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The Cisco Customer Advocate Awards honor exceptional Cisco customers who exemplify innovation through their use of Cisco products and solutions, and who share their successes through thought leadership, including success stories, speaking engagements, product reviews, and more.<\/p>\n
From executives to engineers, this years\u2019 Cisco awards attracted an impressive mix of customers from across the Americas. We received 100+ nominations and relied on the expertise of more than 32 judges\u2014a combination of Cisco leaders, engineers, architects, and technical specialists\u2014to narrow the list of candidates.<\/p>\n
We\u2019re excited to announce the shortlisted nominees for the fourth annual Cisco Customer Advocate Awards: Americas 2024!<\/p>\n
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Cybersecurity Defender of the Year<\/strong><\/h2>\nIn today\u2019s connected world, robust cybersecurity protects organizations against cyber threats, safeguards intellectual property and customer data, and enables innovation. This is why the Cybersecurity Defender of the Year award recognizes the customer who prioritizes security in every aspect of their business. These customers use Cisco security solutions to enhance resilience, maximize user uptime, maintain business continuity, and empower employees across all environments.<\/p>\n
Congratulations to our shortlisted nominees:<\/strong><\/p>\nRaja Sambandam\u2014State of New Mexico Office of Cybersecurity<\/p>\n
Matthew Barczak and Paul Oyelakin\u2014Marriott International<\/p>\n
Dwayne Robinson\u2014SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park<\/p>\n
John Skaarup\u2014Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)<\/p>\n
Veronica Martinez Estrada\u2014Grupo Xcaret<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Hybrid Work Hero
<\/strong><\/h2>\nHow we work has changed, which is why the Hybrid Work Hero award recognizes the customer who has implemented the best hybrid work strategy to empower teams or rethink workspaces. Whether by using new solutions to make every space a collaborative workspace, modernizing their security to manage and protect employee devices, or designing the network to support seamless and cohesive work experiences, the Hybrid Work Hero deserves recognition for deploying a solution that makes hybrid work, work for everyone!<\/p>\n
Congratulations to our shortlisted nominees:<\/strong><\/p>\nNicole Alderete-Ferrini\u2014City of El Paso, Texas<\/p>\n
Dale Walters\u2014State of Illinois<\/p>\n
Steve Hilliard\u2014Ford Motor Company<\/p>\n
Bill Sheff, Alex Pop, and Justin Priebe\u2014M&T Bank<\/p>\n
Wendy Williams\u2014McKesson<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/blogs-images\/ciscoblogs\/1\/2024\/05\/JohnPell-300x199.jpg\")
Cisco Insider John Pell from ServiceNow, second from right, accepted a Lifetime Achievement Award at Cisco Live Amsterdam 2024. Pictured here with Agostino Santoni, Cisco Vice President of Sales, EMEA; Britney Bartlett, Vice President of Global Field Marketing; and Nieves Navarro, Vice President of Marketing, EMEA.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nReimagine Applications Visionary <\/strong><\/h2>\nApplications are the storefront for organizations today, and they\u2019re used to innovate, transform the business, and take advantage of new digital models and revenue streams. The Reimagine Applications Visionary award honors the customer who uses Cisco Full-Stack Observability (FSO) to move beyond traditional monitoring. In doing so, these visionaries benefit from a comprehensive view of their applications\u2019 performance, security, and impact on business outcomes. Recognizing their innovative use of open, extensible, and AI\/ML-enhanced FSO solutions, this award celebrates those who have aligned IT operations with business goals to deliver seamless, secure user experiences.<\/p>\n
Congratulations to our shortlisted nominees:<\/strong><\/p>\nDavid Cornette and Jonathan Silberlicht\u2014T-Mobile<\/p>\n
James Kluttz\u2014Sutter Health<\/p>\n
Michael Verret\u2014Internal Revenue Service (IRS)<\/p>\n
Pat Spinler and Matt Dupay\u2014Mayo Clinic<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Transformation Trailblazer
<\/strong><\/h2>\nIn today\u2019s high-tech, high-expectation environment, simplified IT experiences help organizations satisfy customers, retain employees, and stand out from competitors. Organizations are adopting a cloud operating model across their IT stacks to enhance agility and streamline complexity, while prioritizing secure networking to manage risks and maintain superior user experiences despite an increasingly intricate threat landscape. The Transformation Trailblazer award recognizes the customer who excels in using Cisco solutions to simplify network and technology challenges and ensure secure global connectivity.<\/p>\n
