Northland’s Jim McCarthy Recognized for Time as Chairman of NYSTA Board

McCarthy notes challenges and accomplishments for NYS telecom companies over the past two years.

Jim McCarthy, president of Northland Communications, a Central New York-based telecommunications provider, and Northland’s sister company Oneida County Rural Telephone (OCRT), has finished his two-year term as chairman of the board of directors of the New York State Telecommunications Association (NYSTA). He was recognized for his leadership at the NYSTA  conference in Saranac Lake on June 10th.

Based in Albany, NYSTA represents the New York telecommunications industry before federal and state lawmakers and regulatory agencies. Members of NYSTA include large international communications firms as well as rural providers.

McCarthy was named chairman in June of 2020, a few months into the global Covid-19 pandemic—when New York State telecom companies faced significant challenges. Although telecommunication companies were deemed “essential” businesses, uncertainty grew, and members of NYSTA began seeking guidance within the industry. McCarthy said, “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. Communication with NYSTA members was the number-one priority because keeping companies informed meant fewer ramifications for their business.”

While the pandemic brought on another whole level of challenges for NYSTA, along with a lot of work, McCarthy says it was a “very rewarding experience” to serve as chairman of the board, and “keeping NYSTA viable and relevant is a huge accomplishment for the organization.” As for the future of the telecom industry here in New York State, McCarthy says, “the gap that has been closed in the last five years alone from a broadband perspective is tremendous. We can all see that benefit and expect to see even more in time. A lot of times, the dialogue at the national and state levels is about what hasn’t been done in rural broadband, but what isn’t mentioned is just how much has been accomplished. NYSTA is working to really promote that message and promote the extraordinary impact that the organization and its members have on the communities we serve.”

“As Chairman of the Board of Directors for 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,” said Craig J. Miller, president of the New York State Telecommunications Association. “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,” said Carol Hill, regulatory and member services director of New York State Telecommunications Association. “The past two years have proven challenging for the telecommunications industry, but with Jim’s leadership our 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 has served on the NYSTA board since 2011 and will continue to do so. He passes his job as chairman of the board onto Scott Brooks of Consolidated Communications.