Microsoft Corp. today announced that Laura K. Ipsen will join the company as corporate vice president of Microsoft’s Worldwide Public Sector organization. She will lead the company’s sales and marketing organization serving government, public safety and national security, education, and nonprivatized healthcare customers in more than 100 countries.

Ipsen joins Microsoft from Cisco Systems Inc., where she most recently served as senior vice president and general manager of Connected Energy Networks, and previously she established and managed the company’s Global Policy and Government Affairs division. She will report to Susan Hauser, corporate vice president of the Worldwide Enterprise & Partner Group.

“I am delighted to welcome Laura to Microsoft,” Hauser said. “Innovation is an increasingly important catalyst for economic growth and competitiveness around the world. We are thrilled to have someone with Laura’s deep experience leading our outreach to governments and extending our commitment to improving lives through innovation.”

“Microsoft has a strong history of working with public sector organizations to improve public services and expand economic and social opportunity,” Ipsen said. “I look forward to deepening the company’s engagement with public sector organizations around the world and supporting their work through a broad array of technology solutions, programs and partnerships.”

Before joining Cisco in 1995, Ipsen worked in government affairs and international trade for Hitachi Data Systems Corp., Acer Inc. and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. She is currently a board member of Monsanto and of the GridWise Alliance, and previously served as board chair of both the Information Technology Industry Council and the Organization of Women in International Trade.