Boerner Named New GM

Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association (WCCTA) Board of Directors proudly announces the appointment of Marcie Boerner as its new CEO/General Manager, effective January 1, 2025.

Boerner, who has dedicated 28 years to WCCTA, will be the third General Manager in the cooperative’s 70-year history. Marcie has built her career with the cooperative, touching nearly every part of the business. As the cooperative has grown, she has grown with it: implementing change, displaying leadership, and driving innovation while keeping our customers, member-owners and staff at the heart of it all.

“I am deeply honored and excited to take on this new role,” Boerner said. “I am looking forward to enhancing education and training as our teams continue to grow, serving our expanding footprint, fostering community connections, and driving economic development.”

Over the years, WCCTA has forged strong partnerships with local schools and businesses, enhancing connectivity and supporting educational initiatives. Additionally, the cooperative has spearheaded community initiatives like the Revolving Loan Fund, significantly improving the quality of life for residents.

“Most importantly,” Boerner added, “I am excited for the collaboration between our members and our dedicated staff to plan for the future and continue enhancing the quality of life in the communities we serve.”

Alan Jacobson, President of WCCTA’s Board of Directors, expressed confidence in Boerner’s ability to lead the company into its next phase of development.

“Marcie’s leadership style, concern for community and strategic vision are in perfect alignment with WCCTA’s future goals,” said Jacobson. “We are confident she is the right person to lead our cooperative and its members into this exciting new chapter.”

Boerner assumes her new role at a pivotal moment for WCCTA, as the cooperative continues to innovate and strengthen its position as the leading provider of communications solutions in north-central Iowa. To learn more about WCCTA, visit www.wccta.com.

About Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association (WCCTA) Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association (WCCTA) has been dedicated to serving rural communities in north-central Iowa since its incorporation in 1954. Initially established to provide essential telephone services to areas that other companies overlooked, WCCTA has grown to offer a full range of telecommunications services, including high-speed internet and digital television, to 21 communities and counting.

As a member-owned cooperative, WCCTA is committed to enhancing the quality of life and fostering economic development in the communities it serves. Every subscription to WCCTA’s services represents an investment in a locally-owned and operated, ensuring that the cooperative’s success directly benefits the local community. For more information, visit www.wcccta.com

Boerner Completes Year as ICA President

This year’s Iowa Communications Alliance Annual Meeting and Expo boasted record attendance and celebrated its 10th meeting of the association. The alliance was formed in 2013, as a result of the unification of two entities, the Iowa Telecommunications Association (ITA) and Rural Iowa Independent Telephone Associations (RIITA).

The Iowa Communications Alliance is the nation’s largest state-based association of community-based broadband providers. ICA members provide and enable high-quality, state-of-the-art communications services to Iowans, leading the state to be among the nation’s leaders in fiber-optic deployment.

In her opening remarks, Marcie Boerner, Webster Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association COO and outgoing ICA President, recognized the strength of the association lies among the membership and leadership within the committee work.

“I can’t say enough about the great people we have in this industry, especially those willing to take on the responsibility of leading committees.  and the engagement of the committee volunteers. They are an extremely important part of the success of the ICA as they drive the content and discussion for policy, advocacy, education and events,” stated Boerner. 

Never Stop Learning

The event included a panel, “Women in Telecom”, moderated by Martha Galley, Chief Customer Success Officer of Calix. Marcie Boerner sat on this panel along with other Iowa women in leadership roles, Andrea Hanson, CEO of Butler Bremer Communications, and Deb Lucht, CEO of Minburn Communications.

It is no secret that the telecommunications industry has been historically male dominated field, which is why the panel was impactful to the attendees. The women shared their experiences and insight into their challenges and successes working in the industry. The overall theme from the discussion was to, “never stop learning”. 

A Chapter Closes 

Boerner’s term was not only a remarkable accomplishment and milestone for herself, but also for the ICA, as she was the first female to serve as Board President in the ICA’s short history. She will remain on the ICA executive committee as Immediate Past President along with Tim Fencl (President from Danville Telecom); Jamie Daubendiek (1st Vice President from Jefferson Telecom) and Tammy Wheeler (2nd Vice President from Farmers Mutual Communications of Moulton). 

During closing ceremonies incoming ICA President, Tim Fencl, presented a plaque to outgoing President, Marcie Boerner, in appreciation of her leadership this past year.

Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association provides Landline Telephone, Digital TV and Internet service to 20 rural communities on a Fiber driven network just outside the Fort Dodge, Iowa area: Pilot Mound, Boxholm, Lanyon, Paton, Churdan, Farnhamville, Gowrie, Somers, Moorland, Knierim, Barnum, Clare, Thor, Badger, Vincent, Duncombe and in the towns of Lohrville, Manson, Rockwell City and Lake City.

WCCTA is Gigabit Certified and designated a Smart Rural Community by NTCA: The Rural Broadband Association.