Since the inception of the telecom industry we have had several of the corporate giants dominate the spectrum. What we often fail to recognize is that the faces behind these large corporations really are the driving force. According to an article published in today's Business Wire, former Verizon and AT&T employee Kelley Dunne was named CEO of the non profit One Economy. Dunne has been a key figure in implementing wireless 4G capabilities and also is credited for becoming a leading operator of WiMAX technology.
It's always nice to see someone so highly regarded with that background entering the non profit field. One Economy's chief mission is to find new ways to allow low income individuals to access technology, a task they have been extremely successful thus far. One highlight of theirs was the dispersement of 3,000 digital converter units when the switch to digital television occurred last year. They hope that by appointing Dunne as CEO he will take his knowhow from the private sector and further enhance their goals as a company in addition to reaching more of those in need.
This goes to show that not everyone in business is about making pure profits. Surely Mr Dunne could have kept his current position or taken one at a similar company with a comparable or even higher salary. Instead, he chose to funnel his enthusiasm and dedication to the non profit sector where his work will benefit others more directly. The entire move was made possible by a 51.5 million dollar broadband initiative grant through the U.S. Department of Commerce. While many of these government programs tend to go astray, this looks as if real progress is quite possible.
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20100929006480/en/Telecom-Innovator-Entrepreneur-Named-CEO-Economy
It is definitely encouraging to see such a successful businessman take his expertise to the nonprofit field. The modern world is so reliant on telecommunications, it is nearly impossible to be successful without it. Thus, this type of nonprofit is absolutely crucial in closing the gap between the very rich and the very poor. After all, how do we expect someone to get a job without a cellphone where they can be reached at all time? The same goes for the federally mandated switch from analog to digital television. The work Mr. Dunne is doing with One Economy really highlights how pervasive the telecommunications is and how no one can be left behind as we move towards a highly digital world. His association with Verizon Wireless and AT&T has probably helped those companies as well, giving them positive CSR by showing the consumers that they foster a career environment that prioritizes the customer and their experience over just profit.
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