Nneka Chiazor

As President of this premier international association for public affairs professionals, Nneka drives the organization’s mission to advance the field through innovation, executive education, thought leadership, and the promotion of ethical standards.

Prior to assuming her current role, Nneka served as Market Vice President for Cox Communications in Hampton Roads, where she led operations and strategic initiatives for over 1,200 employees in one of the company’s top five markets nationwide. Her Cox career began in 2017 as Vice President of Field Government and Public Affairs for Virginia, where she demonstrated exceptional skill in expanding market presence through innovative public-private partnerships. Under her leadership, Cox successfully negotiated multiple agreements to extend broadband infrastructure to previously unserved communities, helping to bridge the digital divide. Her executive acumen contributed to Cox being recognized as one of the 2024 Top Places to Work in Hampton Roads.

Nneka spent 14 years at Verizon Communications, rising to Vice President of Public Policy and Government Relations, where she advised on cybersecurity and public safety policies. Her career also includes leadership roles at IMI Systems (later Ajilon) and Verizon Global Networks, following early work in robotics and software development.

A dedicated community leader, Nneka has served on numerous high-profile boards, including the Public Affairs Council, Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, and the Hampton Roads Military and Federal Facilities Alliance. Her commitment to creating inclusive communities was recognized in 2022 when the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities honored her as Humanitarian of the Year for her transformative work championing diversity and inclusion initiatives throughout Virginia.

Nneka holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Concordia University in Montreal and a Master of Science in Telecommunications Management from the University of Maryland Global Campus. She has further enhanced her executive credentials as an alumna of Harvard Business School and through specialized certification in Fostering Inclusion & Diversity from Yale School of Management.

An enthusiastic traveler, Nneka serves on the board of Global Traveler magazine. She lives in the Washington, D.C. area with her husband Francis and daughters Didi and Nuli, where they enjoy exploring the local restaurant scene.