Carlos Pignataro (he/him/his) chose an early focus on Internet technologies, driven by a passion for ‘connecting people.’ Over a 25-year span, he has applied his deep and broad technology expertise and innovative leadership (e.g., Fast Company's Innovative Leader of the Year (2021)) to drive meaningful impact: advancing technology while promoting social equity, environmental sustainability, and wildlife conservation.
Carlos learned and grew through diverse, impactful experiences, cultivating openness and multidisciplinarity as key strengths. He has industry-recognized expertise in Internet ecosystem and technologies (e.g., co-authoring over 55 Internet RFCs, co-inventing over 300 issued US patents, and being inducted a Fellow at the National Academy of Inventors (NAI)), and has held the role of Chief Technology Officer of multi-billion dollar businesses.
Carlos has held various technology and executive roles at Cisco Systems and worked for a more diverse and inclusive workforce (e.g., as executive sponsor for the Hispanic and LGBTQ+ ERGs, and named HITEC100 in 2022 and 2024, recognized as one of the top 100 most influential and notable Hispanic Professionals in the technology industry). He was previously the lead architect for Conservation technologies, and most recently, he was Head of Technology and Data for Cisco’s Engineering Sustainability, embedding sustainability into the engineering roadmap, as well as leveraging the portfolio to drive sustainability outcomes. He is currently a Champion at the Green Software Foundation
Caring deeply about education, Carlos is Adjunct Faculty at NC State University, a Mentor in Residence (MIR) with Duke University New Ventures, Program Director of the AI Executives Council at The Conference Board, and Chair of the Board of Directors at Code the Dream, a nonprofit organization that provides free intensive software development training to individuals from diverse, low-income backgrounds, and Board member at the NC Council for Entrepreneurial Development (CED), supporting startups.
Originally from Argentina, Carlos lives in the US, enjoys volunteering and traveling, and values humor, smiles, and meaningful connections. Check Carlos’ profile, and connect with Carlos on LinkedIn!
