Telecom Heroes
Jack A. MacAllister
MacAllister joined Northwestern Bell in Iowa in 1950 as an installer for $50 per week. As he moved up through the ranks, he and his family moved 19 times to five different states. After serving as president of Northwestern Bell in Omaha, Nebraska, he was chosen as the CEO and Chairman of the Board of the new U S West after the divestiture of AT&T in 1984. He held that position until his retirement in 1990.
Jack built U S West into a fortune 500 company. He embraced diversity and encouraged the recruitment and advancement of minorities and women. He liked to say he had pretty much done every job there was and knew the company inside and out. He loved people, loved meeting customers, believed in treating employees fairly and with respect, and always tried to make the best decision for the customers, for the employees, and for the company.
One accomplishment he was rightfully proud of was establishing the U S West Foundation, dedicated to funding philanthropic community efforts in the 14-state U S West region. He also established Osage Initiatives to provide homeless people with job training, housing, daycare, and education.
Widely respected for his unwavering commitment to both professional excellence and personal integrity, Jack A. MacAllister was known for navigating the challenges of rapid change in the telecommunications industry with vision and resilience. Colleagues often remarked on his approachable manner and his willingness to listen, qualities that inspired loyalty and innovation throughout the organization.
Telecom Heroes
Jack A. MacAllister
Jack A. MacAllister (THG file photo)
MacAllister joined Northwestern Bell in Iowa in 1950 as an installer for $50 per week. As he moved up through the ranks, he and his family moved 19 times to five different states. After serving as president of Northwestern Bell in Omaha, Nebraska, he was chosen as the CEO and Chairman of the Board of the new U S West after the divestiture of AT&T in 1984. He held that position until his retirement in 1990.
Jack built U S West into a fortune 500 company. He embraced diversity and encouraged the recruitment and advancement of minorities and women. He liked to say he had pretty much done every job there was and knew the company inside and out. He loved people, loved meeting customers, believed in treating employees fairly and with respect, and always tried to make the best decision for the customers, for the employees, and for the company.
One accomplishment he was rightfully proud of was establishing the U S West Foundation, dedicated to funding philanthropic community efforts in the 14-state U S West region. He also established Osage Initiatives to provide homeless people with job training, housing, daycare, and education.
Widely respected for his unwavering commitment to both professional excellence and personal integrity, Jack A. MacAllister was known for navigating the challenges of rapid change in the telecommunications industry with vision and resilience. Colleagues often remarked on his approachable manner and his willingness to listen, qualities that inspired loyalty and innovation throughout the organization.
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