John Panker
Laurel,MD
Summary
Dynamic telecommunications professional with extensive experience at Verizon Wireless, excelling in project management and small cell deployment. Proven track record in enhancing network reliability and customer satisfaction through effective team leadership and strategic planning. Skilled in budget analysis and fostering collaboration, driving successful outcomes in high-stakes environments.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Sr Engr Cslt-Ntwk Reg/RE
Verizon Wireless
Annapolis Junction, Maryland
11.2018 - 12.2025
- Joined the East Territory standardization team to assist with the small cell build.
- Contributed to unit bid pricing efforts for general contractors executing small cell builds throughout footprint
- Supported real estate team by coordinating timely execution of make ready engineering work orders to initiate small cell builds on utility poles in Northern Virginia.
- Coordinated with D.C. construction third party teams to ensure prioritization of transport for small cell build facilitating 5G deployment
- Facilitated coordination with transport team in D.C. to streamline fiber build for initial 30 utility poles in D.C.
- Led project management for initial cell site builds in Washington/Baltimore submarket.
- Compile daily and weekly reports to confirm fulfillment of all compensable dates.
- Led bi-weekly and weekly calls for small cells and MACRO sites with local vendors.
- Prioritized attention on all ROOT sites to achieve superior network outcomes.
- Directed efforts toward all TOP 10 and RF priority sites to maximize network reliability
- Directed engineering initiatives in Washington D.C. for foundational small cell development.
- Currently, D.C. operates 418 small cells in service.
Supervisor
Verizon
Silver Spring, Maryland
01.2009 - 11.2019
- Led Verizon team focused on relocation of sensitive telecommunications equipment, supervising technical operations of 12 engineering assistants.
- Accountable for meeting all Fiber to the Cell (FTTC) milestones from 2009 to ongoing build
- Supervised project execution and facilitated enhancements of more than 400 cell sites to support 4G network capability.
- Streamlined end-to-end equipment connectivity identification and labeling.
Ensured proper separation of power sources for safe equipment handling.
Disconnected and reconnected equipment during facility move to maintain operational continuity. - Coordinated comprehensive preparation of each piece of equipment for transport.
- Identified and addressed all technical issues before and after transport.
- Directed all D.C. Ethernet-based operations, including support for White House, IMF, DHS, and FBI.
- Spearheaded two Inaugurations, Pope visits, and annual Independence Day events/concerts.
- Coordinated with AVOC staff to supply video services via fiber for all outlined events and annual tennis/golf tournaments taking place in Metropolitan area.
- Served as senior engineer in WSAM/DC area for four years, training and assisting team with technical solutions for arising issues.
- Demonstrate proficiency in ICGS, TIRKS, LFACS, VBUILD, CCP, VSAP, WFA, IVAPP, BDMS, FIM, and RequestNet.
Project Manager FTTP
Verizon
Silver Spring, Maryland
04.2007 - 12.2009
- Assigned to supply technical expertise and counsel to Fiber to the Premise (FTTP/FIOS) system users, project managers, and contractors.
- Formulated and managed training program for Broadband Data Management System (BDMS) network, test equipment, and transmission interfaces.
- Served as Special Point of Contact (SPOC) for BDMS system, facilitating access to more than one million homes for FIOS network across Maryland
- Directed maintenance and operation of FIOS network, integrating efforts with construction, installation, and external affairs departments to sustain customer satisfaction with network.
- Assessed reports to verify that budgetary goals were achieved in accordance with district demands.
- Established and sustained information databases in MS Access and Excel to support home owner associations, Government permitting agencies, and theFederal Communications Commission (FCC)
- Trained customers on maximizing network features, enabling mall owners to deliver FIOS service through KIOSK solution
- Assessed, implemented, and predicted financial analyses for forthcoming telecommunication necessities.
Supervisor FTTP
Verizon
Silver Spring, Maryland
01.2005 - 04.2007
- Championed FIOS network projects, leading and supporting 27 engineering assistants within Prince George’s and Montgomery County jurisdictions.
- Delivered technical support for construction, installation, business office, and external affairs to expedite customer service.
