Recognizing Our Best: Duane Ritter 

In 2017, Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria devastated many communities in the Caribbean and Southern United States. Duane Ritter, Sr. VP of corporate services and enterprise security at Cox Enterprises, knew Cox employees in these locations could find themselves stuck in their homes, without power or trapped by fallen trees or telephone poles. 

Ritter responded quickly and mobilized a team to visit affected locations. The team helped search for employees and provided on-site aid. Ritter also set up a 24-hour command center in Atlanta to coordinate relief efforts. While the team was working over the weekend, Ritter even tied on an apron to cook breakfast for the staff who were working overtime in the command center. 

Employees like Ritter are why Alex Taylor, president and CEO of Cox Enterprises, created the Gov. James M. Cox Award. Named after his great-grandfather who founded the company 120 years ago, the award recognizes those who exemplify our company’s Purpose.  

Whether it’s for leadership, innovation, customer service or passion for the job, each of these traits and more are helping Cox build a better future for the next generation.  

Thanks to Ritter's leadership, Cox accounted for all 600 employees who were impacted and ensured they received emergency assistance. Congratulations to Ritter for winning the Gov. James M. Cox Award for exemplifying what it means to Lead by Example.  

Hear from Alex Taylor about why the award was created, and what it means to the company: