Kristi Dent is the Vice President of Network Operations at Verizon, where she leads the Network Management team and is responsible for network implementation and management of Verizon’s core networks. Her team focuses on critical networks and applications that power Verizon’s internal operations and customer-facing products, ensuring optimal performance and reliability. Additionally, her organization oversees Verizon’s vast network infrastructure through proactive monitoring, performance-based alerting, and automated mitigation strategies, ensuring Verizon maintains the most reliable, high-performing, and secure network available. With 25 years in the industry, Kristi has held leadership roles across Global Networks and Technology, RAN Access Engineering, Network Assurance, and Core Engineering & Operations. Her expertise spans network development, optimization, and operations, all aimed at building and maintaining Verizon’s industry-leading network. Kristi earned her degree in Business Administration from the University of Texas Permian Basin. She resides in North Carolina with her husband, Todd, and their three sons, Jack, Carter, and Davis.