Verizon Names New Vice President to Lead Company's National Security Policy Team

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Verizon has named J. Michael Hickey as the company's new vice president of government affairs for national security policy.

Hickey will be based in Washington, D.C., where he will represent Verizon's interests on policy matters relating to national security, law enforcement and emergency preparedness. His work will focus on company advocacy efforts and joint industry-government planning activities related to infrastructure protection.

"This is a tremendous opportunity for Mike," said Tom Tauke, executive vice president-Public Affairs & Communications. "We are very fortunate to have someone of Mike's skills, character and proven track record for success on our team leading this extremely important initiative for our company."

Hickey is a 29-year veteran of the telecommunications industry and for the last seven years has headed Verizon New Hampshire. Polly Brown, regional president for Northern New England, replaces Hickey in New Hampshire.

The changes become effective July 1.

During his 18-year tenure with the company, Hickey has held a variety of assignments, including his lead role in managing the national Regional Bell Operating Company stakeholder campaign to achieve passage of the Telecommunications Act of 1996. He also created and managed Verizon's Washington-based Strategic Alliances grassroots organization.

As Verizon New Hampshire state president, Hickey has led the corporation's public policy initiatives and has forged strong relationships with government officials at all levels. In 2003, he served as chair of the 18-member Commission to Assess the Operating Efficiency of State Government.

Brown, a 34-year company veteran, has served as Verizon's Northern New England region president since December 2002. Among her responsibilities as region president, she oversees Verizon's service, external affairs, regulatory, governmental and financial matters in Vermont and now, New Hampshire.

Verizon Communications

A Dow 30 company, Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) is one of the world's leading providers of communications services, with approximately $68 billion in annual revenues. Verizon companies are the largest providers of wireline and wireless communications in the United States. Verizon is also the largest directory publisher in the world, as measured by directory titles and circulation. Verizon's international presence includes wireline and wireless communications operations and investments, primarily in the Americas and Europe. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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