CARRINGTON, ND, November 17, 2022 – The Dakota Central Board of Directors recently announced that Holly Utke has been named General Manager/Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2023. She succeeds Keith Larson who will retire December 31, 2022 after 43 years with the company.

“We are pleased to name Holly for the position with her strong leadership ability and financial background,” said Board President Doug Wede. “The board and I are confident Holly will successfully lead Dakota Central into the future.”

Current General Manager/CEO Keith Larson stated, “I am honored to have led the cooperative’s efforts in bringing high-speed broadband services to central North Dakota. Ms. Utke is well-qualified for the position and will do an excellent job continuing Dakota Central’s mission to provide progressive, quality communications services to our communities.”

In her twenty-two years with the company, Utke has served in many capacities preparing her for this role. “I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to lead Dakota Central into its next chapter and look forward to continuing to serve our customers and communities,” Utke said. Currently the Chief Financial and Internal Operations Officer, Utke becomes the sixth General Manager/Chief Executive Officer in Dakota Central’s 72 year history.