Oh, the Humanity

Name: Charisse R. Lillie
Title: SVP, human resources, Comcast Cable
Age: 55
Years in Industry: “2.5 years ( 3 years – 2/14/08)”
Years left in Industry: “10+”

Name: Mae Douglas
Title: SVP/Chief People Officer, Cox
Age: 55
Years in Industry: 12
Years left in Industry: “Ask my boss!”

Name: Ed Durso
Title: EVP, Administration , ESPN 
Age: 54
Years in Industry: 18
Years left in Industry: “We are all day-to-day.”

Why Them? The person who heads human resources at your company deals daily with the personnel shuffles, delicate situations, and unforeseen headaches of a given workplace. Lillie and Douglas always win high marks. And while human resources is only part of Durso’s vast sphere of influence at ESPN, his daily attention to the net’s 5,000 employees remains strong despite his many other duties.  In any event, these three standouts are tireless in their efforts and represent their many industry brethren who, quite simply, aren’t recognized enough. CAO

Charisse R. Lillie

I knew the cable industry was for me when: “I met the top 20 leaders at Comcast and heard their vision of Comcast as a telecommunications powerhouse, with multiple products and advanced technology.”
The cable industry’s biggest challenge in 2008 is: “Hiring and retaining the most talented people as we compete against other industries when the demographics of the workforce are changing. Our employees are our differentiators.”
Person I most admire in the cable industry and why: “Ralph Roberts, because of his vision, his work ethic, his high integrity and the care and concern he has for every employee in Comcast, no matter what level.”
Top personal achievement in 2007: “Serving as one of the co-chairs of the NAMIC annual conference.”
Person (other than my current boss) who I’d most like to work for: “Dick Parsons”
Favorite city: “Houston, Texas, my hometown.”
Favorite piece of tech: “Portable DVD player”

Mae Douglas

What is your favorite word? “Peace and love”
What is your least favorite word? “Stupid”
What turns you on? “A day at the spa; going on a shopping excursion; planning a fabulous overseas trip.”
What turns you off? “People disrespecting each other.”
What sound do you love? “The ocean early in the morning.” 
What sound do you hate? “Horns blowing in heavy traffic.”
What profession other than yours would like to attempt? Interior Decorating
What profession would you not like to participate in? Anything sports related
If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? “I definitely believe heaven exists. I want God to say ‘well done thy good and faithful servant. You completed the purpose for which I created you’.”

Ed Durso

The cable industry’s biggest challenge in 2008 is: “Holding the line on a la carte .”
Person (other than my current boss) who I’d most like to work for: “My twin brother.” 
In my free time, I like to: “Run, spend time w/kids, tennis, golf, read.”
Favorite restaurant: “Babbo, NYC”
Three things I would take with me to a desert island: “Cooler, Ice, Corona.”
Favorite song: “Anything from Eric Clapton.”
Favorite sports team: “Go Sox.”
Favorite piece of tech: “Drivers that hit it straight.”
Least favorite piece of tech: “Any driver I own.”
My perfect vacation goes like this: “See desert island.”

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