Michael A. Mason recently retired as SVP – Chief Security Officer for Verizon Communications.  Immediately prior to joining Verizon, Mr. Mason was an Executive Assistant Director (EAD) with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, in charge of the Bureau’s Criminal, Cyber, Response and Services Branch.  As a former EAD, Mr. Mason is one of the four most senior African-American executives in the FBI’s history. 

In 2004, Mr. Mason was the recipient of a Presidential Rank Award for Meritorious Executive Service (awarded to the top 5% of federal government executives).  In 2014, Mr. Mason was recognized by Security 500 Magazine as one of 2014’s Most Influential Security Executives and in 2017 Black Enterprise Magazine named him one of the Top 300 Black executives.  In 2006 Mr. Mason gave the commencement address at his alma mater, Illinois Wesleyan University.  In 2007 he was selected at the university’s Alumnus of the Year.

After retiring from the FBI, Mr. Mason joined Verizon Communications where he served as a Senior Vice-President and the company’s Chief Security Officer.  Mr. Mason was responsible for overseeing and coordinating global security efforts throughout Verizon and all its business units, including enterprise-wide security strategy and programs, physical security, elements of cyber security, legal compliance, investigations and law enforcement matters.   

Upon retiring from Verizon he wanted to find a way to contribute to the post-pandemic recovery.  He saw a local news story about the desperate need for bus drivers in Chesterfield County. Virginia.   Understanding the critical need to get young children back in live classrooms, especially those who do not have the technology required to adequately support remote learning, he enrolled in training, obtained his Commercial Driver’s License and joined the ranks of classified school employees as a bus driver. Mr. Mason recently stated during a national news interview, “I’ve done a lot of important things in my career, but guess what, this is important too.”

Mr. Mason recently published his first book, “Working in America – Spectator or Gladiator…You Decide” which was born from the years of mentoring he has done throughout his professional life.  He also sits of the Board of Directors for two non-profit organizations; Hostage U.S. and A Call to Men.

Mr. Mason served in the United States Marine Corps from 1980 – 1985 where he achieved the rank of captain.  Mr. Mason is a native of Chicago, Illinois and is the proud father of two adult sons.  His eldest serves as a Washington State Patrol trooper and his youngest is a captain in the United States Marine Corps.