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Meeting the Needs of the Enterprise Data Center Community
Missy Young, Switch's EVP of Corporate Development, led the executive sales team to present on behalf of Switch at the DCD Enterprise event held at the Marriott Marquee NYC in Times Square.
Executives from Cargill Inc., Hilton Hotels and Resorts and Wells Fargo and Co. recently joined a growing list of 49 energy professionals confirmed to attend the Smart Energy Decisions Innovation Summit.
Energy Savings Coalition
Adam will be discussing the Energy Savings Coalition. ESC's mission is to increase the implementation in Nevada of energy efficiency and building upgrades through energy savings performance contracting.
The Internet of Things is coming. Are you ready?
Technology is playing a greater and greater role in our lives, so when is going to make our lives great? Adam Kramer is an expert where communications and technology converge and will bring us perspective on how increasing connectivity will change our lives and how we do business; specifically how the Internet of Things is playing a role in this evolution.
Trending Green: Understanding Corporate Renewable Procurement in the Midwest
This was a presentation on Switch as a technology leader in Nevada and throughout the data center industry. The presentation focused on the uniqueness of Switch and how it is a staunch advocate for sustainability within data center operations and beyond. The importance economic development and driving the new innovation economy forward was shared at the networking event designed for entrepreneurs seeking to launch a new venture and business owners who want to grow their business.
Switch spoke with groups of high school students in Southern Nevada to inspire and educate them on the opportunities to pursue STEAM-based careers and research opportunities.
During the bi-monthly speaker luncheon to over 500 attendees, Switch presented a discussion on the new Switch data center that is moving into the Steelcase pyramid building, and how bringing a new industry and new jobs is contributing to the growth of the economic health of the greater Grand Rapids metropolitan area.
Business Models, Growth & ROI: How Are Different Industries Mixing Business Models Within a Changing Data Center/Cloud Ecosystem
Switch participated in a panel discussion that covered a variety of sub-topical areas, including the cloud as a model and not a place, the differences between cloud and hosting in third-party versus self-owned facilities, new consumption models and investing in a cloud consultancy business model, among others.
This was a presentation showing how Switch is a technology leader in Nevada and throughout the data center industry. We focused on the uniqueness of Switch and how it is a staunch advocate for sustainability within data center operations and beyond. The importance economic development and driving the new innovation economy forward was shared at the networking event designed for entrepreneurs seeking to launch a new venture and business owners who want to grow their business.
College of Engineering Distinguished Lecture Series
Switch was featured in this Distinguished Lecture Series, sharing the company's vision of the 'roadmap to the future and the role technology plays for all.' We addressed what the future holds for us, what kind of thinkers and leaders are needed to mold and drive the future and the role Switch and its leaders are playing to help map that future.
How The World’s Highest-Ranking Colocation Data Center Is Leading The Way In Sustainability
Switch spoke on how Switch is leading the data center industry as sustainability advocates for operating using 100 percent renewable energy and serving as thought leaders to influence and inspire other businesses to do the same globally. We discussed how Switch continues to operate the highest-rated data centers on the planet, while bringing sustainability best practices into new markets where it’s expanding. The presentation engaged in a dialogue around how data centers can implement a long-term renewable energy strategy that positively impacts both clients and the environment and how Switch is redefining what green technology means across the planet.
Switch participated in the city’s IT All-Hands meeting.
Switch provided the keynote speaker for the organization discussing Switch’s vision of the future and the role Tier IV Gold facilities play in the cybersecurity ecosystem.
Switch participated as a weekly guest speaker to talk about Switch and its passion for driving the new innovation economy forward for the state of Nevada.
Advisory Board Meeting
During the advisory board’s semi-annual meeting, we briefed 40 senior executives on Switch as an innovator and pioneer in the data center industry and how the company adds value to its clients and local communities. Longenecker & Associates is an international consulting company specializing in management, engineering, energy, environmental, business and regulatory issues. It offers innovative and cost-effective solutions to problems in the environmental and energy industries.
Advanced Technology & Manufacturing Forum
Switch provided insight on how advanced technologies will create game changing trends that will impact existing manufacturing and employment bases that will require new workforce development programs and community marketing programs to attract investment. A focus on economic development organizations that want to see the future that exists today and how it will impact communities moving forward was a key discussion point during the forum.
Switch shared information on the partnership between Switch and VEA along with a comprehensive technology overview about the Switch data center cloud ecosystem in relation to clients and partners. Keynote speaker Lieutenant Governor Mark Hutchinson provided VEA member-owners with an economic update of Nevada. The annual VEA meeting is the cooperative’s largest event of the year, with hundreds of VEA members in attendance.
IT Transformation Considerations In The Data Center In this education session for Data Center World attendees, we discussed how business opportunities translate to current capabilities in staff, IT infrastructure, applications and data center capacity. Available solution opportunities, from the ageless mainframe to infrastructure based on ODCA and bare metal versus virtualization versus containers and cloud are elaborated on.
Solar Goes Corporate Summit Switch participated on a panel and shared valuable insight into successful development, deployment and investment in solar projects, including discussion around Switch’s procurement of 180MW of solar power for its Nevada data centers —the largest in the world in 2015.
