Midlantic Chapter

David Cohen Bio

David Cohen is a Sr. IT Project Leader and Service Manager for the University of Pennsylvania Data Center Hosting service. David is an experienced Project Manager/Leader with many high profile projects under his belt. He has been with the University of Pennsylvania for 20 years, starting his tenure as the Network Operations Supervisor, then advancing through Data Center Services. David is responsible for maintaining the seven Data Center locations on the University of Pennsylvania campus, as well as constant service enhancements to keep the University’s Data Centers cutting edge.

Nickalus Smith Bio

Nick Smith is a long time Data Center employee at the University of Delaware. Starting his career in 2001 with the Computer Operations team at the University’s Computing Center, Nick has remained a dedicated employee within UD-IT’s Network Infrastructure Services group ever since. In early 2021, Nick became the Manager of the 24x7 operation of the University of Delaware’s 7500 sq/ft Data Center and it’s Computer Operations unit. His true passion is for the electrical, mechanical, and cooling aspects of the physical Data Center and the challenges his staff faces when planning for future growth and expansion of HPC, AI, and Cloud hosting systems.

As Vice President of the Midlantic AFCOM Chapter, Nick works to recruit new members and seeks out like-minded individuals for discussion surrounding all topics relevant to Data Center Operations and the daily challenges that end-users endure. As an active member of the 7x24 Exchange Delaware Valley Chapter, he regularly attends conferences to discuss current and future technology related developments.

Mike Rinaldi Bio

Michael is a data center industry veteran and manages Leading Edge Design Group’s Philadelphia Office. Michael is on the board of the Midlantic AFCOM Chapter and the 7×24 Exchange DelVal Chapter. He is also is a founding member of Delaware Valley Data Center Users’ Forum, whose mission is to bring together data center end users from high-performing organizations in the region to collaborate and share innovations. Michael’s experience with a diverse client base across industry verticals like higher education, healthcare, financial institutions, technology, state government provides him with a well-rounded perspective on strategies and best practices for data center facilities.

Mr. Rinaldi has a long history as a Project Manager in the Data Center and Information and Communications Technology systems space. His client history includes work with the University of Pennsylvania, Drexel University, and Princeton University, the State of Delaware, Lancaster School District, and Thomas Jefferson University Health System.

Sean Cotter Bio

With 23 years of business development, IT leadership and entrepreneurship, Sean is responsible for the strategic direction of Asset Vue and the general management of the Asset Vue team.

Sean has served on the board of directors for Title Alliance Holdings a regional title insurance firm and served as a liaison for the technology transition team upon their acquisition by First American and the CIO Advisory board for PACT. Sean is the founding member of the Greater Philadelphia Qlikview Users Group and the Delaware Valley Data Center Users Forum. Sean is also an active member in the local 7X24 Exchange, AFCOM, and the CIO Roundtable group of GPSEG (Greater Philadelphia Senior Executive Group).

Al Tedesco Bio

Al is a Senior Sales Executive with Graybar specializing in Networking, Data Center and Telecommunication Products. Al joined Graybar in 1992 and has 30 years experience in the Philadelphia, New Jersey Delaware markets supporting Healthcare, Higher-ed, Financial Institutions and Bio-pharma industries.

Bernard Ruzzo Bio

Bernard is the Philadelphia District Manager with Schneider Electric specializing in EcoStruxure Data Center and Edge design and implementation. Schneider Electric provides energy and automation digital solutions for efficiency and sustainability. We combine world-leading energy technologies, real-time automation, software and services into integrated solutions for homes, buildings, data centers, infrastructure and industries. We make process and energy safe and reliable, efficient and sustainable, open and connected. Bernard joined Schneider Electric in 2003 and has over 12 year of experience in the Philadelphia market supporting various clients in Healthcare, Higher-ed, Bio-pharma, and state government.

Sarah Mamzic Bio

Sarah has over 15 years of professional experience in the telecommunications, IT, and tech industries. She is responsible for developing and maintaining partnerships and overseeing and managing the Channel for ComTec. Her role entails building and maintaining a channel of agents that support ComTec, along with managing and training agents on ComTec’s services.

She started in the telecommunications industry in 2009 where she climbed her way to a Channel Management position with a local carrier. She helped maintain and build relationships with agents, provided trainings on services and products, and assisted in sales and marketing efforts for the company. She left the telecom industry for a few years to start her own consulting business focusing mainly on IT and tech companies. She helped with finance, operations, sales, and marketing efforts. She has found her way back in the telecom world and enjoys forming relationships with partners who can help their customers find the best solutions for their business.

Al Robles Bio

Al Robles is a Data Center Manager for the State of Delaware. He has more than 20 years of experience in the IT industry working for both the state and in the private sector for a Fortune 500 financial company. He has managed mission critical data centers and edge sites throughout the United States and the United Kingdom. Al is skilled in multiple infrastructure platforms including electrical, mechanical, network, server, and virtual. In addition, Al has been an adjunct instructor in Computer Engineering department at Delaware Technical and Community College for over 9 years.

Al holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Informations Systems from Goldey Beacom College. He has earned various certifications in Cisco, Microsoft and Lean Six Sigma. Al is serving as a board member for AFCOM and is also a member of the Delaware Valley Chapter of the 7×24 Exchange.