Congratulations to our shortlisted nominees:<\/strong><\/p>\nRon Grohman\u2014Bush Brothers & Company<\/p>\n
Jeanette Jaede and Arun Joshi\u2014Amazon: Project Kuiper<\/p>\n
Ian Hyatt\u2014Purdue University<\/p>\n
Jeff Peterson\u2014LPL Financial<\/p>\n
Leandro C\u00e9sar Lopes Evangelista\u2014Arena MRV<\/p>\n
Todd Stewart\u2014Honeywell International<\/p>\n
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Sustainability Changemaker
<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe Sustainability Changemaker award celebrates a customer who uses Cisco\u2019s innovative solutions to help reduce environmental impacts and drive sustainability. From energy management platforms to smart building solutions that help optimize efficiency, to refreshed data center hardware built with circular design principles and more energy efficient infrastructure than previous generations, Cisco can help organizations embrace circularity and adapt to a low-carbon economy. This award recognizes transformative efforts in using Cisco\u2019s solutions for energy management, data center modernization, clean energy transitions, circular business transformation, smart buildings, and other sustainability initiatives.<\/p>\n
Congratulations to our shortlisted nominees:<\/strong><\/p>\nNicole Alderete-Ferrini\u2014City of El Paso, Texas<\/p>\n
Tim Roberts\u2014St. Anne Institute<\/p>\n
Dani Stern\u2014Honeywell International<\/p>\n
Roger Loo\u2014NetApp<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Artificial Intelligence Pioneer<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe world is rapidly changing with the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning, and the Artificial Intelligence Pioneer award celebrates the early adopter. These pioneers innovate through AI features within their Cisco products or integration with other AI product\u2014whether their own solution or one created by an ecosystem partner. This award honors those who lead AI innovation, pushing the boundaries of what\u2019s possible and paving the way for the future of technology.<\/p>\n
Congratulations to our shortlisted nominees:<\/strong><\/p>\nBruce Thompson, Phyllis Kimber, and Denise Beckwith\u2014Georgia Department of Labor<\/p>\n
Michael Verret\u2014Internal Revenue Service (IRS)<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Industry Excellence
<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe Industry Excellence award celebrates organizations who use Cisco solutions to solve common challenges faced across their industry, especially those who have created industry-wide change. Celebrating organizations who surpass industry norms, this award recognizes exceptional achievements and the pursuit of progress in today\u2019s environment.<\/p>\n
Congratulations to our shortlisted nominees:<\/strong><\/p>\nMax Hernandez\u2014Toyota Motor North America<\/p>\n
Jarrett Newberry and Robert Bibey\u2014Burrell Behavioral Health<\/p>\n
Sophia Mohr\u2014Central Ohio Transit Authority<\/p>\n
Mike (Mac) McNamara\u2014Dish Network<\/p>\n
Veronica Martinez Estrada\u2014Grupo Xcaret<\/p>\n
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Americas Customer Advocate of the Year <\/strong><\/h2>\nThe Advocate of the Year has consistently contributed to the greater Cisco Insider Advocates community, supporting others through mentorship, community building, best practice sharing, and advocacy. This award recognizes the customer whose acts of advocacy made the most significant impact on the Cisco community.<\/p>\n
Congratulations to our shortlisted nominees:<\/strong><\/p>\nMark Rodrigue\u2014Room & Board<\/p>\n
Josh Beaver\u2014T-Mobile<\/p>\n
Marcus Labra\u2014Carnival Corporation<\/p>\n
Christopher Cavendish\u2014Insight Global<\/p>\n
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Congratulations to all our Cisco Customer Advocate Awards: Americas 2024 finalists!<\/strong><\/h2>\nWe applaud each of you for your passion, innovation, and thought leadership. We look forward to celebrating you at Cisco Live Las Vegas next month!<\/strong><\/h2>\nIf you\u2019d like to see which of these amazing finalists rises above the rest, join us during the awards ceremony on June 3! Register here.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Share:<\/p>\n
