Below are the candidates for IEEE Division III Delegate-Elect/Director-Elect, 2023; Delegate/Director, 2024-2025

Division III: Communications Society

The sequence of candidates was determined by lottery and indicates no preference.

  • Stefano Bregni (Nominated by IEEE Division III)
  • Vincent W. S. Chan (Nominated by IEEE Petition)
  • Wahab Almuhtadi ((Nominated by IEEE Division III)

View position description

 

Stefano Bregni

Headshot of Stefano Bregni

Stefano Bregni
(Nominated by IEEE Division III)

Professor
Politecnico di Milano
Dept of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering
Milano, Italy
https://bregni-IEEE.deib.polimi.it

 

Stefano Bregni is with Politecnico di Milano, Italy. He graduated in Electronics Engineering (1990). After nine years in Industry, he joined Politecnico in 1999. He contributed to ETSI/ITU-T Standards and is the author of 100+ papers and of a widely recognized book on network synchronization (Wiley, 2002). He is an active IEEE volunteer and has been a voting member of the IEEE Conferences Committee. In ComSoc, he served as Vice-President Conferences (2018-2021), Vice-President MGA (2014-2017), Board-of-Governors Member-at-Large (2010-2013), Director Education (2008-2011), TAOS TC Chair (2008-2009), Distinguished Lecturer (2003-2009). He is Global Communications Newsletter Editor-in-Chief.

He led several top ComSoc conferences, including: Technical Program Co-Chair or Vice-Chair of GLOBECOM 2023, ICC 2016, GLOBECOM 2012 and GLOBECOM 2009, Symposium Co-Chair in nine other ICC/GLOBECOMs, LATINCOM Steering Committee Chair.

He received the 2014 IEEE ComSoc Hal Sobol Award for Exemplary Service to Meetings & Conferences and the 2019 IEEE ComSoc/KICS Exemplary Global Service Award.

Statement
 

I have served as a tireless volunteer in IEEE ComSoc for 25 years, contributing concretely to conferences, member services, and technical activities. With my hard work and dedication, I have earned my renowned reputation demonstrating uncompromised ethical integrity, solid competence, strategic vision, creativity, problem solving skills, attention to globalization and inclusion.

IEEE is facing serious challenges, including: membership contraction, how to serve the different needs of its global diverse membership, open access publications, and the changing landscape of conferences, including online/hybrid events.

If elected, I will be honored to serve IEEE with my extensive experience acquired in ComSoc. My diverse background and leadership skills will allow me to understand IEEE challenges, bring new concrete ideas, and lead their implementation. My priorities will be reinforcing the diversity of IEEE global leadership and boosting the involvement of women, students, and young professionals in IEEE activities. As I have demonstrated in ComSoc, I also commit to be actively engaged as Division III Director and move forward harmoniously with other volunteers for a stronger and healthier IEEE. 
 

IEEE Accomplishments and Activities
(M’93-SM’99)
 

Major Contributions

I have earned my reputation in the IEEE Communications Society for my prominent contributions to ComSoc conferences, globalization, and inclusion over 25 years of enthusiast volunteer service.

In the GLOBECOM/ICC Technical Content (GITC) Committee (2006-2010), I contributed to reshaping the technical structure of the ComSoc flagship conferences, leading the development and update of their standard review form and processes.

My history of technical leadership positions in ComSoc flagship conferences ICC/GLOBECOM is unparalleled (Technical Program Co-Chair or Vice-Chair in four, Symposium Co-Chair in nine others).

With Nelson Fonseca, I co-founded (2013) and I am leading the IEEE ComSoc Student Competition, the main ComSoc program for students.

I have concretely contributed to ComSoc globalization and inclusion of Members in disadvantaged areas. In particular:

  • As Editor-in-Chief, I have revived the IEEE ComSoc Global Communications Newsletter (2007), giving voice on a premier publication for 14 years to all Chapters, including the smallest ones;
  • As Vice-President, I have worked hard to bring flagship ICC/GLOBECOM conferences to new areas where important events seldom take place (e.g., ICC in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia), and I have launched or strengthened Regional Conferences (MeditCom and LATINCOM) to meet the needs of members who have limited funds to travel overseas;
  • As Distinguished Lecturer, I gave 40+ talks to countless students and professionals in 14 countries over 7 years, focusing on disadvantaged areas in Asia and Latin America.

Most Qualifying IEEE/ComSoc Positions

  • IEEE Conferences Committee, Member (2019-2021);
  • ComSoc Vice-President Conferences (2018-2019, 2020-2021);
  • ComSoc Vice-President MGA (2014-2015, 2016-2017);
  • ComSoc Board-of-Governors, Member-at-Large (2010-2013);
  • Editor-in-Chief, IEEE ComSoc Global Communications Newsletter (2007-present);
  • Steering Committee Chair, IEEE Latin-American Conference on Communications (LATINCOM) (2019-present);
  • Technical Program Co-Chair, IEEE ICC 2016 and IEEE GLOBECOM 2023, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia;
  • Co-Founder and Co-Chair, IEEE ComSoc Student Competition (2013-present);
  • IEEE ComSoc Distinguished Lecturer (2003-2009).

