Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Certification
Technologies
Timeline
Generic

Reza Makarehchi

North Potomac

Summary

Visionary technology leader with 20+ years of experience in designing and managing complex network and telecom infrastructures for Fortune 500 companies. Demonstrated expertise in implementing cloud-based solutions, leveraging AI-driven operational enhancements, and leading high-performing teams. Specializes in seamlessly integrating cutting-edge technologies to meet evolving business needs, while prioritizing measurable impact and cost efficiency.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Assistant VP, Network & Collaboration Engineering

Tower Federal Credit Union
01.2024 - Current
  • Directed and optimized network and telecom engineering teams, supporting 750+ employees, 17 branch locations and departmental contact centers
  • Orchestrated a comprehensive infrastructure upgrade for the primary data center, improving data throughputs by 500%
  • Spearheaded the migration from on-prem Avaya IP Office to UCaaS/CCaaS, enhancing scalability and cutting operational costs by 20%
  • Implemented SDWAN solutions across 17 branches, achieving resiliency with a cost reduction of 35%

Senior Director, Network & Telecom Engineering

2U Inc
01.2021 - 01.2024
  • Led the global AWS network design expansion, including multi-region integration and the deployment of georedundant solutions in Cape Town and Dublin
  • Enhanced customer service efficiency with AI-driven call routing, reducing call abandonment by 70%
  • Established the first Executive Strategic Technology Council, fostering cross-organizational collaboration and reducing costs significantly
  • Deployed omnichannel CCaaS solutions (SMS, Live Chat, WhatsApp), improving customer engagement

Senior Manager, Network Engineering

Windstream
09.2016 - 06.2019
  • Built and managed three engineering teams, overseeing 7,500+ network elements across 2,800+ sites
  • Integrated acquired networks (Earthlink & Broadview), streamlining infrastructure and saving $600K annually
  • Boosted team productivity by 300% through Agile methodology adoption

Principal IP Architect

Windstream
10.2015 - 09.2016
  • Architected and implemented geo-redundant ISP data center networks, ensuring resilience and uptime

Senior Manager, IP Engineering

Verizon (formerly XO)
05.2007 - 10.2015
  • Oversaw architectural design and operational support for LAN, WAN, VoIP, and data center networks across 118 offices
  • Migrated 4,500+ phones to Cisco Unified VoIP, saving $450K annually
  • Expanded telemetry networks from 350 to over 900 colocations, improving monitoring capacity

Education

Executive Management -

MIT Sloan School of Management
01.2022

Network and Systems Engineering - undefined

Computer Institute
Rockville, MD
01.1999

Skills

  • Network Engineering Architecture & Operations
  • Cloud Architecture (AWS Certified)
  • Enterprise VoIP (UCaaS, CCaaS)
  • Agile Methodology
  • Data Center Design & Migration
  • Project Management & Cross-Team Collaboration
  • Budget Management (CapEx & OpEx ~$7M)
  • Vendor Selection (RFP) & Contract Negotiation
  • AI-Enhanced Telephony Systems
  • Executive Reporting & KPI Development
  • Forecasting
  • Team building/leadership

Certification

  • AWS Certified Advanced Networking Specialty
  • AWS Certified Solutions Architect
  • Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
  • Aruba Certified Mobility Professional (ACMP)

Technologies

Cisco Nexus, Meraki, Juniper EX Series, Cisco ASR/ISR, Juniper MX/SRX, Aruba Networks, Meraki, Cisco ASA, Palo Alto, Checkpoint, MPLS, BGP, OSPF, SolarWinds, Splunk, JavaScript, APIs

Timeline

Assistant VP, Network & Collaboration Engineering

Tower Federal Credit Union
01.2024 - Current

Senior Director, Network & Telecom Engineering

2U Inc
01.2021 - 01.2024

Senior Manager, Network Engineering

Windstream
09.2016 - 06.2019

Principal IP Architect

Windstream
10.2015 - 09.2016

Senior Manager, IP Engineering

Verizon (formerly XO)
05.2007 - 10.2015

Network and Systems Engineering - undefined

Computer Institute

Executive Management -

MIT Sloan School of Management

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Reza Makarehchi