SYRACUSE — Northland Communications President Jim McCarthy has completed a two-year term as chair of the board of directors for the New York State Telecommunications Association (NYSTA) and was recognized for his leadership at the association’s conference in Saranac Lake in June. Based in Albany, NYSTA represents the New York telecommunications industry before federal and […]
SYRACUSE — Northland Communications President Jim McCarthy has completed a two-year term as chair of the board of directors for the New York State Telecommunications Association (NYSTA) and was recognized for his leadership at the association’s conference in Saranac Lake in June.
Based in Albany, NYSTA represents the New York telecommunications industry before federal and state lawmakers and regulatory agencies. Members include large international communications firms as well as rural providers.
McCarthy became association chair in June 2020, a few months into the COVID-19 pandemic. Although telecommunication companies were deemed essential businesses, uncertainty grew and NYSTA members began seeking guidance within the industry.
“Companies were being overwhelmed with new rules and regulations because everything was changing so quickly, and while those new rules were well intended, it became incredibly difficult for companies to figure out how to implement them,” McCarthy said in a news release. “Communication with NYSTA members was the number-one priority because keeping companies informed meant fewer ramifications for their business.”
NYSTA’s president reflected on McCarthy’s leadership over the last couple, difficult years.
“As chairman of the board of directors of the New York State Telecommunications Association for the past two years, Jim has led our association through some of the most challenging times facing our industry,” NYSTA President Craig J. Miller said in the release. “Removing the Fiber Fee, fighting for sensible legislative and regulatory initiatives and projecting our industry’s positive impact on the people and communities we serve, Jim has been a tremendous advocate. His accomplishments over the past two years will have a positive and lasting impact on our members and the exceptional products and services that we provide to New Yorkers every day.”
“It has been a pleasure to have Jim as chairman of the NYSTA board of directors,” added Carol Hill, regulatory and member-services director of NYSTA. “The past two years have proven challenging for the telecommunications industry, but with Jim’s leadership the board was able to make great strides, and we are excited for Jim to continue to provide his expertise as we move forward and grow.”
McCarthy, who has served on the NYSTA board since 2011 and will continue to do so, passes the job of chair to Scott Brooks of Consolidated Communications.
With offices in Syracuse and Holland Patent, Northland Communications provides cloud-based voice, data, and equipment solutions to businesses over its fiber-optic network.