01
SD-WAN
Network modernization strategies that improve performance and simplify management across distributed sites.
Public Sector · Higher Education · State and Local Government
Branden Henner
Results-driven sales leader with deep technical expertise in secure networking and cybersecurity.
For more than 20 years I have helped public sector organizations turn complex IT challenges into practical, time-saving solutions. My work centers on consultative selling, solution design, and long-term customer relationships across Arkansas and the region.
20+Years across engineering, pre-sales, and sales leadership
4Club awards: Extreme Networks in 2019, 2021, and 2022, and Cradlepoint / Ericsson in 2024
2xTerritory revenue growth in first year as an Account Executive at Extreme Networks
10Solutions Engineers led as SE Manager for the South-Central Region
About
Professional profile
A technical background, applied to real customer problems
I started as a field technician and network engineer, moved into solutions engineering and pre-sales architecture, and then into sales leadership. That path matters when the conversation is not just about a product, but about design, rollout, compliance, and what happens after the sale.
Today I work with state, local government, and other public sector stakeholders on secure networking and cybersecurity initiatives. The goal is the same as it has always been: listen closely, design honestly, and find the solution that saves the customer time while meeting their requirements.
I am especially passionate about engaging with customers and finding ways to turn IT challenges into significant time-saving solutions.
- Who I work withState agencies, local government, higher education, and public safety organizations
- How I workStrategic account development and consultative selling, grounded in technical design
- Where I focusArkansas based, with territory experience across Louisiana and Oklahoma
Areas of Expertise
Secure networking and cybersecurity, from wireless design to Zero Trust architecture.
02
SASE and Cloud Security
Cloud-delivered security and networking, including VPN and cloud security aligned to state and federal standards.
03
Zero Trust
Identity and access focused design that reduces risk without getting in the way of the mission.
04
Next-Generation Firewalls
Firewall strategy and best practices for public sector environments with complex compliance needs.
05
Secure Wireless
Wi-Fi design and secure wireless implementations, from K-12 and higher ed campuses to large public venues.
06
Cloud-Managed Networking
Secure wireless and cloud-managed networking that gives lean IT teams visibility and control.
Experience
From field technician to major account manager, with engineering depth at every step.
2025 to PresentLittle Rock, Arkansas
Major Account Manager at Fortinet
Large public sector accounts
Responsible for large public sector accounts, building relationships with state, local government, and other public sector stakeholders to advance secure networking and cybersecurity initiatives. Focused on strategic account development, consultative selling, and aligning solutions to customer requirements in complex public sector environments.
2023 to 2025Little Rock, Arkansas
Regional Sales Manager at Cradlepoint / Ericsson
Arkansas and Louisiana
Partnered with Arkansas and Louisiana state agencies, enterprises, higher ed, and public safety organizations on secure wireless and cloud-managed networking solutions. Consulted on network modernization including SD-WAN, VPN, and cloud security, and advised on firewall, VPN, and endpoint protection best practices.
Awarded Club in 2024 for surpassing sales targets2015 to 2023Little Rock, Arkansas
Extreme Networks · Three roles over eight years
Account Executive, 2018 to 2023. Responsible for sales strategy and results across Arkansas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma. Doubled territory revenue in the first year as Account Executive.
SE Manager, 2017 to 2018. Player and coach role managing a team of 10 Solutions Engineers in the South-Central Region, covering training, hiring and onboarding, roadmap support, and team direction.
Solutions Engineer, 2015 to 2017. Pre-sales support for Arkansas and Oklahoma. Became the youngest tenured member of the SE Task Force, providing roadmap guidance to the company.
Club awards in 2019, 2021, and 20222010 to 2015Little Rock, Arkansas
Solutions Engineer at IK Electric
Provided pre-sales architectural integration, project management, proof of concept engagements, and installation services for hundreds of contracts, mostly focused on Extreme Networks and Fortinet projects.
2004 to 2010Laurel, Mississippi
Howard Computers
Sr. Network Engineer / Project Manager, 2006 to 2010. Technical support, project management, and services for Pro Services and Commercial Sales, heavily involved in Wi-Fi and secure network implementations across a variety of vendors.
Field Technician, 2004 to 2006. Full time technical support and services for several Howard Computers contracts. Where the career started, in the field.
Education and Credentials
MBA, IT Management
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, Utah
Bachelor of Science, Information Technology
University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Speaking
Hot Springs Technology Institute, the Arkansas K-12 education technology conference.
2015
Wireless Network Design
Presented on wireless network design for K-12 environments, drawing on hands-on design and deployment experience in schools.
2018
ML-Driven Networking and Wi-Fi 6
Presented on machine learning driven networking and the move to Wi-Fi 6, and what it would mean for school and campus networks.
Contact
The best way to reach me is LinkedIn or email. I am based in Little Rock and work with organizations across Arkansas and the region.
Send a message
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