John Killian ’77
Retired Executive Vice President, CFO, Verizon Communications
Honorary Doctor of Business Administration
John F. Killian ’77 has been a senior executive in some of the world’s largest telecommunications companies, including serving as executive vice president and chief financial officer of Verizon Communications, Inc. His expertise in finance, operations, and investor relations has shaped the strategic direction of major corporations and influenced the global telecommunications industry.
Mr. Killian was born in Providence. His father, Fred Killian ’47, was also a Friar. As a student studying accountancy, Mr. Killian was recognized for academic excellence with The Wall Street Journal Award and the Rhode Island Society of Certified Public Accountants Award. He also has a master’s degree in taxation from Bentley University.
Following graduation, Mr. Killian worked for the accounting firm Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co. in Providence before joining AT&T, which later became NYNEX. After holding several leadership positions, he was appointed chief executive officer of NYNEX CableComms Limited, one of the largest telecommunications, information services, and entertainment companies in the United Kingdom. When NYNEX and Bell Atlantic merged in 1997, Mr. Killian became group president of international telecommunications for Bell Atlantic. He later served as vice president of investor relations and the corporation’s primary liaison with the investment company. After the merger of Bell Atlantic and GTE in 2000, Mr. Killian was appointed senior vice president of customer operations for Verizon’s national operations group. He went on to lead Verizon Telecom from 2002–2005, serving as senior vice president, controller, and chief financial officer, until becoming president of Verizon Business in 2005. In 2009, he was named executive vice president and chief financial officer of Verizon Communications, Inc. He retired in 2010 after more than 30 years with the company.
Mr. Killian served on the Providence College Board of Trustees from 2004–2018 and as its chair from 2013–2018. He was granted emeritus status after retiring from the board. His philanthropic spirit and dedication to advancing educational and social causes is evident in his roles as trustee of the National Urban League and the College of New Rochelle, as director and trustee of Con Edison, and as board member of Goldman Sachs ETF Trust. He is a celebrated Torchbearer in PC’s 1917 Society, an organization that recognizes alumni and friends who have made significant contributions to the college.
Mr. Killian and his wife, Laura, reside in Naples, Florida. They are the parents of two sons.