Vincent W. S. Chan

Headshot of Vincent Chan

Vincent W. S. Chan
(Nominated by Petition)
Joan and Irwin Jacobs Chair Professor
Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Claude E. Shannon Communication and Network Group, Research Laboratory of Electronics
Steve Schwarzman College of Computing, AI and Decision System Sector                               
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
                               https://www.rle.mit.edu/networks/

Vincent Chan received his BS/MS/EE/PhD from MIT (1971-1974). He was the Head of the Communications and Information Technology Division of the MIT Lincoln Laboratory (now Cyber and Communications Divisions), and Director of the Laboratory for Information and Decision Systems. He initiated the US’s Laser Intersatellite Transmission Experiment Program and the follow-on GeoLITE Program in 1980-1989. He was the first to use “Dual-Use Technology Investment” by the Clinton Administration to form and chaired: the All-Optical-Network Consortium among MIT/AT&T/DEC, the Next Generation Internet Consortium, ONRAMP among MIT/AT&T/Cabletron/Nortel/JDS, and a Satellite Networking Consortium formed among MIT/Motorola/Teledesic/Globalstar. His research focus is on communications and networks architectures, intelligent network management and control and security. He chaired many advisory committees including the Defense Science Board Taskforce on Communications/Networks and DHS’s Science Advisory Board and has been active with start-ups, a Board Member of a Fortune-500 network company, and a Member of the Corporation of Draper Laboratory.

 

Statement

 

Communications have become a very broad and multi-faceted endeavor involving the communication medium, computing/storage, algorithms and services. This requires participation of multiple societies and councils. I have been reaching out towards other societies in meaningful collaborations, personally in contact with other society and council presidents to explore common grounds. As the Division III Director, I will continue and amplify those efforts and break down silos. Industry participation has atrophied over the years. I will emphasize one of the three main strategic thrusts of ComSoc (Communications Society) on re-engaging the industry for Division III. I formed a ComSoc industry advisory board with high level executives (SVP/CTO) from first-tier companies to explore how we can rejuvenate substantial industry involvement in ComSoc activities. We will engage global constituents, legislators and public and private funding agencies to promote more funding for important communications and network research agendas and strengthen the IEEE components in policy, regulation and standards in parallel with the technical activities. If elected, I will serve with inclusiveness and integrity and pledge to improve these facets of IEEE.

IEEE Accomplishments and Activities
(S’69-M’88-SM’92-F’94-LF’18)

 

1.       Active contributor of multiple ComSoc Technical Committees.

2.       ComSoc Member-at-Large.

3.       As Editor-in-Chief of JSAC incubated the Journal of Optical Communications and Networking (JOCN) bringing in                        Photonics Society and the Optical Society of America as partners (2010-2013).

4.       Established the Best Paper Award for JOCN named after the Nobel Laureate Charles Kao.

5.       As Vice-President of Publications founded 8 multi-society Journals, negotiated and struck equity in ownerships and                    roles/responsibilities (2013-2014).

6.       Chaired IEEE Communication Society Strategic Planning Committee establishing the society’s agenda for diversity,                    industry re-engagement and holistic networking (2018-2019).

7.       As President IEEE Communication Society (2020-2021):

a.       Restocked the ComSoc staff by hiring a new Executive Director and three of the five directors,

b.       Rejuvenated the operations of ComSoc by establishing equal partnerships and strong channels of communications            between volunteer and staff,

c.       Appointed an Ad Hoc Committees on Holistic Networks to promote a broader networking agenda with IEEE and                multi-society participations,

d.       Encouraged and promoted the formation of an Emerging Technology Committee on Quantum Communications                  and a SIG on Low Earth Orbit Satellites,

e.       Initiated the “Digital Divide and Internet for All” activity to promote equal access to digital resources reaching out to            local chapters globally to participate in centralized and distributed activities,

f.        Member of IEEE Communication Policy Committee (2021),

g.       Voting member of TAB,

h.       Appointed an Ad Hoc Diversity Committee to improve the society’s diversity efforts - passed Bylaws for requiring                Due Diligence in identifying diversity candidates for elected and appointed BoG positions,

i.         Appointed Ad Hoc Committee for Misconducts,

j.         Formed an Industry Advisory Board (2020) with high level executives (SVP/CTO) from first tier global companies               to rejuvenate industry involvement in ComSoc activities,

k.       Served on IEEE Fellow Committee, 2022 IEEE Ad Hoc Committee, and subcommittees for Fellows Reform.

