Irlando named VP of Public Policy for Verizon.

Andres F. Irlando has been named vice president – public policy for Verizon, taking on broader responsibilities in assuming a leadership role for state and federal policy and advocacy issues nationwide.

Irlando, who joined Verizon in 2005 as vice president in the Pacific region, is now responsible for forging industry coalitions and developing strategies with cable, telecom and high-tech companies to advance state public-policy initiatives. He is also working closely with Verizon’s federal government relations team, on strategic initiatives.

“Andres has been a catalyst for innovation and success in several state public-policy initiatives, including video-choice legislation in California,” McCloskey said. “I’m confident he will bring the same strategic and disciplined approach to this broader role, achieving alignment among the growing number of industry players who are increasingly active in policy matters across the states.”

Before joining Verizon, Irlando served as president of the Cesar E. Chavez Foundation in Los Angeles. He previously served on the senior management team for GovWorks, an Internet company providing Web-based products and services to local and state governments, and worked as an attorney at the law firm of O’Melveny and Myers in San Francisco.