Verizon Vice President for National Security Policy J. Michael Hickey to Retire in December

WASHINGTON, Nov. 12, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- J. Michael Hickey, vice president government relations for national security at Verizon, has announced his retirement after nearly 25 years of service with the company.  Since 2004, Hickey has directed Verizon policy development and advocacy on issues ranging from critical asset protection to cyber security and emergency preparedness, working with administration, congressional and industry officials.

"It has been a privilege to represent Verizon's interests for nearly a quarter of a century," Hickey said. "I've worked with so many talented and dedicated individuals over the years – folks who have delivered results and have demonstrated their commitment to customer and community service. I thank each one of them for their support."

A New Hampshire native, Hickey began his career in 1973 as a land-use planner for the Strafford Regional Planning Commission in Dover, N.H.  He then held several positions in New Hampshire nonprofit and state government organizations.  

In 1986 he joined New England Telephone as director of government affairs for New Hampshire.  From 1997 to 2004, Hickey served as the company's state vice president for New Hampshire, where he represented company interests with administration officials, legislative leaders, regulatory officials, the state's congressional delegation, and civic, community and business leaders.  

"From leading the company's entry into the long-distance business in New Hampshire to leading our efforts in the national security policy space in the post-9/11 era, Mike has contributed significantly to the success of Verizon," said Tom Tauke, Verizon's executive vice president - public affairs, policy and communications. "Throughout his career, he has been a model of professionalism and calm, thoughtful leadership. He is respected not only throughout our business and our industry, but also in broader business circles, in the political community and among the many civic organizations he has championed. We thank Mike for his hard work and dedication to Verizon, and we wish him all the best."

Hickey, an active member of the New Hampshire community, served as chair of the 2003 NH Commission to Assess the Operating Efficiency of State Government. From 1997-2004, he served on numerous boards including the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, New Hampshire Business and Industry Association, New Hampshire High Technology Council, the Heritage United Way and Kids Voting New Hampshire.  

Hickey's retirement will be effective Dec. 24.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ), headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers.  Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving more than 93 million customers nationwide.  Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers innovative, seamless business solutions to customers around the world.  A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 195,000 and last year generated consolidated revenues of more than $107 billion.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.  

VERIZON'S ONLINE NEWS CENTER: Verizon news releases, executive speeches and biographies, media contacts, high-quality video and images, and other information are available at Verizon's News Center on the World Wide Web at www.verizon.com/news.  To receive news releases by e-mail, visit the News Center and register for customized automatic delivery of Verizon news releases.

SOURCE Verizon

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