Jill Wagner is a dynamic and accomplished senior executive with over 45 years of proven leadership across marketing, telecommunications, and consumer strategy. A trailblazer in the communications industry, Jill has held pivotal leadership roles at major corporations including Verizon, Cablevision, Frontier Communications, and SNET. Her career is marked by a strong ability to scale businesses, launch new services, and deliver measurable growth through data-driven marketing, product innovation, and a deep understanding of the customer lifecycle.

Throughout her corporate tenure, Jill has led transformative marketing efforts to more than 30 million U.S. households. As Vice President of Consumer Marketing for Verizon, she was instrumental in launching the long-distance service and later headed all consumer wireline marketing, overseeing bundling initiatives across wireless and landline services. Her ability to integrate corporate branding with market needs resulted in major revenue increases and long-term customer loyalty for the company.

At Cablevision, Jill spearheaded the development and launch of business services targeting the small and medium enterprise market. At Frontier Communications, she led marketing and sales efforts for 24 states, designing segmentation strategies and implementing value-based modeling that shaped future product development. Her tenure at SNET was equally groundbreaking, as she drove the company’s shift into the long-distance space—making SNET the first local telco to do so in the U.S.

Jill’s strategic approach goes beyond traditional marketing. She is recognized for her unique ability to blend analytics, competitive research, and customer insights into actionable programs. From building war rooms for rapid competitive response to launching e-commerce platforms and integrated database marketing, Jill has consistently positioned companies for success in fast-moving markets.

Her academic foundation is just as impressive. Jill earned her bachelor’s degree in Business and Economics from Iowa State University, where she became the university’s first female student body president by popular vote. She later pursued a Master’s in Public Administration from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, focusing on Information Policy—a unique interdisciplinary program incorporating studies at MIT, Harvard Business School, and Harvard Law School.

Jill’s commitment to giving back is evident in her extensive nonprofit board work. She has served on the Board of Governors for the Iowa State University Foundation, where she was the youngest governor ever nominated. She also sits on the Dean’s Council at Harvard Kennedy School, where she led a post-9/11 marketing initiative to reinvigorate Executive Education enrollment, reversing declining attendance and creating a model still in use today.

An advocate for lifelong learning and civic responsibility, Jill is passionate about using her skills to elevate organizations that create meaningful impact. She has contributed to articles in outlets like The New York Times, Horizon, and local publications in Minneapolis, reflecting her visibility as a thought leader in marketing and telecom.

Outside the boardroom, Jill enjoys gardening and spending time with her two adult daughters. She resides in Portland, Oregon, and has lived in cities across the U.S., including Minneapolis, Kansas City, Denver, and along the East Coast—giving her a diverse perspective and appreciation for regional market dynamics.

Jill continues to bring value through consulting work, including preparing companies for cybersecurity challenges and GDPR compliance, demonstrating her adaptability and relevance in the modern digital landscape. Her reputation for being able to step into any situation and “figure things out” makes her an invaluable asset to boards seeking strategic clarity and results-oriented leadership.

Character:
Jill is a dedicated, mission-driven leader who brings integrity, resilience, and a passion for making a positive impact through every endeavor. Her ability to inspire teams and navigate complex challenges with grace speaks to her character and values.

Knowledge:
With decades of experience in telecom, marketing, and consumer strategy, Jill offers deep industry insight and a broad perspective across B2B and B2C segments. Her academic background and thought leadership further bolster her reputation as a subject matter expert.

Strategic:
Jill has led high-stakes initiatives from product launches to market repositioning, showing an exceptional ability to align tactical execution with long-term goals. Her strategic acumen helps organizations adapt and thrive in changing environments.

Communication:
Known for her clarity, influence, and team-building abilities, Jill communicates complex ideas effectively and builds strong cross-functional collaboration. She is equally skilled at engaging C-suite leaders, board members, and customer segments.