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Raja Sambandam\u2014State of New Mexico Office of Cybersecurity<\/p>\n
Matthew Barczak and Paul Oyelakin\u2014Marriott International<\/p>\n
Dwayne Robinson\u2014SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park<\/p>\n
John Skaarup\u2014Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)<\/p>\n
Veronica Martinez Estrada\u2014Grupo Xcaret<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Hybrid Work Hero
<\/strong><\/h2>\nHow we work has changed, which is why the Hybrid Work Hero award recognizes the customer who has implemented the best hybrid work strategy to empower teams or rethink workspaces. Whether by using new solutions to make every space a collaborative workspace, modernizing their security to manage and protect employee devices, or designing the network to support seamless and cohesive work experiences, the Hybrid Work Hero deserves recognition for deploying a solution that makes hybrid work, work for everyone!<\/p>\n
Congratulations to our shortlisted nominees:<\/strong><\/p>\nNicole Alderete-Ferrini\u2014City of El Paso, Texas<\/p>\n
Dale Walters\u2014State of Illinois<\/p>\n
Steve Hilliard\u2014Ford Motor Company<\/p>\n
Bill Sheff, Alex Pop, and Justin Priebe\u2014M&T Bank<\/p>\n
Wendy Williams\u2014McKesson<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\nCisco Insider John Pell from ServiceNow, second from right, accepted a Lifetime Achievement Award at Cisco Live Amsterdam 2024. Pictured here with Agostino Santoni, Cisco Vice President of Sales, EMEA; Britney Bartlett, Vice President of Global Field Marketing; and Nieves Navarro, Vice President of Marketing, EMEA.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nReimagine Applications Visionary <\/strong><\/h2>\nApplications are the storefront for organizations today, and they\u2019re used to innovate, transform the business, and take advantage of new digital models and revenue streams. The Reimagine Applications Visionary award honors the customer who uses Cisco Full-Stack Observability (FSO) to move beyond traditional monitoring. In doing so, these visionaries benefit from a comprehensive view of their applications\u2019 performance, security, and impact on business outcomes. Recognizing their innovative use of open, extensible, and AI\/ML-enhanced FSO solutions, this award celebrates those who have aligned IT operations with business goals to deliver seamless, secure user experiences.<\/p>\n
Congratulations to our shortlisted nominees:<\/strong><\/p>\nDavid Cornette and Jonathan Silberlicht\u2014T-Mobile<\/p>\n
James Kluttz\u2014Sutter Health<\/p>\n
Michael Verret\u2014Internal Revenue Service (IRS)<\/p>\n
Pat Spinler and Matt Dupay\u2014Mayo Clinic<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Transformation Trailblazer
<\/strong><\/h2>\nIn today\u2019s high-tech, high-expectation environment, simplified IT experiences help organizations satisfy customers, retain employees, and stand out from competitors. Organizations are adopting a cloud operating model across their IT stacks to enhance agility and streamline complexity, while prioritizing secure networking to manage risks and maintain superior user experiences despite an increasingly intricate threat landscape. The Transformation Trailblazer award recognizes the customer who excels in using Cisco solutions to simplify network and technology challenges and ensure secure global connectivity.<\/p>\n
Congratulations to our shortlisted nominees:<\/strong><\/p>\nRon Grohman\u2014Bush Brothers & Company<\/p>\n
Jeanette Jaede and Arun Joshi\u2014Amazon: Project Kuiper<\/p>\n
Ian Hyatt\u2014Purdue University<\/p>\n
Jeff Peterson\u2014LPL Financial<\/p>\n
Leandro C\u00e9sar Lopes Evangelista\u2014Arena MRV<\/p>\n
Todd Stewart\u2014Honeywell International<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Sustainability Changemaker
<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe Sustainability Changemaker award celebrates a customer who uses Cisco\u2019s innovative solutions to help reduce environmental impacts and drive sustainability. From energy management platforms to smart building solutions that help optimize efficiency, to refreshed data center hardware built with circular design principles and more energy efficient infrastructure than previous generations, Cisco can help organizations embrace circularity and adapt to a low-carbon economy. This award recognizes transformative efforts in using Cisco\u2019s solutions for energy management, data center modernization, clean energy transitions, circular business transformation, smart buildings, and other sustainability initiatives.<\/p>\n
