Comcast technician-turned-VP Marcos Vicente helps his organization bring broadband internet to remote California locations and underserved communities

Photo by Peter Barreras

Marcos Vicente, VP, Finance and Business Operations, Comcast's California Region

By Billy Yost, Hispanic Executive

Just over twenty years ago, Marcos Vicente might have knocked on your door to verify your cable services. Today, Vicente is vice president of finance and business operations for Comcast’s California region. With over 3,500 employees, California is one of the largest in its entire portfolio serving over 3.5 million customers. The technician-turned-executive has kept that early experience close to his heart as he has risen through countless roles, acknowledging that frontline employees often have the very best ideas.

It is rare for someone who has risen as high as Vicente to have done it all under the banner of one organization. In fact, it is indicative of a company that has been touted by Great Place to Work and Fortune as a top ten finisher for its “100 Best Companies to Work For” in 2023.

“Comcast has always been a two-way organization,” the VP says. “As long as you want to invest in yourself, the company will invest in you. There are so many great mentors within Comcast, I’ve had countless myself, and our culture promotes and supports continuous feedback and development.”

“As long as you want to invest in yourself, the company will invest in you.” Marcos Vicente

Vicente’s first true mentor was at home. Growing up in Brazil, the future VP saw honesty, perseverance, humility, and, most importantly, kindness modeled by his father, who left an indelible impression. Although he left early for work and came home late, Vicente’s father did everything he could to spend quality time with his children when he was able.

The empathy was clearly passed on, as was the perseverance. When Vicente and his wife made the decision to immigrate to the United States some two decades ago, he knew it would be a challenge. He is grateful to have landed a job with Comcast, and it is where he has remained through highs and lows, recessions and booms, finding ways to grow with each and every opportunity.

Extending those opportunities remains a passion point for Vicente. He is proud of Comcast’s network expansion initiative, which includes investing in high-speed broadband internet services for underserved areas of California like Biola and Planada under his purview.

Photo by Peter Barreras

“These are predominant Latino communities that are able to benefit from our services,” the VP explains. “As the world continues to evolve and become more digital than ever, we have to make sure unserved and underserved communities are not left behind. We need to make sure they are connected to the growing digital economy.”

Comcast invested $1 million in Biola alone. In addition, the company donated 250 Dell laptops to students and families and created three lift zones that provide free Wi-Fi access at designated community centers. To top it off, Comcast invested an additional $100,000 across two local organizations to teach digital literacy and work readiness.

“Our world has become even more dependent on the internet to learn, teach, work, find healthcare services, and so many other aspects of daily life. Comcast’s new high-speed internet services, combined with these sizable financial contributions to our community, will help so many individuals, families, and businesses in our region. I’m thankful to everyone who worked so hard to make it a reality,” Fresno County Supervisor Brian Pacheco said in a statement.

The company spent $4.5 million in Planada with a very similar game plan: infrastructure, technology, services, and training provided through local organizations.

“As the world continues to evolve and become more digital than ever, we have to make sure unserved and underserved communities are not left behind.” Marcos Vicente

Vicente serves as executive sponsor of UNIDOS, Comcast’s Latino employee resource group in California, and says being inclusive builds trust and promotes collaboration, and that he is proud to be part of a company that values making all employees feel accepted and supported.

“I’m very encouraged by the continued progress of our DEI [diversity, equity, and inclusion] efforts,” he explains. “As stewards of diversity, equality, and inclusion, it is our responsibility to act when we have the ability to be the ones who influence. Employees will bring out their authentic selves when they feel a sense of inclusion, purpose and belonging. We need to continue this endless journey, and one of my roles is to make sure that we create space to have these conversations that continue to make Comcast even more inclusive to all.”

Vicente says his outlook was greatly influenced by a book you don’t even need to open to be inspired by. Brian Lomenick’s, H3 Leadership: Be Humble. Stay Hungry. Always Hustle. reminds him of his father and, hopefully, now of himself.

“Every time I see those words, I think of my father,” he reveals. “Those words resonate with me, and I think of them often. They’ve helped me so much, and I hope that my life reflects that.”

Hope isn’t necessary. Vicente is the embodiment of all three commandments and, just like his dad, there is also a kindness that rings loud and clear.

Hispanicexecutive.com