Wahab Almuhtadi

Headshot of Wahab Almuhtadi

Wahab Almuhtadi 
(Nominated by IEEE Division III)

Professor
Algonquin College
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
https://www.algonquincollege.com/sat/program/bit-photonics-and-laser-technology/wahab-almuhtadi-ph-d/

 

Dr. Almuhtadi has over 26 years university teaching experience, and over 32 years industry experience. He’s Professor/Coordinator of “Optical Systems and Sensors” Program, Algonquin College/Carleton University, Canada. Previously, he was Senior System Engineer at Nortel, Optical Solutions R&D. With his strong professional background, he demonstrated outstanding leadership leading Algonquin College to become Polytechnic Institution, and established Applied Research with $10.5M fund. He’s the founder of $6M cutting-edge Optophotonics Lab/Optical-Communications-Network 200Gbps, only lab of its kind in any educational institute. He’s one of the founders of Ontario “Centre of Excellence in Next Generation Networks (CENGN)” with $65M funding. He published several technical papers and books. He received several awards from IEEE, academia, and industry, e.g., 2010 IEEE Leadership Award, 2015 IEEE Canada W.R. Service Award, 2009 Laurent Isabelle Teaching Excellence, 2006 NISOD Award, and 2015 Canadian Pacific Railway Engineering Medal, Engineering Institute of Canada (EIC). He’s P.Eng. and EIC Fellow.

 

Statement

 

Over 29 years, I’ve been actively engaged serving IEEE members with dedication and proven record of accomplishments. I held various leadership positions at all IEEE levels, which allowed me to participate and fully understand IEEE’s structure and challenges. If elected, I’ll do to the best of my ability to:

  • Be ComSoc’s voice at IEEE Board of Directors and serve to the best interests of ComSoc, IEEE, its members and the public.
  • Report to BoD and raise any matters related to ComSoc activities/concerns, and recommendations by ComSoc BoG to be brought up to BoD attention.
  • Provide leadership in achieving IEEE's vision, mission, goals, strategies, plans, budgets, and reinforce IEEE global leadership.
  • Participate actively in Board activities, serve on special committees, task forces or other special projects as may be assigned.
  • Demonstrate the highest standards of collaboration and collegiality with all Directors of BoD.
  • Participate actively, as TAB voting member, in TAB Meetings, Division Directors’ Forums, S/C Presidents’ Forums, strategic planning, programs evaluation, and standing committees.
  • Support diversity & inclusion, industry engagement, young professionals, WIE, and students.

 

IEEE Accomplishments and Activities
(M’95-SM’05)


Major contributions:

  • Served as ComSoc North America Region Director (NAR), Member Services Board member, and BoG member (2018-2019) allowed me to accelerate activities of 93 chapters, keep retention while increasing membership.
  • Chaired/organized 35+ IEEE international conferences including flagship ICC2012 and ICC2021.
  • As ComSoc Ottawa Chapter Chair, the chapter received “Chapter Achievement Award” (2010,  2015, 2019) and “Chapter of the Year Award” (2010, 2019.)
  • Some of my recent accomplishments include serving as IEEE Consumer Technology Society (CTSoc) President. Under my leadership, CTSoc moved to a new level of excellence (new publications, establishing 15 new technical committees, conferences restructuring, budget from $0.5M deficit to over $1M surplus, industry engagement, Standards, new Society name, logo and field of interest, etc.)
  • One of the founders of IEEE Center for Leadership Excellence (CLE)

 

IEEE:

  • 2019-2022 Member, TAB
  • 2019-2022 Member, Division IV Board
  • 2022 Member, Conference Publications Committee
  • 2013-2016 Coordinator/R7 Representative, IEEE MCE (Meetings Conferences Events)
  • 2015-2016 Gaining Global Perspectives Ad-Hoc Committee
  • 2015 Conference Finances and Financial Tools Ad-Hoc Committee
  • 2013-2015 Nominated Member, IEEE Governance Committee
  • 2013-2014 Center for Leadership Excellence Committee, MGA
  • 2009-2011 Member-at-Large, Information Management, MGA

 

ComSoc:

  • 2018-2019 Member, BoG
  • 2018-2019 Director/Board Chair, North America Region (NAR)
  • 2020-2023 Past Director, NAR
  • 2012/2021/2025 Executive Chair, ICC Conference
  • 2020-present Member, Member Services Board
  • 2020-2021 Member, Online Content Board
  • 2022-Present Distinguished Lecturer (DL)
  • 2012-2015 Industry Content and Exhibition Committee
  • 2008-2017 R7 Representative, NAR-Board
  • 2008-2021 Chair, ComSoc/CTSoc/BTS Ottawa Joint Chapter

 

CTSoc:

  • 2019-2022 President
  • 2018 President-Elect
  • 2017-2018 Vice-President, Education
  • 2014-2022 Member, BoG
  • 2014-2017 DLs/Education Chair

 

Region 7/IEEE Canada:

  • 2017-2019 Chair, Publications and Communications
  • 2013-2016 Chair, Conference Advisory Committee
  • 2013-present Director, IEEE Canadian Foundation Committee
  • 2010-2012 Chair, IEEE Eastern-Canada (NB/NL/NS/ON/PE/QC)
  • 2007-2008 Member, IEEE Canada Board of Directors

 

Ottawa Section:

  • 2009-present Senate Vice-Chair
  • 2005-present Chair, Awards Committee
  • 2003-present Advisor, Algonquin College Student Branch
  • 2009-2010 Chair, Nominations Committee
  • 2007-2008 Section Chair, 2006 Vice-Chair