Thomas J. Tauke

Overview

Thomas J. Tauke is senior vice president for Public Policy and External Affairs. In this position he is responsible for the development of Verizon's legislative and regulatory policy and the company's policy advocacy at the local, state, federal and international levels. He manages community relations and relationships with national advocacy organizations and consumer groups. Tauke also is responsible for issues related to compliance with all merger conditions, long-distance entry conditions, and other regulatory requirements. Tauke is one of the foremost authorities on telecommunications policy today. His unique perspective - derived from both corporate and public service - makes him one of the most sought after speakers in the industry. He is quoted regularly by major broadcast and print news organizations. Before joining NYNEX in 1991, Tauke was a Member of Congress, representing Iowa's Second Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives from January 1979 to January 1991. During his congressional service he was a member of the Telecommunications Subcommittee. He also served on the Energy and Commerce, Education and Labor and Small Business Committees, as well as the Select Committee on Aging. He served on the Pepper Commission on Comprehensive Health Care, the Infant Mortality Commission and the Biomedical Ethics Board. Tauke served as a member of the Iowa General Assembly from January 1975 to January 1979. Tauke is past chairman of the United States Telecom Association (USTA) where he is a member of the board of directors, the chairman of the Large Company Caucus and a member of the Governance Committee. Tauke also serves as Chairman of the Board of Home Technology Systems, Inc. in Dubuque, Iowa; is on the School of Public Affairs' Board of Visitors at the University of Maryland at College Park; the Board of Directors of the Business Industry Political Action Committee; Vice Chair of the Board of Regents and the Executive Committee of Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa; a member of the Board of Directors of Jobs for America's Graduates, and a trustee of the National Policy Association. Tauke received a bachelor of arts degree from Loras College in 1972 and a juris doctorate from the University of Iowa College of Law in 1974. He and his wife, Beverly, and their two children, Joseph and Elizabeth, reside in Alexandria, Virginia.