Customizing Energy Products For Commercial Customers: Innovative Approaches and Solutions
Switch and other panelists briefed regulators from around the country on how commercial customers are seeking more customized energy products and services, and are asking utilities to work with them to provide innovative solutions in a cost effective manner.
A featured speaker during the AFCOM Michigan Chapter’s monthly meeting, we talked about Switch data centers and its expansion into Michigan and the reason behind why west Michigan was chosen for its $4 billion data center expansion project. Jason elaborated on how new legislation exempting data centers from sales and use taxes will impact Switch and others, along with how Switch will add value to Michigan’s economy.
Increasing Access to Next Generation Energy Solutions
Switch presented as the keynote speaker at the third annual conference and explored the challenges of procuring clean energy resources, providing lessons learned and instructive best practices, addressing the impact of prioritizing acquisition of clean energy on the workforce, customers and company bottom lines.
Principles of Business Course
Switch was a featured guest speaker in the Principles of Business class for high school sophomores focused on pursing majors in business and information technology. Information and background was shared about our specialized industry area, the cloud, as well as discussing real world experience needed and what a ‘day in the life’ looks like in his current position with Switch.
Switch shared his insights around the function of data in everyday life, the importance of sustainability and the impact of all smart devices in relation to our carbon footprint. We also talked about Switch data centers and how they provide connectivity, cloud services and content ecosystems for Fortune 500 businesses.
Switching Expectations in Northern Nevada
Switch shares information about Switch data centers expanding to Northern Nevada with plans to build a 6.4 million square-foot data center campus and bring $3 billion of investment to the region. Also discussed, Switch's SUPERLOOP, a fiber optic network that will connect Reno, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and San Francisco and will dramatically increase the speed that information travels, as well as further establish Nevada’s position as the tech infrastructure capital of the United States. EDAWN is a private/public partnership committed to adding quality jobs to the western Nevada region through recruitment, development and assistance to both existing and newly formed companies, to diversify the economy and make a positive impact on the quality of life to the local community.
Join the Container Revolution: The Cloud Native Computing Foundation
Switch participated on a four-person panel that addressed trends and developments across container technologies.
Providing a keynote speaker, Switch discusses technology, renewable energy and the data center industry at large.
Password Protected: Doing Business in the Cloud
As featured panel speaker, Switch discussed cloud security and the importance of it for businesses who connect in the cloud.
DevOps – The Symptom of an Agile Organization
DevOps is all the rage these days and with good reason as it promises to reduce the time to market for new applications. It also promises to improve change management, allowing teams to deploy changes to their applications quickly and efficiently. However, DevOps isn’t something you buy, install or implement; rather, it is the symptom of an appropriate organizational system. How do we get to the right organizational model that will allow DevOps practices to flourish?
Spring 2015 Senior Design Awards Dinner Jason Mendenhall was a keynote speaker at the annual design competition. Held each semester, the event helps to focus students from the College of Engineering to increase the quality and potential for commercial application for their projects.
IoT’s Potential Impact on Your Data Center
What does going from 7 billion connected devices in 2014 to more than 40 billion in 2020 do to your data center and infrastructure strategy? The truth is no one really knows for sure. My perspective is the impact will be significant, but it's not as obvious as "just more stuff." The industry will see new opportunities arise and new stresses occur. I hope to shine a light on the subject, start some debate, and give you food for thought on next steps for your organization.
Jason talks about the one-of-a-kind ecosystem of Switch, choosing a data center and future-proofing decisions.
Jason Mendenhall was a keynote speaker at BYU’s College of Engineering & Technology. He discussed his role as the introducer and chief evangelist of new products and services in the Switch ecosystem, as well as how Switch is a willing participant in global discussions surrounding current and future technology issues impacting today's business leaders and the role that engineers will play in shaping that future.
Software Defined Data Center: Product or Project
Simply defined, the SDDC promises that you’ll be able to treat “all” of your IT infrastructure as if it’s completely malleable. That there are no restrictions to how you can use and assign everything from border controls to VM size as long as you stay within the technical capabilities of the devices. The promise is great, but the reality is still a dream for the majority of enterprises. This talk covers where and how a business might benefit from SDDC and also why they should or shouldn’t attempt to adopt today.
Technology Innovation and Economic Development
Jason discusses cloud, big data and data center trends and how Switch supports them. View Archive
Jason discusses cloud, analytics and how Switch supports the growing data storage needs of the healthcare industry. View Archive
Missy Young is the Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Switch. She drives the company’s solutions architecture to create a fundamental and sustainable change in the way clients ultimately design and implement intelligent data strategies. As a technologist, Missy has played a pivotal role in the company’s evolution from the most innovative data center company in the world to the world’s only exascale retail colocation ecosystem that it is today.
Since joining the company in 2005, Missy has also held roles with leadership responsibilities for all sales operations and solutions engineering with respect to potential clients and win-win contract negotiations. Her expertise in technology trends, forecasting client needs and connecting those trends with results has been a great asset to Switch and its success. She worked to help take Switch public in 2017 and continues to interact with investors and analysts. As a public speaker Missy continues to take the unique message of Switch to the world, and frequently speaks on the topics of leadership and empowering women.
