A Message from the Chapter President
Ready to serve our nearly 300 members
Welcome 2013!
The Midwest Chapter has made some great momentum over 2012 to improve the experience of our
membership based on your feedback. We offered more than ten programs for chapter members,
launched a mentoring program, and we were able to award two scholarships to attend the WICT
Leadership Conference in New York City. We are looking to continue this momentum into 2013.
WICT National also offers fantastic resources. It took me a few years as a member before I began
utilizing the National website regularly. I often reflect on the WICT Touchstones, as well as utilizing WICT
Connects as an additional form of networking. I encourage everyone to take a look!
Thank you for your membership and I hope to see you at a local program in the near future.
Warmly,
Sarah DeZell, WICT Midwest Chapter President
Please join Comcast Vice President of Human Resources and Women in
Cable Telecommunications Midwest Chapter Advisor Caroline Aspenson
for a conversation about personalizing your career plans. In addition to
answering questions and moderating the discussion, Caroline will share her own career journey
story, including pivotal moments and key decisions made along the
way.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
11:30 a.m.—1 p.m. (lunch provided)
Crowne Plaza - St. Paul, Minn.
In conjunction with MCCA and the North Central Cable Show
rsvp: sarah_dezell@cable.comcast.com
Lunch will be provided
Meet Your WICT Midwest 2013 Board of Directors
Ready to serve our nearly 300 members
President - Sarah DeZell
Region Director of Customer Care, Comcast Cable
Sarah has 15 years of telecommunications experience, ranging from network
engineering, technical operations, and customer care. She joined Comcast in 2002
after working for AT&T in local and wireless services. In 2010 she relocated from the
Pacific Northwest to the Twin Cities region. Sarah is currently responsible for the
creation and implementation of standard procedures across Comcast Cable
Corporation.
Sarah served on the WICT Pacific Northwest Chapter board, 2007-2010, most recently as chapter
president. She values WICT and its ability to help guide leadership and networking. Last year, Before
taking on the president’s role, Sarah served as co-programming chair of the Midwest chapter. She is
committed to adding her previous experience and feedback from local members in taking the Midwest
WICT chapter to the next level.
Vice President - Chandni Thakrar-Ochoa
Director of Corporate Voice Operations, Suddenlink Communications
Chandni leads a team that oversees the implementation of new technology solutions,
OSS/BSS, and Commercial Product Development under the Corporate Engineering
department at Suddenlink Communications.. She has been in the cable industry for 11+
years, getting her start at Cox Communications in West Texas. Chandni is a native of
Lubbock, Texas, who now lives in St. Louis, Mo., with her husband and two sons. She is
a member of the 2011 WICT Rising Leaders class. In addition to her board service to
WICT Midwest, Chandni will serves as the 2012 vice president of the St. Louis NAMIC chapter. She
enjoys spending her free time (what’s that?) with her family and shopping.
Treasurer - Erin Lorenz
Senior Director Information Technology, Suddenlink Communications
Erin leads a team of IT professionals tasked with the management, design and
configuration of HR systems for nearly 6,000 employees. Prior to joining Suddenlink in
2004, Erin wore many hats in IT for A.G. Edwards and Systems Consultants, Inc.
Erin has been an active WICT member for four years. Before being named treasurer, she
served as both membership chair and director-at-large. Erin is a 2011 Rising Leader and
recipient of the Spirit of the Midwest “Woman in Technology” award. Erin holds a bachelor’s degree from
Missouri Baptist University. Originally from St. Louis, she hopped around the country throughout her
childhood and is back to making her home in the St. Louis suburb Ballwin. Erin is happily married and is
the proud mother of two daughters. She enjoys boxing, reading at least one book per week and spending
time with family and friends.
Secretary - Sarah Maschka
Client Services Partner Talent Acquisition, Comcast Cable
Sarah entered the telecommunications industry in early 2007, joining the Twin Cities
Region recruitment team at Comcast, a Fortune 500 company and national leader in
entertainment, communication products and services. Prior to her work at Comcast, Sarah
worked in recruitment at a large collection agency in the Twin Cities providing hiring and
selection support to hiring managers. Sarah graduated from Winona State University with
a Bachelor’s degree in communications. She resides in the Twin Cities.
Past President - Denise Farley
Senior Director Revenue & Assets Recovery, Mediacom Communications
Denise has been employed with Mediacom for almost seven years. She has spent the
majority of her career in the industry with numerous top-tier MSOs, focusing on
operation management. In 2009, WICT National named Denise its Chapter President of
the Year. Denise resides in West Des Moines, Iowa, with her husband and has a son in
college who is majoring in marketing.
Chapter Advisor—Caroline Aspenson
VP Human Resources, Comcast Cable
Caroline leads a team of 16 HR professionals who support nearly 2,000 employees in
Minnesota, Wisconsin and Missouri. She also partners closely with business units
throughout the region providing HR counsel and expertise. Prior to joining Comcast in
1999, Caroline held a variety of HR management positions. Her background includes more
than 20 years of human resources experience in the cable and retail industries.
