AT&T and Cricket Wireless employees are setting an example in the City of Atlanta for National Volunteer Month. They are celebrating 138,000 volunteer hours in Metro Atlanta in 2017, and have a commitment to exceed that number this year. Leading with that same passion for volunteering, John Dwyer, the president of our Atlanta-based AT&T Prepaid Portfolio, has been honored with two prestigious awards – the Junior Achievement Gold Leadership Award and the Boy Scouts of America Silver Beaver Award.
“Our people make our company and their communities stronger. They donate their time, talents and resources to causes that matter most to them. Giving back is an integral part of our culture,” said Dwyer, president, AT&T Prepaid Portfolio. “I love Atlanta. And, when I see the efforts of the thousands of AT&T and Cricket employees in the city, it makes me proud to work for a company that is committed to our community.”
Atlanta is home to over 15,000 AT&T employees, including our Prepaid Portfolio of nearly 500 Cricket Wireless and AT&T PREPAID employees.
“It is with the leadership of John (Dwyer), and the tens of thousands of employees in Atlanta, where we see our commitment to service and community realized each day,” said Bill Leahy, president, AT&T Southeast Region. “I am confident our employees’ volunteerism in 2018 will continue to make a lasting impact here in Atlanta, and – hopefully – inspire others to give back as well.”
Dwyer was recently honored with 2 prestigious awards – the Junior Achievement (JA) Gold Leadership Award and the Boy Scouts of America (Boy Scouts) Silver Beaver Award. These both mark his leadership and personal commitment to volunteering.
Junior Achievement (JA) Gold Leadership Award
Dwyer was one of 10 recipients of the 2018 JA Gold Leadership Award at the JA National Volunteer Summit March 13 in New York City. The award highlights his long-standing contribution of time, leadership, creativity and drive. It also recognizes his commitment to helping build future generations. Dwyer is the first AT&T executive to receive the award.
“John’s dedication to Atlanta’s youth, and his passion to empower them is extraordinary,” said Jack Harris, president & CEO, JA of Georgia. “The JA Gold Leadership Award is our highest honor for individual volunteer commitment. It’s given to those who are leaders in their community and play an integral role in our ability to inspire and prepare the next generation.”
Dwyer’s commitment to JA began in 2001 in Seattle. Since joining the Atlanta board in 2010, he’s been instrumental in several of the organization’s projects in the Atlanta metro community. Dwyer was highly involved in the development of the JA Discovery Centers in downtown Atlanta and Gwinnett County. The centers are state-of-the-art learning facilities where students can apply concepts they learn in the classroom in authentic and immersive experiences.
Boy Scouts of America Silver Beaver Award
In March, Dwyer also received the Boy Scouts Silver Beaver Award. Since 1931, the award has recognized registered Scouters who have made an impact on the lives of youth through service to the council. It is a council-level distinguished service award of the Boy Scouts. There have been more than 50,000 Silver Beavers presented since the award started.
“John’s commitment to the youth in Atlanta is exceptional,” said Tracy Techau, Scout Executive/CEO, Atlanta Area Council, Boy Scouts of America. “His leadership in driving results in key priority areas and overall contributions of time and energy helps us reach thousands of families in the Atlanta metro area each year. He’s truly helping us change lives.”
AT&T Inc. is committed to advancing education, strengthening communities and improving lives. Through its many community initiatives, AT&T has a long history of investing in projects that create learning opportunities; promote academic and economic achievement; or address community needs. The company’s signature philanthropic initiative, AT&T Aspire, drives innovation in education to promote student success in school and beyond. With a financial commitment of $400 million since 2008, AT&T is leveraging technology, relationships and social innovation to help all students make their biggest dreams a reality.