The Quilt Welcomes Top Leadership In National Networking

New executive committee members for 2014 represent broad cross-section of technology, networking pioneers

SEATTLE, Wash. (Jan. 27, 2014) – The Quilt, a national coalition of advanced regional networks for research and education (R&Es or RONs) representing 32 networks across the country, today announced the 2014 Quilt Executive Committee and named Merit Network President and CEO Don Welch as chairman.

The nine-member Executive Committee provides ongoing oversight of The Quilt affairs as delegated by the full Board.

The following have been named to this year’s committee:

Don Welch, President and CEO, Merit Network (Chairman)
Mike Phillips, Executive Director, Lonestar Education and Research Network (Vice Chairman)
Amy Philipson, Executive Director, Pacific Northwest GigaPoP (Treasurer)
Ron Hutchins, President, Southern Crossroads (Secretary)
Jeff Custard, Network Engineering Manager, UCAR/Front Range GigaPoP
Claude Garelik, Chief System IT Security and Networking Officer, State Board of Regents System Office and Chairman of the Board, Great Plains Network
Tim Lance, President and CEO, New York State Education and Research Network
Dave Reese, Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, CENIC
Paul Schopis, Chief Technology Officer, OARnet
The Quilt facilitates collaboration among regional networks across the country by furthering collaboration among the organizations, leveraging expertise and advocating on their behalf. Representatives from participating organizations comprise The Quilt Board of Directors. Officers of The Quilt Executive Committee are elected from the Board of Directors after receiving nomination from their peers.

“As a member-powered organization, we are excited and fortunate to have these outstanding individuals join our executive committee,” said The Quilt President and CEO Jen Leasure. “Each person brings a unique and necessary set of skills and experiences to the role, and we look forward to continuing our work together for another highly-productive year for the organization.”

These individuals will join the other leaders of our country’s research and education networks at The Quilt 2014 Winter Member Meeting scheduled Feb. 4-7 at the La Jolla Shores Hotel in California. The Quilt and Internet2 also will be holding the InCommon Federation Workshop immediately following the main member meeting (separate registration required to participate) starting on Thursday, Feb. 6.