Caroline has been an active member of WICT for several years and is looking forward to playing a
greater role with the organization.
St. Louis Program Chair - Sarah Treiber
Marketing Manager, Suddenlink Communications
Sarah joined Suddenlink Communications in March 2007. She is the marketing
manager, supporting creative execution of marketing and branding activities. Previously,
Sarah was a marketing coordinator and a senior marketing specialist, focusing on the
development of video on demand and sales channel marketing.
Sarah holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree with an emphasis in
marketing from the University of Missouri - St. Louis, where she graduated with honors. In addition to her
responsibilities at Suddenlink and her new role as programming chair, Sarah serves on the WICT
chapter’s rebranding and Safe House charity luncheon committees. She is a member of the Cable and
Telecommunications Association of Marketing (CTAM) for whom she serves as a Mark Awards judge.
Sarah also contributes time to the MS Walk and Bike fundraising initiatives.
Twin Cities Program Chair - Jessica Miller
XEC Store Manager, Comcast Cable
Jessica is enjoying her second year in the cable industry. She began as a supervisor for
the Comcast Inbound Sales team before accepting her current role. Jessica has worked
in the technology industry at Ultimate Electronics and at Best Buy, where she served as a
national sales manager trainer. Jessica also served as Alpha Retail Leader in the
Women of Leadership Forum - Aurora Pack to increase revenue among female shoppers
and improve retention/job satisfaction of female employees. She is studying business
management at Western Governors University and will graduate in spring 2015. Jessica lives in Inver
Grove Heights, Minn. She enjoys traveling abroad and continuing her studies in college. Her hobbies
include scrapbooking and playing both online and board games.
Mentorship Chair—Mary Porter
VP Human Resources, Suddenlink Communications
Mary joined Suddenlink in March 2010 and has spent the last 24 years in human
resources. Mary serves as a strategic business partner to the corporate leadership
team, leading all generalist, recruitment, benefits and HRIS support in the corporate
office. Mary is also focused on managing all aspects of the recruitment initiatives, HRIS
data input/output, Sarbanes Oxley, diversity and compliance responsibilities. She joined
WICT in 2010 and attended the Betsy Magness Leadership Program, Class 24, in 2012.
Mary is the treasurer for the St. Louis Chapter of NAMIC. When Mary isn’t working, she is supporting her
son’s sports life by serving as parent coordinator for his basketball team. She also boats and Jet Skis
with her family on the Mississippi (in the pretty area of the river, not the muddy parts!). In December, Mary
will celebrate 27 years of marriage to her husband Steve.
Communications Chair - Lisa Shea
Communications Coordinator, Suddenlink Communications
Lisa has been a part of the corporate communications team at Suddenlink, a top-10
U.S. cable broadband operator, for four years. Prior to her work at Suddenlink, Lisa
owned and operated LEXIS Writing & Editing, LLC, providing written communications
and public relations support for authors and corporate clients. She lives in St. Louis
with her husband Jim and their three teenage daughters. Outside of work, Lisa
enjoys reading, playing guitar and coaching a cheer squad.
IT/Database/Webmaster- Julie Sparlin
IT Manager, Suddenlink Communications
Julie received her start in the cable telecommunications industry at Suddenlink in 2008
as a member of the IT team responsible for the health of human resources and payrollrelated applications. Prior to joining Suddenlink, Julie spent her professional career in
the correctional medical industry, starting out as an accountant and ending in a
technical role in IT. She lives in St. Louis with her husband, two wonderful sons, and a
retired greyhound. Outside of work, Julie enjoys playing golf, tennis and volunteering as
a Boy Scout den leader.
Outreach Chair - Jill Arbet
Benefits Analyst, Suddenlink Communications
With close to 15 years of industry experience, Jill Arbet joined Suddenlink in 2003 and
was named VP of marketing in 2006. She currently leads the company’s marketing
Brand initiatives, which encompasses brand growth and research, campaign creative,
broadcast and cross-channel TV creation and schedules, and COOP marketing
partnerships. Prior to Suddenlink, Jill was with Charter Communications for eight
years.
Jill has been active in WICT off and on for the last fifteen years. While at Charter, she chaired and
planned the annual WICT fundraising gala. Jill is an active Cable & Telecommunications Association of
Marketing (CTAM) member, serving on its Mark Awards and judging committee. This year, she was
selected for CTAM’s Cable Executive Management Program at Harvard Business School. Jill also
belongs to the National Cable Television Cooperative (NCTC) Lancelot Group, a marketing peer panel.
Director-at-Large, – Andrea Wegley
Account Director, ARRIS
Andrea, a native of Boulder, Colorado, has been part of the cable industry since 1995
and has spent her entire 16-year career with ARRIS. Currently Andrea is responsible for
one major cable operator across the country.
