Xspedius Communications (fka espire)

  • Director of Carrier Relations/Carrier Contracts

    • Oct 1999 - Apr 2006

    Managed business relationships with carriers; lifecycle contract management for all long haul/local non-RBOC carriers; negotiated NDA’s; negotiated on-going cost reductions to meet company savings goals; served as member of executive team conducting due diligence (legal/contract/regulatory review) for acquisitions; integration team member post-acquisition; escalation point to vendors when normal problem resolution options fail to obtain results; mediated disputes between company and vendors; obtained, analyzed and disseminated vendor information within company; obtained vendor responses on specific issues; coordinated RFP’s to obtain cost reductions; acted as liaison between company and regulatory department to provide effective 2-way communications; reviewed and assisted regulatory review and release of memorandum internally on key issues impacting company; served on Board of Directors for Texaltel, a Texas-based trade association; Spoke/moderated panels at industry conferences.

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  NexVortex Inc.

  • Consultant

    • May 2002 - Jul 2005

    NexVortex (www.nexvortex.com) is a start-up VoIP company seeking venture capital funding to expand. Served as consultant (was compensated by equity only) capacity to principals providing mgmt w/regulatory analyses to operate the company. Review CALEA, Patriot Act, FCC and state PUC rules (and NPRMs). Drafted/filed comments for at the FCC in the current IP-Enabled NPRM. Developed the NexVortex company logo and serve as the primary interface with web developer for web site. Responsible for end user support pages related to end user services. Developed T&C's for end-user, reseller/enterprise; developed user guide for residential end users. Provide analysis/marketing research for current VoIP providers (full competitive and pricing analysis for 12-15 providers) Researched/identified on-line payment options for inclusion in the web interface to sign up and pay on-line Provided advice to principals negotiating gateway termination service agreements/interconnection agreements.

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  Qwest/LCI Communications

  • Director of State Affairs

    • Jul 1997 - Oct 1999

    Developed/executed public policy objectives before all state regulatory agencies for all aspects of business (local and long distance); obtained state certification to provide local exchange/interexchange services; testified on behalf of company; assisted in gaining regulatory approvals for Qwest acquisitions and mergers; retained/managed outside regulatory counsel and consultants for all state affairs activities; provided analysis to critical departments of rules applicable to local exchange operations to ensure compliance; provided guidance to senior management regarding state public policy issues; reviewed/analyzed pending/enacted state legislation and PUC orders affecting business operations; prepared/filed comments and replies to interrogatories; prepared, filed and litigated as necessary complaints against incumbent local phone companies; analyzed and coordinated state regulatory and legislative activities and assisted SVP with analysis/compliance with F.C.C. rulings.

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  US One Communications

  • Sr. Manager of Government and External Affairs

    • Jul 1996 - Jul 1997

    Obtain federal / state certification to provide competitive local exchange/interexchange services; filed secretary of state authorizations, prepared/filed state certification applications and tariffs; responded to commission data requests; testified at certification hearings; retained/managed outside regulatory counsel; provided analysis and recommendations regarding business operations to ensure regulatory compliance; provided advice and guidance regarding state public policy issues; reviewed/analyzed pending or enacted legislation; analyzed/coordinated state regulatory and legislative activities with Vice President/Regulatory Counsel; representative for industry trade association and industry coalitions; assisted in analysis of competitive carrier’s rates and provided analysis of incumbent local exchange carriers rates which impacted costs; coordinated external state regulatory positions with other competitive local exchange providers; prepared company newsletter.

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  Allnet/Frontier Communications

  • Sr. Manager of Regulatory Affairs

    • Dec 1988 - Jul 1996

    Provide advice/guidance to Sr. mgmt regarding public policy issues; integrated Allnet/Frontier (post merger) regulatory depts and tariffs; analyzed/coordinated fed/state regulatory and legislative activities w/ Dir/Regulatory Counsel; reviewed/analyzed pending/enacted legislation/FCC rules; lobbied FCC, Congress, state agencies and staff ; coordinated Congressional Member visits; represented company at trade associations/coalitions; coordinated regulatory activities with all company departments; prepared/filed pleadings; managed filing of tariffs at the FCC and 38 state public utility commissions (PUC’s); managed responses to PUC and FCC consumer complaints; prepared/filed certification requests; testified before PUC's; responded to FCC/PUC data requests; prepared/filed changes to microwave licenses with the FCC; prepared and filed formal and informal complaints w/FCC; assisted in negotiation/settlements of complaints; assisted Regulatory Counsel in filings before the US District Court

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  Institutional Commumications Company

  • Manager regulatory affairs

    • 1987 - 1989

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  Institutional Communications Company (became MFS)

  • Manager of Regulatory/Government Affairs / Manager of Competitive Analysis/Business Development

    • Feb 1987 - Dec 1988

    Executive Office – Manager of Regulatory/Government Affairs (Reported to President/CEO)Marketing Department – Manager of Competitive Analysis/Business Development

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  MCI Communications

  • Regulatory/Financial Analyst

    • Jan 1986 - Feb 1987

    Department of Regulatory and Public Policy – Regulatory/Financial Analyst

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  Satellite Business Systems (*merged with MCI)

  • Customer Contracts/Tariff Planner

    • Mar 1983 - Jan 1986

    Department of Legal and Government Affairs – Customer Contracts/Tariffs PlannerCustomer Technical Services – Sr. Technical Specialist/Support Manager