AT&T Chairman & CEO Randall L. Stephenson to Chair 2011 United Way of Metropolitan Dallas Campaign

DALLAS, Dec. 6, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Randall L. Stephenson, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of AT&T*, has been named the chairman of the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas Campaign for 2011.

Each year, the regional campaign is the single largest source of much-needed funds and supports United 2020, a set of defined and measurable goals for the next ten years, focusing on Education, Income and Health.

"The United Way of Metropolitan Dallas has made a profound difference in our community and in the lives of countless people, and I'm grateful and honored to be part of that mission," said Stephenson.

Stephenson said he was especially proud to support the United 2020 goals that aim to:

• Prepare 50 percent more students to succeed in education after high school
• Move 250,000 more people out of poverty permanently
• Improve community health through expanded access, preventive care and healthy behaviors

"AT&T and its employees have a long tradition of supporting the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas with their time, talent and contributions, and Mr. Stephenson's vision and leadership is an incredible asset to our 2011 campaign," said Gary Godsey, President and CEO of United Way of Metropolitan Dallas.

Last year, more than 7,000 AT&T employees in Dallas contributed more than $1.3 million to United Way of Metropolitan Dallas and United Way-funded agencies. Other AT&T support included a $500,000 grant from the AT&T Foundation to introduce a successful high school dropout prevention program – Destination: Graduation – to Dallas ISD middle schools. And this year, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas was one of 15 local United Ways selected for a $50,000 grant to help parents and caregivers get more involved in their children's education.

The education grants are part of AT&T Aspire, a $100 million philanthropic program to help strengthen student success and workforce readiness. Announced under Stephenson's leadership, AT&T Aspire is the largest education initiative in company history.

Stephenson will assume his new United Way of Metropolitan Dallas campaign role in February 2011. He will succeed Clint McDonnough, Dallas Office Managing Partner, Ernst & Young, LLP, who served as the 2009 and 2010 campaign chairman.

About United Way

United Way is a worldwide network in 30 countries and territories, including nearly 1,300 local organizations in the U.S. It advances the common good, creating opportunities for a better life for all. Our focus is on education, income and health – the building blocks for a good quality of life. United Way recruits people and organizations who bring the passion, expertise and resources needed to get things done. LIVE UNITED is a call to action for everyone to become a part of the change. For more information about United Way, please visit: LIVEUNITED.org.

About United Way of Metropolitan Dallas

United Way of Metropolitan Dallas is the largest non-governmental funder of health and human services in Dallas, Collin, Rockwall and southern Denton counties.  Locally governed and volunteer-led, UWMD is currently working to create long-term community impact in the key areas of education, income and health.  Visit www.unitedwaydallas.org to learn more.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's fastest 3G network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet and voice services. A leader in mobile broadband, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries.  It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T / DIRECTV brands. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising. In 2010, AT&T again ranked among the 50 Most Admired Companies by FORTUNE® magazine. 

Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com.  

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

About Philanthropy at AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is committed to advancing education, strengthening communities and improving lives. Through its philanthropic initiatives and partnerships, AT&T has a long history of supporting projects that create learning opportunities; promote academic and economic achievement; and address community needs. In 2009, more than $155 million was contributed through corporate-, employee- and AT&T Foundation-giving programs.

SOURCE United Way of Metropolitan Dallas