IN THE LOOP

Sign up here to receive updates about Beacon Institute programs and events.


Sharon L. Nunes, Ph.D.

Sharon is currently Vice President, Global Government & Smarter Cities Strategy, IBM Corporation. In this role, Sharon collaborates  with the worldwide leaders of IBM's government industry team, developing the strategy for solutions development and execution. She has a special focus on smarter cities, collaborating with clients and partners to help them become more efficient and effective in their operations.

Recognizing that smarter cities will be economic growth engines of the 21st century, IBM is applying the company's unique capabilities to create, manage and run intelligent and interconnected infrastructures and systems for cities worldwide.

Sharon recently held roles of Vice President, Smarter Cities Solutions and Vice President Big Green Innovations where she led the creation of new businesses for IBM using its information technology expertise, and materials & processing expertise to solve critical problems around environmental issues.

In 2009, Sharon launched IBM’s program in Advanced Water Management as part of IBM’s Smarter Planet initiative. Sharon led the creation of IBM's water management product and service line, focused on creating solutions for the better management of water resources and water infrastructures around the world.

Sharon has held numerous executive positions leading new growth initiatives in IBM. She spent one year on special assignment in CHQ as Vice President of Technology, working with IBM’s Chairman and the senior executive team to set the technical agenda for the company. Sharon launched and led IBM’s Computational Biology Center, and was an executive leader in the Life Sciences business unit in its start-up phase.

Sharon received her Ph.D. in Materials Science in 1983 from the University of Connecticut. She has held numerous academic advisory board positions, and is currently a member of the Engineering Advisory Committee at the University of Connecticut, a member of the Board of Directors for the University of Connecticut Foundation,  and the Advisory Board for the Polytechnic Institute of New York University's Cleantech Executive Development program. Sharon was a National Academy of Engineering “Frontiers of Engineering” fellow and was a member of the National Academy of Engineering  “Engineer of 2020” advisory board. She was also elected to the University of Connecticut’s Academy of Engineering for distinguished engineers.

Sharon is a strong advocate for women in technology, and is a recipient of several awards, recognizing her leadership in this area. In 2004 Sharon was awarded IBM’s Fran Allen Mentoring Award and in 2006, Sharon was named a NAFE “Women of Excellence” national award winner for her impact in mentoring technical women. In 2009, she was recognized as a Women’s History Month Honoree as one of the “Women Taking the Lead to Save our Planet” and was also inducted into the WITI (Women in Technology International) Hall of Fame.

Sharon is a leader in IBM Global Women’s Council and co-chair of the global “Women in Technology” committee at IBM.   

 

"));