Andrea serves on two WICT Boards ( Midwest and Texas), and one SCTE Board (
Crystal Coast, N.C.). Andrea hopes to foster leadership and diversity on the WICT
Midwest Board. She is passionate about putting women in technology on the map through increased
participation, support and guidance of WICT’s Tech It Out programs.
Andrea holds a B.A. in English
from the University of Colorado, is married with a six year old daughter, and currently lives in St. Louis.
Director-at-Large, - Beth Petti
Vice President, Information Technology, Suddenlink Communications
Beth oversees the program management office, which runs large-scale, cross-functional
initiatives across the company footprint, including technology rollouts and new product
launches. She has designed mentoring and leadership training protocols. Prior to joining
Suddenlink in 2007, Beth served as a vice president at Teralogix Consulting, a project
management company. Her IT career spans more than 20 years.
Beth is a member of the Project Management Institute and is PMP certified. Since joining WICT in 2009,
Beth has attended national leadership conferences and participated in chapter events and community
service projects. She is a Betsy Magness Leadership Institute (Class XXIV) graduate.
Beth earned her B.B.A. in management information systems, with an emphasis in accounting, from Iowa
State University in Ames. She enjoys running, boating and anything outdoors. She lives in St. Louis with
her husband and two children.
Director-at-Large, Spirit of Midwest - Michelle Scheuermann
Sr. Director of Communications, Sportsman Channel
Michelle is an avid outdoorswoman who loves to run, bike, kayak, ski, compete in races
and just be outdoors. She started her own consulting firm, BulletProof Communications,
with her clients Sportsman Channel and North American Media Group. Her focus is to
help increase media relations and social media presence for her clients. Michelle has a
degree in agricultural business management from University of Wisconsin – River Falls
and more recently received her accreditation in public relations from the Public
Relations Society of America. Michelle resides in St. Paul, Minn. with her husband Wayne and their cat,
Harrison.
Membership Chair - Sherri Kronfrost
Director of Employee Engagement, Comcast Cable
In her 20-plus year career, Sherrie has gained experience in a variety of leadership roles
including organizational development, training, human resources and operations. She
has particular interest and expertise in organizational design and change management.
Sherrie holds a Master of Human Resource Development degree and a Bachelor of Arts
in Hotel & Restaurant Management. Sherrie lives in the suburbs of Twin Cities with her
husband Kevin. Together they have five children, Sherrie’s favorite pastimes include
yoga, entertaining friends and family, and musky fishing.
Ambassador—Pamela Hermann
VP Management and Financial Reporting, Suddenlink Communications
In her role at Suddenlink, Pamela is responsible for providing operational reporting and
financial analysis to senior leadership. Prior to joining Suddenlink in 2006, she worked
in various roles across business planning, contracts, and financial analysis for The
Boeing Company. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration
from Truman State University and earned her Master of Business Administration
degree from Washington University. Pamela is also a member of the 2010 WICT
Rising Leaders class and Class 27 of the Betsy Magness Leadership Institute. Pamela lives in St. Louis
with her husband and twin 4-year-old sons. She enjoys photography, scrapbooking and outings with her
family.
Ambassador - Theresa Sunde
Community Relations Coordinator, Mediacom Communications
Theresa Sunde has worked in the cable industry since 1996. In her position at
Mediacom, she supports the regional vice president in an executive administrative
role, serves as the company’s point of contact for the local franchise authorities,
and promotes the industry’s many outreach programs. Theresa is married and has
three daughters and a son. She is an active school and community volunteer.
When not working, she enjoys cooking, reading novels, swimming and going to
movies.
Ambassador— David Tashjian
VP Sales & Marketing - Twin Cites Region, Comcast
David has been with Comcast since 2005. In his current role, David provides strategic
leadership for the sales and marketing teams in supporting and growing Comcast’s
consumer product lines. David’s operational responsibilities include direct sales, retail
sales--including 11 regional cable stores--directing and providing input on marketing
communications, advertising, sponsorships and overall branding. David previously
served in leadership roles for Comcast’s Beltway Region in the Washington, D.C., area.
Before joining Comcast, David served in a variety of operations, communications, and sales leadership
capacities with Echostar Communications (Dish Network).
WE WANT TO CONNECT WITH YOU! In order to determine which social media outlets best
reach our chapter members, can you please take a moment to tell us where you’d like to find
us? Simply email lisa.shea@suddenlink.com and reply with which of the following outlets you
currently follow: Facebook, Linked In, Twitter, Others. Thanks!
Do you have news or photos you’d like to share in the next WICT Midwest
newsletter? Contact Lisa Shea, Communications Chair
*lisa.shea@suddenlink.com (314-315-9350)
Visit WICT Midwest and WICT National regularly
for more news and information.