EarthLink taps health care veteran Ferro to lead technology and products

EarthLink has named Jacob J. Ferro, Jr. as executive vice president, chief information officer and product officer, marking the latest in a series of executive changes at the competitive provider.

In his new position, Ferro will oversee EarthLink's technology operations including R&D, product and customer services offerings, acquisitions and investments.

He will report directly to president and CEO, Joe Eazor.

Ferro may not be your typical telecom executive as the majority of his previous experience comes from serving in CIO roles in the health care industry. However, this experience will come in handy to lead EarthLink's complex technology and product plans such as its emerging SD-WAN offering.

Before coming to EarthLink, Ferro served as CIO for the American Cancer Society, where he oversaw the people, strategy and operations of hundreds of local offices nationwide. During his tenure at ACS, Ferro led the consolidation of 12 independent divisions into a single agile and focused global entity. Ferro will continue to support ACS as a senior volunteer.

Earlier, Ferro served as CIO at AdCare Health Systems and AIG. Ferro was selected as Georgia CIO of the Year in 2011 and 2015, Global CIO Breakaway Leader in 2013, and Computerworld Premier 100 IT Leader in 2015.

Ferro's appointment is just one of several that EarthLink has made over the past year to further solidify its position as a solutions provider for its business clients.

Earlier this year, EarthLink named David Zimmer as SVP of carrier services and in late 2015 promoted Olen Scott to Channel Chief and VP of channel sales.

For more:
- see the release

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