Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
07
Cory Richard

Cory Richard

Engineering Director
Conroe,TX

Summary

Professional with robust background in directing and managing large-scale infrastructure, consistently driving success through strategic planning and execution. Adept at implementing innovative solutions that enhance productivity and operational effectiveness. Skilled in developing and implementing effective technical strategies, optimizing processes, and driving team performance. Known for adaptability, effective collaboration, and delivering measurable outcomes in dynamic environments. Strong communication and problem-solving abilities, coupled with focus on fostering teamwork and positive team culture.

Overview

30
30
years of professional experience

Work History

Director – Webex Infrastructure Engineering

Cisco Systems
03.2018 - 05.2025
  • Responsible for engineering, operating and securing network, compute, storage, IaaS and voice/video infrastructure for Webex collaboration suite
  • Built and led team of 200+ engineers managing infrastructure in 200+ global data centers with 99.999 availability SLA
  • Developed and executed global infrastructure consolidation strategy reducing data center and circuit costs by over $60M year over year
  • Implemented and operated highly secure FedRAMP environments and security controls to service government customers
  • Led Infrastructure as Code (IaC) transition using GitOps, Terraform, Harness and Kubernetes based CICD technologies to increase deployment velocity of new data centers and expansions
  • Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth
  • Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations

VP – BroadCloud Engineering & Operations

BroadSoft
08.2012 - 03.2018
  • Responsible for engineering, operating and securing network, compute, storage and voice/video infrastructure supporting carrier grade, global unified communications SaaS solutions
  • Built global cloud infrastructure engineering and operations team from scratch to over 150 global employees supporting global channel partners like Verizon, Comcast, BT, Telstra and Vodafone
  • Lead team in DevOps transition modernizing processes, improving operational efficiency and streamlining organizational structure
  • Led transition to public (AWS and GCP) and private hybrid cloud model Implemented FedRAMP environment and established controls, processes and tools required to achieve Authorization to Operate (ATO)
  • Cultivated strong relationships with key stakeholders, including customers, vendors, regulators, and community leaders to promote collaboration and long-term success
  • Led cross-functional teams for the successful completion of major projects, resulting in increased efficiency and client satisfaction

Cofounder & Chief Technology Officer

Adaption Technologies
06.2006 - 08.2012
  • Responsible for architecture, system interoperability, engineering, operations and security for the US based wholesale unified communications
    infrastructure. Also set direction and provided requirements for internally developed automated business and operations systems.
  • Designed and implemented a highly automated wholesale voice over IP (VoIP) Saas solution servicing major service providers including XO
    Communications and Verizon
  • Evaluated market trends to identify emerging opportunities and inform strategic decision making
  • Conducted target market research to scope out industry competition and identify advantageous trends

Sr. Manager – Voice Engineering

McLeodUSA
10.2002 - 06.2006
  • Responsible for call processing design and implementation, documentation, testing, network architecture, network element software lifecycle including vendor roadmaps, lab testing, trouble resolution, and network implementation for all voice network elements
  • Designed and implemented an industry first integrated access solution combining customer voice and data services over a single voice over IP (VoIP) enabled T1 circuit and integrating the solution with the company’s
    existing TDM PSTN switching infrastructure
  • Provided strong leadership to enhance team productivity and morale
  • Led cross-functional teams to achieve project milestones and deliver high-quality results

Manager –Switch Systems Engineering

MCI WorldCom
05.2000 - 10.2002
  • Managed design, planning, technical support, vendor technical management, and project management for new hardware, new software, and new technologies associated with the entire global voice network.
  • Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work
  • Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes

Senior Engineer

MCI WorldCom
06.1995 - 05.2000
  • Participated in WorldCom Engineering Development Program designed to rapidly develop broad technical expertise and establish the basis for a career in management. Responsibilities included Transmission Systems Testing, TDM Switch Support, Enhanced Platform (SCP and Service Node) Testing, and Switch Software Development.

Education

BSEE - Electrical/Computer Engineering

University of Louisiana at Lafayette
05.1995

Skills

  • Relationship building
  • Strategic planning
  • Verbal and written communication
  • Decision-making
  • Operations management
  • Project management
  • Budget management
  • Hiring and retention
  • Analytical thinking
  • Industry knowledge
  • Effective leader
  • Team building

Timeline

Director – Webex Infrastructure Engineering

Cisco Systems
03.2018 - 05.2025

VP – BroadCloud Engineering & Operations

BroadSoft
08.2012 - 03.2018

Cofounder & Chief Technology Officer

Adaption Technologies
06.2006 - 08.2012

Sr. Manager – Voice Engineering

McLeodUSA
10.2002 - 06.2006

Manager –Switch Systems Engineering

MCI WorldCom
05.2000 - 10.2002

Senior Engineer

MCI WorldCom
06.1995 - 05.2000

BSEE - Electrical/Computer Engineering

University of Louisiana at Lafayette