Dave Zacks

WORK HISTORY

SKILLS

ABOUT DAVE ZACKS

I’m passionate about delivering simple, secure, and scalable solutions that truly address customer needs. Over the years, I’ve worked across the entire technology stack — from ASIC silicon and software to network design and complete solutions — and I love harnessing the power of Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to make networks smarter. I like to say, “If we can make it simpler, more secure, and more valuable to move traffic across our infrastructure, then we all win.”I’ve been at Cisco for 26 years, starting out as a Systems Engineer and earning the rank of Distinguished SE before moving into Product Development and Marketing as a Distinguished Technical Marketing Engineer. Now, as a Distinguished Engineer in the Security Innovation CTO team, I focus on network-integrated security, ML/AI across the stack, Catalyst and Nexus switching, Wireless, Routing, Analytics, Assurance, and Applied AI / Machine Learning / Machine Reasoning. My networking roots date back to 1985, and I’ve been involved in computing since 1979.What really excites me is diving into complex projects where I can make a real impact while helping others excel through mentoring. I’m also driven by innovation — I hold dozens of patents and have more in the works.I’m a hopeless bookworm with towering shelves (and countless more boxes!) full of tomes on everything from rocketry and aeronautics to quantum mechanics, history, mathematics, geology, biology, genetics, and chess — and that’s just for starters. My library might be one stiff breeze away from total collapse, but I can’t resist adding just one more volume. I’m also a proud Tolkien geek, a devoted follower of the Dark Tower series, and an avid fan of the Culture series by Iain M. Banks — so if I start quoting Gandalf, Roland, or a GSV or ROU, just roll with it!One of my favourite things is taking complicated technical topics and explaining them clearly and simply in ways that make business sense. I’m especially proud to be part of the Cisco Live Distinguished Speaker Hall of Fame Elite, an honour that reflects being recognized as a top-tier presenter 27 times (the most in the history of the Cisco Live event).More In-Depth Profile – “Cisco Innovators: Dave Zacks”https://web.archive.org/web/20••••••••01/https://newsroom.cisco.com/feature-content?type=webcontent & articleId=18•••41Typical customer feedback during Executive presentations – “Dave, your presentation was the best that I have seen in 28 years of EBC experience” – CIO, Major software manufacturer / July 2019 briefing