GreenBeat 2009, The Conference on the Smart Grid

Smart Grid is the next multi-billion dollar infrastructure play for Cisco that aims to allow connected utilities to supply electricity in a more efficient and sustainable way, allowing consumers to gain better efficiency and control of their energy consumption. In her role as Senior Vice President and General Manager, Laura Ipsen shapes Cisco’s Smart Grid vision and strategy, builds an extensive product and services portfolio, and drives a strategic plan for communicating to our customers, partners, shareholders, and employees.

Laura Ipsen is also the co-chair of Cisco’s EcoBoard, which leads Cisco’s comprehensive “green” strategy related to the use of information technology to achieve a positive impact on the environment and climate change. In 2008, Laura Ipsen received the Women Making History award from US Senator Barbara Boxer for her work on environmental issues. In addition, Laura Ipsen leads Cisco’s Women’s Advisory Group, which identifies and recommends gender-focused strategies as part of Cisco’s Inclusion and Diversity Council. Previously, Laura Ipsen established and managed Global Policy and Government Affairs (GPGA) division for Cisco and was responsible for developing Cisco’s public policy agenda and advancing governmental policies in support of broadband and IP-based technologies.

Laura Ipsen serves on the boards of the Public Affairs Council, One Economy Corporation, and the Technology Board for Pacific Research Institute. Laura Ipsen is the past president and chair of the board of the Organization of Women in International Trade (OWIT) and the past chair of the Board of Directors for the Information Technology Industry Council (ITIC). Laura Ipsen holds a bachelor’s degree in International Relations from the University of Virginia and studied Arabic at Yarmouk University in Jordan.