February 28, 2005 – (HOSTSEARCH.COM) – Level 3 Communications, Inc. announced today that Admiral James O. Ellis Jr., U.S. Navy (Ret.), and Dr. Albert C. Yates, former president of Colorado State University, have been named to the company's Board of Directors effective March 17, 2005.
"I am very pleased to welcome Jim Ellis and Al Yates to the Level 3 board," said Walter Scott Jr., chairman of Level 3. "Both men have built long and distinguished careers in their respective fields, and Level 3 will benefit from the experience and perspective each brings to the company."
Admiral Ellis is former commander of the United States Strategic Command at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska, where he had global responsibility for strategic warning systems, integrated missile defense, space operations, and other critical national defense functions. Prior to that, he served as commander in chief of U.S. naval forces in Europe and as commander in chief of Allied forces in southern Europe. He is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and holds master's degrees in aerospace engineering and aeronautical systems from the Georgia Institute of Technology and the University of West Florida. He also serves on the board of Lockheed Martin Corporation.
"Level 3 has built an industry-leading position as a provider of wholesale network services to communications companies around the world," Ellis said. "I look forward to working with Walter Scott and the other members of the board to help the company capitalize on future opportunities that create value for investors."
Dr. Yates served as president of Colorado State University from 1990 to 2003. He is credited with revitalizing the campus, boosting academic performance and achieving record levels of alumni and state support. He holds degrees in chemistry and mathematics from the University of Memphis and a doctorate in theoretical chemical physics from Indiana University. Dr. Yates serves on the boards of Molson Coors Brewing Company and Startek Inc.
"I'm gratified to be joining the Level 3 board," Yates said. "The Level 3 senior management team is widely regarded as among the best in the industry, and I look forward to working with them at a time of unprecedented change and opportunity in the telecom industry."
Both Admiral Ellis and Dr. Yates will join the Level 3 board as Class II directors, with terms expiring at the upcoming Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
If re-elected at the meeting, they will serve three-year terms expiring in 2008. With these additions, the Level 3 board has 10 directors.
