Donna Epps

Background

About Donna Epps

As the SVP and Chief Responsible Business Officer at Verizon, the nation's largest wireless provider, I lead strategic engagement with external stakeholders and drive our responsible business initiatives. With over 25 years of experience in the tech and telecom industry, I have extensive knowledge of technology policy and the successful navigation of the highly-regulated tech landscape. Additionally, I excel in optimizing stakeholder engagement to deliver business results, craft crisis and reputation management solutions and advance shared goals. In my present position, I ensure that responsible business practices are integrated into Verizon's business strategy. I am in charge of Verizon’s stakeholder engagement with investors who are interested in environmental and other sustainability issues, consumer advocates, civil and human rights organizations and social impact non-profits. My team delivers innovative technology solutions and impactful programs to empower communities while creating long-term sustainable growth for the company. My team leverages Verizon's technology, people and resources to create effective public-private partnerships that drive digital inclusion, safeguard the environment, and increase human prosperity. My team also collaborates with key stakeholders to advocate for effective public policies that will close the digital divide, protect consumers, open new markets and incent investment. I formerly worked as Verizon's SVP for Public Policy and Strategic Alliances. In that role, I was in charge of leading Verizon's global public policy efforts. As a tech policy expert, I led Verizon's public policy work with the White House, the Department of Commerce, the FCC and other federal agencies. My team also managed Verizon’s relationship with key policy-focused stakeholders, including advocacy groups, think tanks and academics, to execute effective public policy campaigns and shape policy outcomes. Prior to joining Verizon, I was an associate at Covington & Burling, where I practiced law in the communications regulatory and corporate transactions groups. I serve on the National Urban League’s Executive Committee and Board of Trustees. In 2023, I earned the National Urban League’s “Trustee of the Year” Award. In addition, I serve on the UnidosUS Corporate Advisory Board and the Advisory Committee of the Center for Democracy and Technology. I am a former trustee of the Federal Communications Bar Association Foundation. I earned a BA in Journalism and Public Relations from UNC-Chapel Hill and a J.D. with distinction from Duke University.