Congratulations to our shortlisted nominees:<\/strong><\/p>\nNicole Alderete-Ferrini\u2014City of El Paso, Texas<\/p>\n
Tim Roberts\u2014St. Anne Institute<\/p>\n
Dani Stern\u2014Honeywell International<\/p>\n
Roger Loo\u2014NetApp<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Artificial Intelligence Pioneer<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe world is rapidly changing with the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning, and the Artificial Intelligence Pioneer award celebrates the early adopter. These pioneers innovate through AI features within their Cisco products or integration with other AI product\u2014whether their own solution or one created by an ecosystem partner. This award honors those who lead AI innovation, pushing the boundaries of what\u2019s possible and paving the way for the future of technology.<\/p>\n
Congratulations to our shortlisted nominees:<\/strong><\/p>\nBruce Thompson, Phyllis Kimber, and Denise Beckwith\u2014Georgia Department of Labor<\/p>\n
Michael Verret\u2014Internal Revenue Service (IRS)<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Industry Excellence
<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe Industry Excellence award celebrates organizations who use Cisco solutions to solve common challenges faced across their industry, especially those who have created industry-wide change. Celebrating organizations who surpass industry norms, this award recognizes exceptional achievements and the pursuit of progress in today\u2019s environment.<\/p>\n
Congratulations to our shortlisted nominees:<\/strong><\/p>\nMax Hernandez\u2014Toyota Motor North America<\/p>\n
Jarrett Newberry and Robert Bibey\u2014Burrell Behavioral Health<\/p>\n
Sophia Mohr\u2014Central Ohio Transit Authority<\/p>\n
Mike (Mac) McNamara\u2014Dish Network<\/p>\n
Veronica Martinez Estrada\u2014Grupo Xcaret<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Americas Customer Advocate of the Year <\/strong><\/h2>\nThe Advocate of the Year has consistently contributed to the greater Cisco Insider Advocates community, supporting others through mentorship, community building, best practice sharing, and advocacy. This award recognizes the customer whose acts of advocacy made the most significant impact on the Cisco community.<\/p>\n
Congratulations to our shortlisted nominees:<\/strong><\/p>\nMark Rodrigue\u2014Room & Board<\/p>\n
Josh Beaver\u2014T-Mobile<\/p>\n
Marcus Labra\u2014Carnival Corporation<\/p>\n
Christopher Cavendish\u2014Insight Global<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Congratulations to all our Cisco Customer Advocate Awards: Americas 2024 finalists!<\/strong><\/h2>\nWe applaud each of you for your passion, innovation, and thought leadership. We look forward to celebrating you at Cisco Live Las Vegas next month!<\/strong><\/h2>\nIf you\u2019d like to see which of these amazing finalists rises above the rest, join us during the awards ceremony on June 3! Register here.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Share:<\/p>\n
\n \t<\/div>\n
Nicole Alderete-Ferrini\u2014City of El Paso, Texas<\/p>\n
Dale Walters\u2014State of Illinois<\/p>\n
Steve Hilliard\u2014Ford Motor Company<\/p>\n
Bill Sheff, Alex Pop, and Justin Priebe\u2014M&T Bank<\/p>\n
Wendy Williams\u2014McKesson<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n Applications are the storefront for organizations today, and they\u2019re used to innovate, transform the business, and take advantage of new digital models and revenue streams. The Reimagine Applications Visionary award honors the customer who uses Cisco Full-Stack Observability (FSO) to move beyond traditional monitoring. In doing so, these visionaries benefit from a comprehensive view of their applications\u2019 performance, security, and impact on business outcomes. Recognizing their innovative use of open, extensible, and AI\/ML-enhanced FSO solutions, this award celebrates those who have aligned IT operations with business goals to deliver seamless, secure user experiences.<\/p>\n Congratulations to our shortlisted nominees:<\/strong><\/p>\n David Cornette and Jonathan Silberlicht\u2014T-Mobile<\/p>\n James Kluttz\u2014Sutter Health<\/p>\n Michael Verret\u2014Internal Revenue Service (IRS)<\/p>\n Pat Spinler and Matt Dupay\u2014Mayo Clinic<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n In today\u2019s high-tech, high-expectation environment, simplified IT experiences help organizations satisfy customers, retain employees, and stand out from competitors. Organizations are adopting a cloud operating model across their IT stacks to enhance agility and streamline complexity, while prioritizing secure networking to manage risks and maintain superior user experiences despite an increasingly intricate threat landscape. The Transformation Trailblazer award recognizes the customer who excels in using Cisco solutions to simplify network and technology challenges and ensure secure global connectivity.