Andres Irlando Named Vice President - Public Policy for Verizon

NEW YORK - Andres F. Irlando has been named vice president - public policy for Verizon, taking on broader responsibilities in assuming a leadership role for state and federal policy and advocacy issues nationwide.

Irlando, who joined Verizon in 2005 as vice president in the Pacific region, is now responsible for forging industry coalitions and developing strategies with cable, telecom and high-tech companies to advance state public-policy initiatives. He is also working closely with Verizon's federal government relations team, on strategic initiatives.

Irlando will be based in Basking Ridge, N.J., and report to Colleen McCloskey, senior vice president - state public affairs, policy and communications.

"Andres has been a catalyst for innovation and success in several state public-policy initiatives, including video-choice legislation in California," McCloskey said. "I'm confident he will bring the same strategic and disciplined approach to this broader role, achieving alignment among the growing number of industry players who are increasingly active in policy matters across the states."

Before joining Verizon, Irlando served as president of the Cesar E. Chavez Foundation in Los Angeles. He previously served on the senior management team for GovWorks, an Internet company providing Web-based products and services to local and state governments, and worked as an attorney at the law firm of O'Melveny and Myers in San Francisco.

Irlando received a bachelor's degree in 1994 from Harvard College, where he studied government, and a doctor of jurisprudence degree from Stanford Law School in 1998.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ), headquartered in New York, is a leader in delivering broadband and other wireline and wireless communication innovations to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers.  Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving 63.7 million customers nationwide.  Verizon's Wireline operations include Verizon Business, which delivers innovative and seamless business solutions to customers around the world, and Verizon Telecom, which brings customers the benefits of converged communications, information and entertainment services over the nation's most advanced fiber-optic network.  A Dow 30 company, Verizon has a diverse workforce of nearly 238,000 and last year generated consolidated operating revenues of more than $88 billion.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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