As president of AT&T’s Southeast Coastal Region, Venessa Harrison is responsible for developing the overall strategic direction of AT&T’s public policy, economic development and community engagement activities across the states of Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina.

Named to her current position in 2022, Harrison works closely with state and local policymakers and business and community leaders to foster an environment that welcomes investment and innovation, focuses on bringing new technologies that drive innovation and create jobs and provides educational and economic opportunities that empower to improve the quality of life for all.

Harrison began her telecommunications career as a telephone operator. She subsequently pursued a career-development opportunity in the network organization, quickly rising through the ranks of management within AT&T with increasing responsibility in the network, business, regulatory and external affairs departments. Prior to her current position, Harrison served for three years as president of Georgia and six years as president of AT&T North Carolina.

In addition to her corporate responsibilities, Harrison is committed to helping make a difference in the community and in the lives of others. She has a passion for driving meaningful impact and social equity and currently serves as member of North Carolina A&T State University Board of Trustees, the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce Executive Board of Directors, the Georgia Historical Society Board of Directors, Georgia Research Alliance Board of Directors, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the Atlanta Committee for Progress Board of Directors, the Atlanta Police Foundation Board of Directors, the Agnes Scott College Advisory Board of Visitors and the Rotary Club of Atlanta. Additionally, Harrison has been honored by Georgia Trend as one of the Georgia 500 Most Influential Leaders and one of the 100 Most Influential Georgians, Families First with the 2021 Making a Difference Community Service Award, the Gwinnett County Chamber of Commerce with the 2021 Moxie Award, the Atlanta Business Chronicle with the 2020 Diversity and Inclusion Civic Award, Women in Technology with the 2020 Woman of the Year in Technology Award, and the Atlanta Business Chronicle with the 2019 Women Who Mean Business Award. She was also recognized by Atlanta Magazine on the 2021, 2020, and 2019 Most Influential Atlantans Lists.

Harrison holds a Business Administration degree from the University of Phoenix. A North Carolina native, she is a proud wife, mother, and grandmother.