Dickens era ending at AT&T Tennessee

President is hanging-up a 38-year career that spanned Ma Bell, BellSouth, AT&T

Email | Print By Milt Capps

Marty Dickens

NashvillePost.com has learned from several sources that Marty Dickens, who took the helm of then-BellSouth Tennessee eight years ago, is departing.

Dickens' 38-year career has spanned the transformation of the telecommunications industry.

Neither Dickens nor AT&T's corporate or in-state spokespersons have yet responded to NashvillePost.com inquiries regarding Dickens' expected departure.

In 1999, Dickens succeeded former BellSouth Tennessee President DeWitt Ezell. Ezell also left after 38 years with the company.

As had Ezell, Dickens maintained the tradition of his company's Tennessee president playing power-wielding roles with such groups as the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, which Dickens chaired, and many other community initiatives.

During the recent fierce legislative contest over reform of the state's video-franchise laws, however, the lowkey Dickens often seemed to play a cameo role, leaving the close-in fighting and testimony mainly to corporate counsel and a legion of lobbyists.

Dickens moved to Nashville for the presidency, leaving Atlanta and duties as executive vice president for international operations, a role he played seven years.

In the time since 1969, Dickens worked within the company's comptroller, public affairs and regulatory departments prior to joining BellSouth International in 1992. He once served on the boards of directors of BellSouth operations in Brazil, Venezuela, Panama, Nicaragua, Israel, China and Denmark.

This story will be updated, as more information becomes available.