ANN ARBOR ? Internet2 on Monday announced that Robert Vietzke will join its staff as the Executive Director of Network Services, reporting directly to the President and CEO Doug Van Houweling.

In this role, Vietzke will be responsible for the operation of Internet2?s new advanced nationwide network, and will support the network?s connections with Internet2?s network connectors, major federal networks and more than 80 international research networks. He assumes this position after helping to lead the deployment of the Internet2 Network over the past 18 months.

?We are delighted that Rob will be a key member of the Internet2 team. His deep experience in operating and deploying advanced networks will serve as an incredible asset to our community as we continue to focus on robust, state of the art network capabilities,? Van Houweling said. ?The network plays a vital role in supporting the cyberinfrastructure needs of members. Rob?s leadership in this capacity will ensure that Internet2 provides its members critical resources they need for today and well into the future.?

Prior to joining Internet2, Vietzke was the Director of the Connecticut Education Network Advanced Services Center at the University of Connecticut. He was assigned to Internet2 as Project Director to lead the deployment of the new Internet2 Network and transition from the previous backbone. In this capacity, Rob led a team that worked with partner organizations, Internet2 Connectors and members to successfully deploy an advanced nationwide hybrid optical and packet network infrastructure that spans over 13,500 long-haul route miles, and includes over 400 network elements and close to 30 colocation suites.

At the University of Connecticut, Vietzke led the design, deployment and operations of the Connecticut Education Network (CEN), the nation?s first all-optical K-20 network for the state of Connecticut. CEN extended gigabit Ethernet to every school district and college campus in Connecticut. Under his leadership, over 40 college campuses and 160 school districts chose to join the Connecticut Education Network and to use CEN as their sole Internet and Internet2 provider.

For more information, click on Internet2.Edu

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