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For the Mobile Connectivity Forum​​ 

Michael Caralis​​ 

Michael Caralis is a seasoned leader in the technology industry, with over 20 years of experience driving success in multi-billion-dollar business units at Verizon. Throughout his career, Michael has spearheaded transformational initiatives, guiding Verizon through significant reorganizations and go-to-market strategies. His expertise in curating and launching innovative products has resulted in the creation of multiple revenue streams exceeding $100 million each.​​ 

In his current role, Michael leads Verizon’s Solution Architects, focusing on the small and mid-market customer segment. He also oversees Verizon’s inside and digital sales teams, ensuring the company’s strategies are effectively implemented and customer needs are met with excellence. Additionally, Michael serves on the executive committee overseeing Verizon Business Group’s development and utilization of emerging technologies, with a focus on the responsible use of artificial intelligence to enhance both customer and employee experiences.​​ 

A native of the Boston area, Michael earned his Bachelor of Science degree with a concentration in Management Information Systems from Northeastern University. He has furthered his education with studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Rutgers University.​​ 

Sonal Patel​​ 

As the VP of Marketing for Business Markets in the VBG Product & Marketing organization, Sonal is responsible for driving segment-focused marketing with a focus on the needs of our small and mid size business customers, across all channels. Her team provides insights and programs to sales that drive net add volume, protect our base and drive service revenue growth.​​ 

Justin Blair​​ 

Justin Blair is Head of Carrier Business Development for the Americas. Specifically, he leads a team dedicated to driving joint sales success with carriers across the United States, Canada, and Latin America. Justin joined Cradlepoint in 2020, now Ericsson Enterprise Wireless Solutions, and led the Verizon Carrier Business Development team prior to assuming his current role in July ’23.​​​ 

Prior to joining Ericsson/Cradlepoint, Justin spent 17 years at Verizon, most recently as a Product Management leader responsible for 5G, Private Cellular Networks, and Wireless Business products. In that capacity, he launched key products and programs including the Public Safety portfolio for First Responders, that offers priority and preemption services with purpose-built products, and a SaaS sell-through program offering best-in-class solutions for endpoint management, secure mobility, and productivity. Previously, Justin held roles of increasing responsibility within the Verizon Wireless Network Operations organization on the Network Repair Bureau team, responsible for delivering global inter-standard roaming services, establishing data roaming services, and creating programs for enterprise customers’ pre and post-sales support. ​​​ 

Justin received his Masters of Science degree in Telecommunications Management from Stevens Institute of Technology, and his Bachelors of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Rutgers University, College of Engineering, both in the honors program.​​​ 

Craig Jackowski​​ 

Craig Jackowski is Executive Director of Carrier Business Development. Specifically, he leads the Verizon Carrier Business Development team dedicated to driving joint sales success with Verizon and our mutual partners.  Craig joined Ericsson Cradlepoint in May of 2023.​​ 

In a thirty-two year professional career with Verizon, Panasonic TOUGHBOOK, and Ericsson Cradlepoint, Jackowski has held leadership roles in diverse organizations including Business Development, Marketing, Customer Service, Operations, Technology, Network, Project/Product Management, and Training.  At Verizon, he was instrumental in the launch of the industry’s best 4G and 5G wireless networks. At Panasonic TOUGHBOOK, he led efforts to completely overhaul the TOUGHBOOK rugged product portfolio with six new products launched within three years.​​ 

Jackowski was born in the Bronx, NY and currently resides in Belleville, NJ.  He volunteered for many years as Coach of youth football, baseball and basketball and has led numerous sports leagues & parent organizations. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management & Marketing from Kean University (NJ) where he also volunteers on the Alumni Leadership Council and serves as a mentor for graduating Seniors.​​ 

Tristen O’Brien​​ 

With over 20 years of technology and cybersecurity experience, Tristen serves as the Director of Cybersecurity Solutions and works closely with businesses to strengthen their cybersecurity posture. Tristen’s focus on helping businesses allows him to work alongside industry-leading security organizations; which give him a unique perspective into security trends across the globe. As a thought leader, Tristen is frequently tasked to work with organizations of all sizes and asked to share his recommendations, thoughts, and perspective on making businesses more secure.​​ 

Matt Light​​ 

Matt Light was born on June 23, 1978, in Greenville, Ohio. His experience of growing up in a rural farming community taught him the values of hard work, responsibility, and accountability. He started playing football as a kid at Greenville High School, and eventually won a scholarship to Purdue University, where he served as left tackle behind his friend and future Super Bowl MVP, quarterback Drew Brees. He took up the same position in 2001 for Tom Brady, after being drafted by the New England Patriots, launching what would be a storied NFL career. Matt met his wife Susie, a native of Hammond, Indiana, while at Purdue. They married during his rookie year with the Patriots, and now have four children: Grace, Collin, William, and Anna.​​ 

It was during Matt’s early days in the NFL that he and Susie decided to found The Light Foundation, to give young people the opportunity to experience and enjoy the outdoors the way they had in their own lives. The goal: to help kids develop the skills, values, and mindset they need to create meaningful and productive futures.​​ 

Matt spent his entire 11-year career with the Patriots and played a major role in leading the Patriots to 11 consecutive winning seasons, including nine division championships, five conference titles and three Super Bowls titles. He joined Tom Brady (eight), Cornelius Bennett, John Elway and Charles Haley as the only other players to start in at least five Super Bowls. Light joined Kevin Faulk (2016), Tedy Bruschi (2013) and Troy Brown (2012) as the fourth player to enter The Patriots Hall of Fame as a career Patriot with three Super Bowl rings. He is the sixth player to be selected by the fans into the Patriots Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility, joining Drew Bledsoe (2011), Troy Brown, Tedy Bruschi, Kevin Faulk and Ty Law (2014).​​