Richard L. Settle has over 33 years experience in the fields of telecommunications, government relations, and economic development. A proven leader, he has provided vision, insight and a well-balanced general management perspective, along with a demonstrated ability to successfully position complicated business and regulatory issues before local, regional and state government. He has served on the Board of Directors of several public economic development agencies, including the Russell County Board of Supervisors, Cumberland Plateau Planning District Commission, Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority, Virginia Economic Bridge, and the Southwest Virginia Economic Development Commission.Specialties: Present clients include telecommunications and information technology companies and firms engaged in mining, manufacturing and construction as well as local governments. Mr. Settle served as Area Manager, External Affairs, where he was responsible for development and implementation of legislative and regulatory policy positions for Verizon in Virginia. Additionally, he was responsible for Local, State, and Federal Government Relations in Virginia.