DTC Communications names new CEO

DTC Communications is pleased to announce that Chris Townson has joined the cooperative as its new chief executive officer. Townson brings with him 22 years of industry experience, along with an understanding of and commitment to the cooperative business model.
“I am excited to be joining the DTC family, and I look forward to getting to know the employees and the communities they serve,” Townson said. “DTC Communications has an established history of serving its members well, and that comes down to dedicated employees and a board that cares about their neighbors. I want to hear from our members so I can serve alongside them.”
Townson understands the important role cooperatives play in their communities. Born and raised in northeast Alabama, Townson relied on cooperatives for both electricity and telecommunications service. He began work with Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative (based in Rainsville, Alabama) in 1994. His experience there included outside plant, information systems, industry and external relations, government affairs and business development.
His most recent senior management responsibilities included serving as assistant corporate secretary and manager of customer service and support. In this role he led employees in all functions of the cooperative’s local and competitive operations with respect to customer service, sales and support activities.
Townson holds a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management and a Master of Business Administration.
Joining Townson are his wife, Melissa, a high school language arts teacher, and their two sons Christian, 17, and Ethan, 12.
“Cooperatives matter because people matter,” Townson said. “These are challenging times for the telecommunications industry. We are facing changing regulation, rapidly evolving technologies and the need for broadband expansion. But when local people work together to keep each other connected, we can accomplish great things. I’m proud to have the opportunity to lead DTC during this important period.”
DTC Communications is a member-owned telecommunications cooperative established in 1951. The cooperative provides communication, entertainment, and security products and services to residential and business customers, primarily throughout Middle Tennessee.