NEW YORK, Jan. 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Rose Stuckey Kirk has been named president of the Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon, effective immediately. She will lead Verizon's philanthropic strategy with an emphasis on projects that demonstrate the use of Verizon's technology in addressing social issues such as education, domestic violence prevention and online safety. Additionally, she will oversee Verizon's employee volunteerism program and continue to coordinate efforts to communicate Verizon's overall corporate responsibility messaging.
Kirk succeeds Patrick Gaston who this month will join the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund as an executive in residence for one year to assist with Haiti relief efforts.
Kirk's new position builds on her most recent experience as Verizon's vice president of public affairs, policy and communications where she led the strategy, implementation and measurement of communications focused on Verizon's corporate responsibility and philanthropy initiatives.
"Rose brings strong operational, marketing and community service experience to the Verizon Foundation and will be a passionate voice in leading Verizon's efforts to use the innovative power of our technology, financial resources and employees to improve communities and address critical social issues," said Verizon Chairman and CEO Ivan Seidenberg.
Kirk has more than 25 years' experience in telecommunications, and has held numerous leadership positions including vice president of sales operations for Verizon Wireless, vice president of corporate employee communications and vice president of partner sales and customer service for Verizon's small to medium business segment.
In addition, Kirk has significant experience in communications and journalism. A former news reporter, she has received writing awards from The Associated Press and the Chairman's Award from the New York Times for news reporting.
Kirk, who earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Arkansas State University, is a member of the university's Advisory Board for the College of Communications. Additionally, she is a member of the national service organization, Jack and Jill of America, where she has chaired various committees. Kirk also has spent more than 30 years working with organizations in Alabama, Missouri and Texas on the prevention of domestic violence and currently chairs the Board of Directors for the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
The Verizon Foundation supports the advancement of literacy and K-12 education through its free educational website, Verizon Thinkfinity (www.thinkfinity.org), and fosters awareness and prevention of domestic violence. In 2009, the Verizon Foundation awarded $67.9 million in grants to nonprofit agencies in the U.S. and abroad. It also matched the charitable donations of Verizon employees and retirees, resulting in $26.1 million in combined contributions to nonprofits. Through Verizon Volunteers, one of the nation's largest employee volunteer programs, Verizon employees and retirees have volunteered more than 5 million hours of community service since 2000. For more information on the foundation, visit www.verizonfoundation.org.
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.
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SOURCE Verizon
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