ARLINGTON, VA (August 29, 2012) – The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), the leading association representing the manufacturers and suppliers of high-tech communications networks, today announced the establishment of a foundation to fund the TIA-Robert William Pullen Scholarship, honoring the memory, distinguished career and leadership of the former TIA Chairman and Tellabs CEO. The resolution funding the scholarship was approved at the recent meeting of the TIA Board of Directors.

The TIA-Robert William Pullen Scholarship will be awarded annually, beginning in 2013, at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign to an engineering, physics or technology student who demonstrates good character and merit, as well as interest in a career in the information and communications technology (ICT) industry.

“Rob Pullen was an industry visionary who made an indelible impact not only on TIA but on the entire ICT industry,” said Grant Seiffert. “Now, TIA is honoring him in a way he would appreciate—by helping students at his alma mater, the University of Illinois, pursue careers in the ICT industry. I can think of no better way to remember Rob’s life and contributions than by helping future generations of Illini follow in his footsteps and revolutionize the ICT industry.”

The TIA Board of Directors, whose support made the TIA-Robert William Pullen Scholarship possible, have also appointed two new members: Trevor Putrah, chief operating officer of KGP Logistics, and Chuck Shaughnessy, vice president of public safety LTE at Harris Corp. Putrah and Shaughnessy will play important roles in helping TIA provide leadership, advocacy and critical market information to the worldwide telecommunications industry.

“Chuck and Trevor are two of our industry’s leading strategic thinkers,” continued Seiffert. “With the importance of ICT to the future of innovation and economic growth, it’s vital that our board reflect the dynamic and diverse make-up of the industry.  Chuck and Trevor bring to the TIA Board unique perspectives, tremendous accomplishments and real-world expertise on important industry issues. I look forward to working with them as we support TIA member companies and continue to move the industry forward.”

As chief operating officer, Trevor A. Putrah is responsible for all business aspects of KGP Logistics, a national diversity supplier of supply chain services and telecommunications equipment. He is also secretary of the KGP Board of Directors. Trevor joined KGP in 1998 and has held several positions at the company, including operations manager and vice president of operations. During this time, Putrah spearheaded KGP’s effort to establish a formal quality system and become TL9000 and ISO9001:2000 certified. In addition to his work at KGP, Putrah currently serves as the vice chair of the QuEST Forum Executive Board and leads the Strategic Member Recruitment and Retention Committee.

Chuck Shaughnessy has been in the land mobile radio industry for 20 years. He currently serves as vice president of public safety LTE for Harris Corp, where he is responsible for the corporation’s overall strategy in public safety broadband, including business development and marketing for engagement in the nationwide public safety broadband network, and LTE product management strategy. His previous positions include vice president of land mobile radio products for Harris Corp., and vice president, operations and general manager of M/A-COM Private Radio Systems. Prior to joining the land mobile radio market, Chuck worked for GE Aerospace in various engineering capacities.

Both Putrah and Shaughnessy began serving their terms immediately upon appointment.

About TIA
The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) represents manufacturers and suppliers of global communications networks through standards development, policy and advocacy, business opportunities, market intelligence, and events and networking. TIA enhances the business environment for broadband, mobile wireless, information technology, networks, cable, satellite and unified communications. Members’ products and services empower communications in every industry and market, including healthcare, education, security, public safety, transportation, government, the military, the environment, and entertainment. Visit tiaonline.org for more details.

TIA is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), and is a proud sponsor of ANSI’s Standards Boost Business campaign. Visit www.standardsboostbusiness.org for details.