Nicki Palmer, Verizon

Chief Product Development Officer

Nicki Palmer Biography

Nicola (Nicki) Palmer is Chief Product Development Officer for Verizon. Nicki oversees the growth and expansion of the 5G ecosystem, convening partners and developing products, platforms, and services for Verizon’s various business units. Previously she was Chief Engineering Officer and Head of Wireless Networks. And prior to that she was Chief Technology Officer of Verizon Wireless, responsible for planning, operations & engineering of the nation's largest and most reliable wireless networks.

Palmer began her career at Bell Atlantic in 1990 and has held a number of leadership positions in engineering, operations, and technology supporting advanced data, I and wireless products. Among many highlights throughout her career at Verizon, she was responsible for the planning, design and operation of global voice, data and IP networks, and also led the engineering and operations of the nation’s premier fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) network, which powers Verizon's FiOS data and TV services.

She is active in a number of organizations including the National Academy Foundation, and is a passionate advocate for promoting education and careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), especially for young women. She has been recognized by Fierce Wireless as one of the industry Women to Watch, a Top 100 CIO/CTO Leaders in STEM by STEMCONNECTOR, and as one of the Most Influential Women in Wireless. Nicki has also been honored by Working Mother magazine and Girl Scouts of Greater New York.

Palmer earned a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering from Penn State University and an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School.