Verizon Taps Senior FBI Leader as New Chief Security Officer

NEW YORK - Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) today named Michael A. Mason, currently the executive assistant director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, to be the company's new chief security officer.  In his current position at the FBI, Mason is in charge of the Bureau's Criminal, Cyber, Response and Services Branch -- the largest unit in the FBI.

The appointment will be effective in January following Mason's planned retirement from the FBI.  He will replace Jim Trainor, who announced his intention to retire from Verizon at the end of this year.

Mason will report directly to Verizon Executive Vice President and General Counsel Bill Barr and will work closely with the senior management team.  As CSO, Mason will oversee and coordinate global security efforts throughout Verizon and all its business units, including enterprisewide security strategy and programs, physical security, cyber security and law-enforcement security matters.

"Mike brings to Verizon more than 20 years' experience in all aspects of law enforcement and security," Barr said.  "He has distinguished himself as a supervisor in FBI field operations and as an executive proficient at developing strategies to address critical criminal and security issues.  We're delighted that he will be joining Verizon, and I look forward to working closely with him."

Mason began his career with the FBI in 1985. He served in numerous management and executive management positions, including assistant director in charge of the Washington field office -- the Bureau's second largest office -- and acting executive assistant director of headquarters administration.  Most recently, he supervised the Criminal and Cyber divisions, the Office of International Operations (which includes 59 overseas offices), the FBI's Critical Incident Response Group and the Office of Law Enforcement Coordination.

Mason also served from 1980-1985 in the United States Marine Corps, where he achieved the rank of captain.  He holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from Illinois Wesleyan University and in 2004 received the Presidential Rank Award for Meritorious Executive Service at the FBI.

Upon joining Verizon, he will be based in Basking Ridge, N.J. 

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 more than 62 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 more than 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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