- Maintained seamless connectivity between central offices and outside plant segment of FIOS network to customer residences.
- Facilitated collaboration with National Capital Management team on various occasions to mitigate excess costs.
- Implemented first office applications (FOA) with Verizon Advanced Termination System (VATS)
- Executed cost study allowing Verizon to deliver customer services in aerial contexts, securing $568 cost savings per premise passed.
Engineering Assistant
Verizon
Silver Spring, Maryland
10.2002 - 01.2005
- Demonstrated knowledge of utility operating procedures and practices.
Managed utility resource acquisition and contract administration effectively.
Applied customer service principles to enhance client interactions.
Executed collections and delinquent accounts procedures efficiently.
Oversaw cable installation procedures to ensure compliance with standards.
Ensured adherence to applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. - Managed and coordinated major utility services functional areas, ensuring compliance with regulations.
Developed and implemented programs and projects to enhance operational efficiency.
Interpreted state, federal, and local laws regarding telecommunication services for informed decision-making.
Prepared comprehensive studies and reports on complex issues influencing strategic direction.
Set priorities and met deadlines while making sound decisions under pressure.
Established and maintained accurate records to support operational integrity.
Communicated effectively with employees, agencies, public officials, and contract providers to foster collaboration.
Supervised, trained, and evaluated assigned staff to enhance team performance. - Implement and arrange utility installations at new sites for reliable connectivity.
- Generated precise quotes to ensure compliance with project timelines and specifications.
Cultivated relationships with supervisors, employees, and local government officials for effective coordination.
Effectively communicated orally and in writing to support project objectives and stakeholder engagement. - Examine and assess statistics regarding cable network utilization and availability.
- Direct performance and capacity planning efforts to elevate operational efficiency of network resources.
- Execute product evaluations of upgraded or new hardware and software, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and potential benefits to agency.
- Recommend enhancements to cable network facilities.
- Analyze use support statistics and other data and recommend appropriate measures.
- Assists in establishing policies and procedures for use of network facilities.
- Facilitates maintenance of local area network and wide area network, including cable and hub installations, inventories, and associated responsibilities.
- Coordinate administrative tasks in telecommunication atmosphere.
- Collaborate with vendors, users, management, and cable network programming staff
- Serves as point of contact for remote network locations to gain insight into problems and establish solutions or corrective actions.
- Oversee correspondence with Finance Department and vendors to support effective payment and delivery.
- Procure cable networking components and installation gear.
Cable Splicer
Verizon
Rockville, Maryland
06.1998 - 10.2002
- Configure and assess cable connections, conduct regular maintenance, and integrate vendor updates to software.
- Installed and operated diverse cable utility lines to improve service reliability.
Sustained existing cable systems to ensure optimal performance.
Troubleshot common telecommunication issues to minimize downtime and enhance efficiency. - Sustain cable installation’s physical and logical frameworks, encompassing all cable connection management.
- Maintain cable installation support software.
- Performed troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance on cable utility system.
- Propose upgrades to cable network when warranted.
- Fulfill role of test engineer for new products in cable network system execution.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Communications
University of Maryland Global Campus
Hyattsville, MD01-2008
Associate of Arts - English
Towson State University
Towson, MD06-1996
Skills
- Network management
- Project management
- Small cell deployment
- Fiber optics engineering
- Telecommunications standards
- Customer relations
- Problem solving
- Team leadership
- Effective communication
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Decision-making
- MS office
- Organizational skills
- Time management
- Cultural awareness
- Supervision and leadership
- Planning
- Training & Development
- Budget analysis
Accomplishments
Diversity Gold Award Winner 2008, 2009, 2010
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Sr Engr Cslt-Ntwk Reg/RE
Verizon Wireless
11.2018 - 12.2025
Supervisor
Verizon
01.2009 - 11.2019
Project Manager FTTP
Verizon
04.2007 - 12.2009
Supervisor FTTP
Verizon
01.2005 - 04.2007
Engineering Assistant
Verizon
10.2002 - 01.2005
Cable Splicer
Verizon
06.1998 - 10.2002
Bachelor of Arts - Communications
University of Maryland Global Campus
Associate of Arts - English
Towson State University