Thomas J. Tauke

Executive Vice President
Public Affairs & Communications
Verizon Communications

Thomas J. Tauke was named executive vice president - Public Affairs & Communications in May 2004. In this role, Tauke oversees all internal and external communications, reputation management, philanthropy and issues management for Verizon, and serves as a member of the Corporate Leadership Council.

Tauke also leads Verizon’s Public Policy and External Affairs organization, responsible for the development of Verizon’s legislative and regulatory strategy 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 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 a past Chairman of the United States Telecom Association (USTA) where he is currently second vice chairman of the board of directors, and a member of the Executive Committee and the Governance Committee. Tauke is Chairman of the Board of Home Technology Systems, Inc. in Dubuque, Iowa; serves on the Board of Directors of the Business Industry Political Action Committee; is Vice Chair of the Board of Regents and the Executive Committee of Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa; and is a member of the Board of Directors of Jobs for America’s Graduates.

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.