The DTC Board of Directors introduced their new Chief Executive Officer, Craig Gates, at their Annual Meeting last Saturday.
Gates is a 27-year veteran of the telecommunications industry.
He started his career in 1984, and served most recently as Chief Operating Officer and Vice President for Project Mutual, a cooperative located in Rupert, Idaho.
“Craig distinguished himself with his industry experience and expertise.  We are fortunate to have him join us, and welcome him and his family to Tennessee,” said Dwight Vinson, President of DTC.
Gates holds a Bachelors of Science Degree from Indiana Institute of Technology and a Masters of Business Administration from Indiana Wesleyan University.
He and his wife, Suzette, will be relocating to the area. They have three grown children.
“I’m proud to be at DTC.  I look forward to working in the community and ensuring that DTC maintains its commitment to our members,” Gates said. “With the technological and economic challenges that face our industry today, DTC must present itself to be the premier service provider for our members.”
The National Telephone Cooperative Association worked with DTC in conducting the search, in which local, regional, and national candidates were considered. 
Meanwhile, three incumbent members of the DTC Communications Board of Directors were re-elected to three-year terms at the annual meeting Saturday in Alexandria.
Charles Dwight Vinson of Milton, who recieved 159 votes, Terry McPeak of Norene, who recieved 152, and Greg Rogers of Woodbury, the recipient of 151 votes, all ran unopposed in the election.
The board now consists of Vinson, McPeak, Rogers, Roy N. Pugh of Auburntown, Randy Campbell of Liberty, Ronnie Garrison of Smithville, James H. Dillard, Jr. of Gordonsville, Bennie Curtis of Alexandria, Jimmy Oakley of Temperance Hall, and David Parker of Woodland.