Nicola (Nicki) Palmer is a distinguished technology executive with over 30 years of experience in various leadership positions. Nicki began her career at Bell Atlantic, a Verizon predecessor company and has held a number of leadership positions in engineering, operations, and technology supporting advanced data and wireless products across customer segments. She has served as Verizon’s Chief Engineering Officer as well as the Chief Technology Officer, where she led the 4G and 5G network deployments. As Chief Product Officer, she led the exploration of new technologies and creation of products and platforms that solve problems for individuals, enterprises, and society.
Nicki is widely recognized as an influential leader in technology and telecommunications. Her awards include being named one of the Most Influential Women in Wireless, a Top 10 Women in Telcom, a Top 10 5G People to Watch, a Top 100 CIO/CTO Leader in STEM, a Top 10 Leader in Mobile Diversity Equity and Inclusion, a POWER Woman by Moves Magazine, and highlighted as a Female Disruptor by Authority Magazine. She has worked for decades to promote education and careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), especially for women. Nicki earned a BS in industrial engineering from The Pennsylvania State University and an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. She is a proud wife, mother of three, and breast cancer survivor.