Lewis, Delano E.

Lewis, Delano E. (1938–  ) lawyer, communications business executive, broadcasting executive; born in Arkansas City, Kans. He took his B.A. in political science and history at the University of Kansas in 1960 and his law degree from Washburn School of Law in 1963. That year he was appointed an attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice; in 1965 he joined an office of the U.S. Equal Opportunity Commission. Between 1965–69 he served in Africa with the Peace Corps; from 1969–73 he was a legislative assistant to Walter Fauntroy, U.S. representative from the District of Columbia. In 1973 he joined C&P Telephone Company, a Bell Atlantic subsidiary; he rose in responsibilities and rank until in 1988 he became its president and chief executive officer, one of the highest such positions held by an African-American. In 1993 he left C&P to become head of the Public Broadcasting Corporation. He was active in numerous civic, public service, and cultural activities and was the recipient of many honors.