It’s no surprise that when Monica Azare speaks on behalf of communications giant Verizon Communications, others listen. Ever since talking her way into politics as a legislative intern while still in high school, Azare has been bending the ear of Congress, state and local officials on pertinent communications issues. “I found my political voice early in life and my family encouraged me to put it to good use,” says Azare, speaking fondly of her grandparents.

As senior vice president of public policy and government affairs, Azare oversees Verizon’s public policy, regulatory and legislative activities in New York and Connecticut. Her accomplishments have garnered her recognition that includes being listed as one of the telecommunications industry’s top lobbyists in the leading industry newsletter, Telecom Policy Reports.

In addition to her government relations responsibilities, Azare manages the multimillion-dollar New York and Connecticut Verizon Foundation.
Prior to joining Verizon, Azare was employed as vice president of Federal Affairs for Insight Communications in New York. Before that, she served as chief counsel to Congressman Billy Tauzin, then chair of the House Telecommunications, Trade and Consumer Protection Subcommittee.

Born and raised in Abbeville, La., Azare received a bachelor’s from Louisiana State University and a law degree from the Southern University Law Center. Outspoken and a straight shooter, she credits her humble beginnings and southern sensibilities with contributing to her success. She says, “Coming from a small town where everyone knows everyone and all you have is your name, it was always imperative not to do or say anything that could tarnish it.” She tells political aspirants, “In this business, credibility is everything.”

Between treks from New York City and the Capitol, Azare sits on the boards of the Business Council of New York State, the New York City Investment Fund’s Civic Capital Corporation, the Metropolitan Development Association, the LHC Group, the Louisiana State University College Advisory Board and Evidence Dance Company. She was also a 2006-2007 David Rockefeller Fellow.