Verizon Names Andrés Irlando to Lead Company's Public Policy Initiatives in New York and Connecticut

NEW YORK - Verizon today announced that Andrés Irlando, currently vice president of public policy, has been appointed senior vice president of the New York region, which includes Connecticut.

Irlando will oversee Verizon's public policy, external affairs and regulatory matters in New York and Connecticut.

"Andrés is driven by a passion for new challenges and dedicated to success," said Colleen McCloskey, Verizon senior vice president - state public affairs, policy and communications. "I am confident that his strategic approach, together with his unique combination of private, public and nonprofit-sector experience, will advance our business and strengthen our community ties."

Irlando succeeds Monica Azare, who was tapped recently to lead Verizon's corporate employee communications function.  Azare, who delivered strong results for the business by securing the New York City video franchise and 124 franchises statewide, will be responsible in her new position for strengthening the company's corporate culture and working closely with Verizon's senior leadership team to drive results.

Irlando has most recently served as vice president - public policy for Verizon, based in Basking Ridge, N.J.

"There is no marketplace more competitive or significant to Verizon than the New York region," Irlando said. "I look forward to working with the team to help Verizon provide the best possible products and services to our customers."

After joining Verizon in 2005 as director - state government relations, Irlando led a number of successful state public policy initiatives, including video choice legislation in California.  He had previously served as president of the Cesar E. Chavez Foundation in Los Angeles, where he directed all corporate and government relations for the foundation, including raising $65 million for the National Chavez Center.  He also had previously served on the senior management team for GovWorks, an Internet company providing Web-based products and services to local and state government, 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 and a doctor of jurisprudence degree from Stanford Law School in 1998.  He resides with his wife and children in New York City.

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 67 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 employed a diverse workforce of approximately 232,000 as of the end of the first quarter 2008 and last year generated consolidated operating revenues of $93.5 billion.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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