Prior to becoming a partner at Switch, Missy was the Director of Sales Engineering and VoIP services for Mpower Communications. Her portfolio of experience also includes senior sales engineering positions at ICG Communications, InteleNet Data Centers, and FirstWorld Communications. She entered the industry back in the dot-com days of the mid-90s, as a network engineer through her Cisco, Microsoft, and Novell certifications.
Missy serves on the FIRST®️ Nevada Robotics Board, the Foundation Board of Opportunity Village, Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada Board, the Desert Research Institute Foundation Board, and the Board of Directors for the Nevada School of the Arts. Additionally, Missy is a strong advocate for the certification path of education for young students who desire to enter the technology field, and for keeping the A in STEAM.
Kristi Overgaard is the Chief Awesomeness Officer at Switch. She drives all aspects of the company’s brand, culture and corporate strategy.
Ms. Overgaard brings a rich background in creative direction, culture, mindfulness, environment design and community development to all of Switch’s brands. Along with company Founder and CEO Rob Roy, Overgaard is also passionately responsible for the company’s leadership commitment to Collaborative Philanthropy with a focus on STEAM education and sustainability.
Prior to joining Switch, Overgaard was Founder and President of leading downtown Las Vegas design firm one11. The entrepreneurial company focused on identity design, culture development, product design, branded interior design and urban redevelopment. Prior to one11’s creation, Overgaard held the roles of Vice President of Marketing and Senior Staff Member for The Howard Hughes Corporation, developers of the highly successful master-planned community of Summerlin in Las Vegas, Nevada.
As a resident of Las Vegas and Reno, Overgaard strives to make a tangible difference in the communities where she resides and beyond. She is a Trustee for the Nevada Museum of Art and serves both on the Executive Committee and the Las Vegas Expansion Committee. She participates on the board for Green Our Planet, the nation’s largest school garden program and is a Foundation Board Member and Vice Chair for Nevada State College. Additionally, Overgaard is a Champion Member for Dazzle Africa, a safari non-profit focused on wildlife conservation, community development and education in Zambia.
Chris Donnelly is the CXO (Chief Connectivity Officer) at Switch. Since joining Switch in 2008, Chris has focused his efforts on the development of the digital services and telecom wholesale buying consortium known as Switch CONNECT®. This unique and powerful entity aggregates the collective buying power of over 800 clients to create the single largest purchasing cooperative in the marketplace. The combined market capitalization of Switch CONNECT’s users has over $6.7+ trillion of purchasing power.
Chris works closely with the company’s global carrier partners to ensure the Switch data centers are among the most cost-effective and network-enabled facilities in the world. The company’s unique fiber optic gateway is one of the most robust network access points (NAP) in North America.
Prior to joining Switch, Chris has over 25 years of experience in the telecom industry and held various executive positions in the combined companies of Verizon (MFS, UUNET, WorldCom, MCI) as well as Qwest Communications. Chris also served as the President of Splice Communications, Inc. from 2003 until 2007.
Chris serves on the American Red Cross Board of Directors, Southern Nevada Chapter.
Cindy Zimpfer is the SVP of Colocation Sales at Switch. She is responsible for developing, growing and maintaining new and existing sales channels with agents, partners and vendors of Switch data centers. Cindy joined Switch in 2012 to support the dramatic growth in the company’s sales division.
Cindy has demonstrated a passion and commitment to developing effective partner relationships and is an integral part of assisting her partners and their clients with the migration into the Switch data center ecosystem. From sophisticated startups to Fortune 100 powerhouses, she works with clients to fulfill their goals through effective planning, strategy and implementation. Cindy takes the opportunity to learn their core business and what drives them.
She enjoys the diversity of working with various types of businesses and industries, and managing the ongoing relationships. Cindy's role is dual-state based as she manages partners and clients in Southern California and provides tours of the Switch headquarters in Las Vegas.
Prior to joining Switch, Cindy served in executive sales management positions for Worldwide Transport/Total Military Management, Bank of America, AT&T and Epoch Internet. She also consulted for firms in need of her expertise in strategic sales, account management, proposal development, sales presentations, contract negotiations and business development.
Jeff Oberschelp is the head of Client Architecture for Switch. Jeff and his team work closely with clients to explore and leverage all of the unique assets present at Switch. They capture client perspective and success stories which are curated and shared along with the ever-changing Switch data center ecosystem innovations. The team’s goal is to ensure that Switch clients enjoy the best data center value and experience on earth.
Prior to joining Switch, Jeff was the vice president and general manager of CenturyLink where he developed and deployed PrismTV in the company’s first major metro market. He also held executive positions with Verizon SuperPages and McLeodUSA. In all of his roles, Jeff scaled new business segments and refined existing ones to drive exceptional top and bottom line growth.
Jeff serves on the boards of The Nevada Military Support Alliance and the UNLV Foundation Advisory Board.
