Through all of Jon Scott's travels in the cable industry, trying to help those with mental-health problems has been a common thread.
In fact, it's an interest that dates back before he joined ATC, predecessor to Time Warner Cable, a little over 20 years ago.
"Before I got into cable, I was a volunteer for an organization that dealt with mentally handicapped children, and I thought it was very worthwhile," said Scott, division president of Time Warner in Binghamton, N.Y. "As I ended up moving around to different states, I gave a quick call to the local office."
He's served on local boards in Reading, Pa.; Charleston, W. Va.; and San Diego. Earlier this month, the National Mental Health Association recognized Scott for his far-flung efforts with its Sandy Brandt Volunteer Award, for 25 years of volunteer service. He's now a director of the Mental Health Association of the Southern Tier.
"There's a tremendous lack of fear surrounding mental illnesses, a lack of knowledge that health care is available," Scott said. "Today, in this country, there's no reason anyone should have to suffer depression, anxiety or other forms of mental illness."
As a cable guy, Scott has a bully pulpit to spread his message of awareness. At many of the systems where he's worked, PSAs and local-origination shows have been key — and Scott has spread word of cable's effectiveness to advocacy colleagues throughout the U.S.
"A lot of people do not realize that they can tap into their local cable companies with greater vigor than they might have realized," he said.
Married for 20 years, Scott has two daughters, aged 19 and 14, and "two incredible Australian shepherds." A Tarrytown, N.Y., native, he said he's glad to be back in his home state. "After 17 years, I can wear my Yankees and Giants stuff without people throwing things at me."
