Kris Rinne has been the definition of a technology trail blazer in the wireless industry. Growing up in rural Northeastern Kansas, she studied math at Washburn University in Topeka and originally planned on a career in a rural community teaching math and coaching student athletes. After graduation, that plan changed when the chairman of the math department arranged an interview for Kris with Southwestern Bell. She joined the company in 1976 and embarked on a career that has made her one of the most respected technology leaders in the telecommunications industry.

Having served in a number of roles in the AT&T family, Kris was the definition of hard work, technical expertise, and innovation in an ever-evolving industry.  Her positions included Vice President – Technology Strategy for SBC Wireless and Managing Director – Operations for Southwestern Bell Mobile Systems from 1976-2000, Vice President – Technology and Product Realization for Cingular from 2000-2005, and Chief Technology Officer at Cingular from 2005-2007. Then as Senior Vice President – Network Technologies for AT&T Labs, Kris was responsible for network architecture, service and network platforms, radio access roadmap and initial implementation, wireless device requirements and certification, network performance analysis, and industry standards development at AT&T. She led the team that planned the technology evolution of AT&T’s wireless network as well as its global IP backbone. She was involved in several industry firsts, including the world’s first wide-scale launch of a universal mobile telecommunication/high-speed downlink packet access system in 2005 and the initial iPhone launch in 2007. She and her team also lead the implementation and expansion of the 4G LTE network. Kris retired from AT&T in late 2014.

Kris has been listed on the Global Telecom Business Power 100 list of the most powerful telecom executives worldwide. Her name has also appeared on the Fierce Wireless list of “The Most Influential Women in Wireless” four years in a row and topped the list in 2011. Additionally, Kris has been extremely active in industry associations including 3G Americas (later to become 4G and then 5G Americas) and the ATIS standards group, chairing both organizations. In those roles, she helped to promote 3GPP technologies and guide industry standards. Kris also serves as a member on the Board of Directors for such companies as Ericsson and Synchronoss.

Not only has Kris been an important innovator in the wireless industry, but she has made lasting impacts in philanthropy as well. Kris remains active in her church as a member of the finance committee and the choir. She is an avid supporter of the United Way and held a position on its influential IT committee. Kris has served on the Board of Trustees of Washburn University, where she was also awarded an honorary doctorate. She is a tireless advocate for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education for young women. Kris was inducted into the Wireless Hall of Fame in 2013 and into the Women in Technology International Hall of Fame in 2014.