Mario Acosta-Velez

Mario Acosta-Velez serves as Vice President of Local Engagement, Corporate Social Responsibility, and Public Policy for the East Region at Verizon since December 2007, where responsibilities include the development and execution of impactful regional initiatives, particularly in education, digital inclusion, and community engagement. Prior to this role, Mario held positions such as Regional Director of External Affairs and State Government Affairs, expanding Verizon's CSR impact through significant philanthropic investments and leading advocacy campaigns. Mario's earlier experience includes serving as President of MAVC Strategic Consulting, focusing on diversity and community engagement, and as an adjunct professor at the University of the District of Columbia, teaching multicultural justice. Educational qualifications include a Senior Executives program from Harvard Kennedy School and multiple degrees in Political Science and Public Administration from the University of Puerto Rico and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.