BIOGRAPHY

Robert Z. Elek

Manager, Media Relations

Verizon

Robert Elek has been in the communications business for 26 years. He began his career with Hill & Knowlton and has held a variety of positions throughout this time, ranging from institutional development for non-profit institutions to lobbying to corporate public relations. He joined the former GTE Communications as a public affairs manager in mid-1999. By year-end, he was named manager, media relations in Florida. Today, he represents Verizon Communications externally in Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina. Elek is a past president of the Public Relations Society of America, Tampa Bay Chapter and has been involved in many community projects and efforts over his career. In December, he was named the For Profit Crisis Spokesperson of the Year in the 1st Annual Media Spokesperson of the Year Awards, sponsored by PR News and CommCore Consulting Group.