SVP and Chief Technology Officer, CTIA

Thomas (Tom) Sawanobori is CTIA’s Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer (CTO). He is responsible for technology and technical matters concerning spectrum, network evolution, cybersecurity, and device certification to benefit CTIA’s members and to serve as a technical resource to policymakers. He has nearly 30 years of wireless experience including technology planning to 2G, 3G, and 4G networks; network engineering; and operations.  Over the past 6 years, he has served as CTO at CTIA, providing technology leadership to 5G and beyond. In addition to his wireless career, Tom served in the US Navy as a Submarine Warfare Officer and retired as a Commander in the Naval Reserve.

Mr. Sawanobori holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Duke University and a Master of Engineering from California State University-Fullerton.

He has served on the Leadership Council of Miriam’s Kitchen for 5 years and was elected to the Board in January 2021. He also volunteers for Bethesda Cares, helping to serve the homeless in Bethesda, MD.