<\/p>\n Congratulations to our shortlisted nominees:<\/strong><\/p>\n Ron Grohman\u2014Bush Brothers & Company<\/p>\n Jeanette Jaede and Arun Joshi\u2014Amazon: Project Kuiper<\/p>\n Ian Hyatt\u2014Purdue University<\/p>\n Jeff Peterson\u2014LPL Financial<\/p>\n Leandro C\u00e9sar Lopes Evangelista\u2014Arena MRV<\/p>\n Todd Stewart\u2014Honeywell International<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The Sustainability Changemaker award celebrates a customer who uses Cisco\u2019s innovative solutions to help reduce environmental impacts and drive sustainability. From energy management platforms to smart building solutions that help optimize efficiency, to refreshed data center hardware built with circular design principles and more energy efficient infrastructure than previous generations, Cisco can help organizations embrace circularity and adapt to a low-carbon economy. This award recognizes transformative efforts in using Cisco\u2019s solutions for energy management, data center modernization, clean energy transitions, circular business transformation, smart buildings, and other sustainability initiatives.<\/p>\n Congratulations to our shortlisted nominees:<\/strong><\/p>\n Nicole Alderete-Ferrini\u2014City of El Paso, Texas<\/p>\n Tim Roberts\u2014St. Anne Institute<\/p>\n Dani Stern\u2014Honeywell International<\/p>\n Roger Loo\u2014NetApp<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The world is rapidly changing with the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning, and the Artificial Intelligence Pioneer award celebrates the early adopter. These pioneers innovate through AI features within their Cisco products or integration with other AI product\u2014whether their own solution or one created by an ecosystem partner. This award honors those who lead AI innovation, pushing the boundaries of what\u2019s possible and paving the way for the future of technology.<\/p>\n Congratulations to our shortlisted nominees:<\/strong><\/p>\n Bruce Thompson, Phyllis Kimber, and Denise Beckwith\u2014Georgia Department of Labor<\/p>\n Michael Verret\u2014Internal Revenue Service (IRS)<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The Industry Excellence award celebrates organizations who use Cisco solutions to solve common challenges faced across their industry, especially those who have created industry-wide change. Celebrating organizations who surpass industry norms, this award recognizes exceptional achievements and the pursuit of progress in today\u2019s environment.<\/p>\n Congratulations to our shortlisted nominees:<\/strong><\/p>\n Max Hernandez\u2014Toyota Motor North America<\/p>\n Jarrett Newberry and Robert Bibey\u2014Burrell Behavioral Health<\/p>\n Sophia Mohr\u2014Central Ohio Transit Authority<\/p>\n Mike (Mac) McNamara\u2014Dish Network<\/p>\n Veronica Martinez Estrada\u2014Grupo Xcaret<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The Advocate of the Year has consistently contributed to the greater Cisco Insider Advocates community, supporting others through mentorship, community building, best practice sharing, and advocacy. This award recognizes the customer whose acts of advocacy made the most significant impact on the Cisco community.<\/p>\n Congratulations to our shortlisted nominees:<\/strong><\/p>\n Mark Rodrigue\u2014Room & Board<\/p>\n Josh Beaver\u2014T-Mobile<\/p>\n Marcus Labra\u2014Carnival Corporation<\/p>\n Christopher Cavendish\u2014Insight Global<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Share:<\/p>\n \n \t<\/div>\nReimagine Applications Visionary <\/strong><\/h2>\n
Transformation Trailblazer
<\/strong><\/h2>\nSustainability Changemaker
<\/strong><\/h2>\nArtificial Intelligence Pioneer<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Industry Excellence
<\/strong><\/h2>\nAmericas Customer Advocate of the Year <\/strong><\/h2>\n
Congratulations to all our Cisco Customer Advocate Awards: Americas 2024 finalists!<\/strong><\/h2>\n
We applaud each of you for your passion, innovation, and thought leadership. We look forward to celebrating you at Cisco Live Las Vegas next month!<\/strong><\/h2>\n
If you\u2019d like to see which of these amazing finalists rises above the rest, join us during the awards ceremony on June 3! Register here.<\/strong><\/h2>\n