MOLINE, Illinois – Deere & Company today announced the election of Tamra A. Erwin, a leading telecommunications executive, to the company's board of directors. Erwin is executive vice president and chief executive officer of Verizon Business Group, a division of Verizon Communications, Inc. The group headed by Erwin provides services and products for business and government clients around the world and has sales of more than $30 billion.

"We are pleased to welcome a business leader of Tami's stature to the Deere board," said John C. May, chairman and chief executive officer. "Her wealth of experience in the telecommunications field will be of particular value as we extend our leadership in smart connected machines and precision technologies. Tami's background in marketing and customer support is yet another asset she brings to our board."

Originally from Seattle, Washington, Erwin joined Verizon in the late 1980s as a customer service representative. In subsequent years, her positions included chief marketing officer and executive vice president of wireless operations. She serves on the Verizon foundation board and the Paley Media Center board of trustees.

With Erwin's election, the Deere board will have 11 members, 10 of whom are independent, or non-employee, directors. The previously announced retirement of Sam Allen, the company's former chief executive officer and board chairman since 2010, became effective today.

Deere & Company