Vollman, Longtime Leader of ISE Brand and Conference, Retires
Key Highlights
- Sharon Vollman has been a pivotal leader of the ISE brand for nearly 30 years, guiding its evolution and industry reputation.
- Her deep relationships and strategic vision helped establish trust and credibility within the telecommunications and infrastructure sectors.
- Randall René, with extensive telecom and GIS experience, will succeed Sharon as program manager for ISE Expo 2026.
- The 2026 ISE Conference will feature seminars on cabling systems, installation skills, and industry innovations, honoring Sharon’s legacy.
Sharon Vollman, a stalwart leader of the ISE brand dating back to its days as Outside Plant magazine, is retiring from her role as ISE Expo content ambassador on April 9. ISE Expo, the ISE Conference, and ISE magazine are owned by EndeavorB2B, which also owns Cabling Installation & Maintenance.
“For nearly 30 years, Sharon has been at the heart of the ISE brand,” the company said when announcing her retirement. “She has seen it evolve from Outside Plant to OSP to ISE and ultimately to ISE Expo, leaving her mark at every stage along the way. Through her deep relationships, credibility, and unwavering commitment, she helped build the trust the industry has in ISE today.”
Successor has deep telecom experience
Randall René, a member of ISE’s advisory board, will succeed Vollman in the role of program manager for ISE Expo. “He will oversee the ISE Expo program Sharon developed for 2026 and will lead the development of the 2027 program in collaboration with the board,” EndeavorB2B said.
This year’s ISE Expo and Conference will take place August 18-20 in Nashville, TN.
René is the founder of Waypoint 33, a consulting firm focused on helping telecommunications and infrastructure organizations modernize through geographic information systems (GIS), strategy, and digital transformation.
Sharon Vollman's lasting impact
Further commenting on Vollman’s lasting impact, EndeavorB2B added, “Many of the elements that define ISE’s reputation today, from cover stories and keynote speakers to strategic partnerships, are a direct result of Sharon’s tireless efforts and thoughtful approach.”
“What truly sets Sharon apart is the way she leads—with kindness, grace, and genuine care for others,” said Janice Oliva, vice president and market leader for ISE Expo. “She always made it a priority to listen, acknowledge, and ensure that everyone felt seen and appreciated. Sharon brought heart to everything she did, consistently going above and beyond and always holding herself and the brand to the highest standards. Working alongside her has been both a privilege and a gift.”
About incoming program manager René, Oliva added, “Randall brings a deep passion for people, purpose, and progress, along with energy, authenticity, and real-world experience. From the start, Sharon and I felt Randall was the ideal industry expert to step into this role, and we’re delighted that he has agreed to take on this responsibility.”
The company concluded, “While Sharon’s experience, insight, and steady presence will be deeply missed, EndeavorB2B is grateful for the legacy she leaves behind—one built on trust, respect, and human connection. Her impact will be felt long after her last day.”
Conference agenda includes cabling-system education
The final ISE Conference agenda Vollman assembled will include several seminars that relate to cabling technologies and cabling-installation skills. Cabling Installation & Maintenance chief editor Patrick McLaughlin will moderate a session on Wednesday, August 19 titled “Connecting the Higher Education Campus.” It will feature panelists Rodney Casteel of CommScope, Ronna Davis of VoltServer, and Ben Rayfield of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Other sessions on the ISE Conference agenda include “AWS Case Study: Maximizing Productivity During Cable Installations,” and “Demystifying Ribbon Splicing and Its Applications.”
You can view the complete 2026 ISE Conference schedule here.