TELECOMMUNICATIONS 2025: MERRITT, JEFF

Merritt is responsible for leading more than 1,000 employees in Hampton Roads, Cox’s largest market in Virginia, representing more than 60% of the home and business telecommunications and cable TV provider’s customer base in the state. Nationwide, Cox Communications, a division of Cox Enterprises, sees annual revenues of more than $13 billion.

In the role, Merritt focuses on the market’s day-to-day operations, employee engagement, government and community relations, business growth and talent development. He works on building partnerships with charitable, civic and business organizations.

He joined Cox in 2000 and previously served as vice president of residential sales in Virginia and as the market leader for Cox Communications’ Roanoke operation. Merritt serves on the boards of the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, Hampton Roads Executive Roundtable, the Elizabeth River Project, and the Hampton Roads Military and Federal Facilities Alliance.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Old Dominion University and a master’s degree in natural resources and global sustainability from Virginia Tech. He is a native of Hampton Roads, born in Norfolk and raised in Chesapeake.

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