OTELCO announced that Richard A. Clark has been appointed president of the company, reporting to Rob Souza, CEO and director of the New Gloucester-based wireline telecommunications company.
In addition, Souza announced he will retire on Dec. 31, at which point Clark will step up to CEO.
Prior to joining Otelco, Clark was executive vice president and chief financial officer of Albany, N.Y.-based TVC Albany Inc., doing business as FirstLight Fiber.
“When Richard joined Otelco as COO in October of last year, he brought a wealth of varied business experience, including five years of telecom experience as CFO of FirstLight Fiber,” Souza said in a news release.
Over the past seven months, Clark has focused on plant and network operations and will now expand his responsibilities to include marketing, sales, billing and regulatory functions.
“Richard has demonstrated great leadership in addressing the growth of our network, including developing a comprehensive plan to meet the objectives of our company and affirm our commitment to expand and enhance our delivery of broadband services,” Souza said. “He understands our business and how best to apply the continued evolution of technology to meet customer and market requirements. Richard is well prepared to provide strategic guidance and direction to the operation of every aspect of our business.”
Clark said in his new role he was eager to continue working relationships already established with OTELCO.
“The telecommunication industry continues to experience rapid changes,” he said. “Focusing our resources on enhancing broadband services will be a primary objective of the company. High-speed data is a necessity for both consumers and businesses alike and meeting the broadband needs of our customers is a key component of our company’s future.”
