Meet John Wyvill, the manager of government affairs at Cox Communications (cox.com).

Tell us a little about your business. – Cox Communications helps you stay connected to friends, family, home, entertainment, and the world through technology. We’re dedicated to empowering others to build a better future and
celebrate diverse products, people, suppliers, communities, and the characteristics that make each one unique.

How did you get started in the business? – I did a presentation to Cox Communications last year and came away really impressed by the people that worked here and the inclusive, welcoming work culture. I’m blessed to be a part of the amazing Cox team since mid-October.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Leading an organization during COVID-19 by navigating, adapting, and improvising with emotional intelligence.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? – My collective work in state government over the years, making a positive difference in the lives of so many people in the community.

Tell us a little about your family. – I have been married for 23 years to my wife, Andrea. We have two children, a senior in high school, and another in college. Oh, and I can’t forget my wife’s two cats (I am a dog person).

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – Moving to the good life in Nebraska!

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Fish.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I am adopted, and was in the foster care system until I was a toddler. I found my birth mother during COVID-19.

Who inspires you? – The people I work with. They are extraordinary people, doing extraordinary things, every day.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – From my former boss Governor Mike Huckabee. He always said to take your job seriously but don’t take yourself too seriously.

If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Passionate.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – Coaching at the high school level or D1 football head coach with a nice buyout clause.

What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – Nebraska Hands and Voices. It’s a parent-driven organization dedicated to supporting families that have children who are deaf and hard of hearing without a bias toward communication modes or methodologies. The work they do is near and dear to my heart as I didn’t have this support growing up.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – The last book I read was All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot.

What is your favorite movie? – To Kill a Mockingbird.

What is your favorite TV show? – The Crown on Netflix.

What is your favorite local restaurant? – So hard to pick just one, but I would choose Wheatfields.

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – I’d rather have one with past and present family members.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – John.Wyvill@cox.com; (402) 937-3058; cox.com.