Investor Spotlight: AT&T
February 19, 2021
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a modern media company with a mission to inspire human progress through the power of communication and entertainment. The company brings together premium video content, a large base of direct-to-consumer relationships, high-speed networks optimized for video and advertising technology to lead the next revolution in technology, media and telecommunications. AT&T has recorded 35 consecutive years of quarterly dividend growth and is a Fortune 10 company.
Ed Narain, Vice President, External and Legislative Affairs
Former Representative Edwin “Ed” Narain has served the Tampa Bay Community for almost twenty-five years. He has dedicated his life to helping children and the working poor. He has served on the Hillsborough County Community Action Board, the Headstart Policy council, and is a member of the Pinellas PACE Center for Girls Board of Directors, and the Saint Leo University Board of Directors.
Professionally, Ed is Vice President, External and Legislative Affairs with AT&T and has earned three Florida Top Performance Manager of the Year awards and two AT&T Summit Awards.
Tell us about your role at AT&T and some of your organization’s priorities.
I am the Vice President of External and Legislative Affairs for AT&T Florida. I lead a regional team in developing strategies and plans for achieving our regulatory and legislative objectives. I am also responsible for our FirstNet and social justice initiatives in the Southeast region. Our priorities are to continue growing our customer relationships by expanding our broadband connectivity (5G and Fiber) and software-based entertainment options.
As we navigate our way out of the pandemic, what do you think needs to happen to ensure a more inclusive and equitable economic recovery?
I believe ensuring the survival of small and minority owned businesses will be vital to our economic recovery. These businesses account for 65% of the job growth in our country. Government policies that support them having equal access to capital will be key as many rebuild from the damage COVID caused. Although the pandemic created massive job losses, it will also create opportunities in new fields that weren’t thought about pre-COVID. Helping people learn and develop the new skills they need to be effective in those positions will be important.
What is the number one thing that you believe will impact our region’s competitiveness over the next decade?
The issue that will have the greatest impact over our region’s competitiveness is whether we can develop a regional transportation system that provides better access to jobs in the area. Inadequate transportation options in underserved communities has limited the upward mobility of many residents. Solving this issue will be key to our success.
When you talk to folks out of market, what are some things you always mention about Tampa?
When I speak to folks outside of Florida, I always mention to them that Tampa is one of the best kept secrets in the country. It’s a great city to raise a family in and provides plenty of growth opportunities for young and seasoned professionals alike. Our local universities are world class and our people, neighborhoods, sports teams, and annual celebrations (Gasparilla) are amazing.
