William R. Allan Named President of Verizon Delaware

WILMINGTON, Del. - Verizon Communications has named William R. Allan president of Verizon Delaware. Allan succeeds Joshua W. Martin III, who retired.

Allan, who has 27 years experience in the telecommunications industry, currently serves as vice president of regulatory affairs for Verizon New York, a position he has held since 1995 with Verizon and its predecessor companies, NYNEX and Bell Atlantic.

"Bill Allan brings extensive experience in public policy and a strong track record of customer service commitment to Verizon Delaware," said Colleen A. McCloskey, Verizon senior vice president for public affairs, policy and communications. "We are very fortunate to have someone of Bill's character and expertise, and I am confident that Verizon Delaware - under Bill's leadership - will continue to deliver leading-edge technology and meet our customers' needs.

Allan, 49, began his telecommunications career as an engineer and engineering manager with New York Telephone in 1978. After the breakup of AT&T in the early 1980s, he managed a team of technical experts for Bellcore, a research consortium formed by the regional Bell companies.

Following his stint at Bellcore, Allan rejoined New York Telephone and its corporate parent, NYNEX, and served as a marketing director, providing provided technical assistance in the development of new products and services. He was named vice president of regulatory affairs for New York in 1995.

"I am excited by the opportunity to lead Verizon Delaware, and to help speed the benefits of broadband and other information age technologies to all of our customers," Allan said. "As we chart a course for the 21st century, I look forward to delivering more choices and innovation to Delawareans, and using the power of telecommunications to fuel the state's economic growth for many years to come."

Allan will be based at Verizon Delaware's Tatnall Street office in Wilmington. He and his wife, Jeanne, look forward to relocating to Delaware in the near future. Allan holds a B.S. in electrical engineering from Manhattan College and an M.B.A. from New York University. He currently serves on the boards of directors of several educational and professional organizations.

With more than $71 billion in annual revenues, Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) is one of the world's leading providers of communications services. Verizon has a diverse work force of more than 210,000 in four business units: Domestic Telecom serves customers based in 29 states with wireline telecommunications services, including broadband, nationwide long-distance and other services. Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 43.8 million voice and data customers across the United States. Information Services operates directory publishing businesses and provides electronic commerce services. International includes wireline and wireless operations and investments, primarily in the Americas and Europe. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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