FEA Distinguished Alumnus Award To Mr. Simon Khalaf in recognition of his impressive career as founder and leader of a number of high-tech companies, and for his important technological contributions to the field of Information Technology.
Simon Khalaf B.E. Electrical Eng’g, American University of Beirut,1988 M.S, Syracuse University
President and CEO Vernier Networks, California

Khalaf is president and CEO of Vernier Networks, a silicon valley, California-based startup focused on Information technology security. As president and CEO, Khalaf’s vision is to create a security solution for wired and wireless networks that will assure business continuity for the enterprise. Khalaf has more than 15 years of experience in the high-tech industry and in-depth knowledge in IT security, enterprise software, and networking infrastructure. Khalaf has a strong career track record successfully founding, launching and leading a variety of high-tech companies to initial public offerings and acquisition. Most recently, Khalaf led Connectus Management Group, a management consulting firm in the IT security space. Prior to that, he was president of Volera Corp. where he launched the company’s content delivery and security initiatives and positioned the company as the major player in its industry. Khalaf’s other executive and founder positions include: vice president and general manager of Novell Inc; founder, president and CEO of JustOn – acquired by Novell, Inc.; and founder and VP of marketing of Worldtalk Corp. – which went public in 1996 and was later acquired by Tumbleweed Communications. Khalaf holds a masters degree in computer engineering from Syracuse University and a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering from the American University of Beirut in 1988.

The Power to Change

Mr. Simon Khalaf
President and CEO
Vernier Networks

Abstract

Silicon Valley, and over than past three decades, has been the birthplace of great and revolutionary technology that is shaping the life of billions and most importantly re-shaping the globe socio-economical landscape. This didn’t come without the risk that Silicon Valley companies and their leadership took in challenging large and well established companies and having faith in their ideas and harnessing the Power to Change. Khalaf, who has been involved in Silicon Valley startups for the past 15 years, will share his experience in the valley and talk about what Silicon Valley leadership is made of. Khalaf will also outline a vision on how the “Power to Change” concept can be exported to Lebanon and other middle-east countries and herald a new era for economic development in Lebanon and neighboring countries.