Marne Elk Horn recently announced that Rachel Hamilton, currently the office manager of the Walnut and Avoca offices of Marne Elk Horn, has been selected by the company’s Board of Directors to be the next CEO.
According to Janell Hansen, Marne Elk Horn’s retiring CEO, Hamilton will start her new duties officially July 1st. Marne Elk Horn is a provider of telephone, Internet, and Cable TV serving thousands of customers in communities along the I-80 corridor from Exira to Underwood.
With 20 years of service to the communications industry, Rachel brings a strong understanding of regulatory operations, customer service, billing, and financial matters to her new role, Hansen shared. Rachel recently graduated from the Iowa Communications Alliance Leadership program in March. Hansen plans to stay on with the company through the end of 2020 to aid the transition.
“Rachel has shown tremendous leadership and growth over the past few years. Clearly there are many benefits to having the new CEO come from within the company. Rachel knows the customers and staff members and they know and respect her. This is a really good situation for the company, shareholders, staff members, and customers,” said Hansen.
Hamilton started in customer service with Walnut Communications in June of 2000. By 2005, as the company began its growth to the west – in Avoca, Neola, Underwood, Persia, and Shelby, she was named office manager. In October of 2016, Marne Elk Horn acquired Walnut Communications.
“I’m very passionate about our company, communities, employees, and customers. The last few months have illustrated the importance of what we do as a company and our employees have demonstrated that commitment repeatedly in their actions as the necessity for internet access accelerated due to the pandemic and work from home situations increased. Providing superior service is what Marne Elk Horn is all about and I am honored to continue what Janell has so successfully grown over the last 22 years.”
Hamilton concluded that she is grateful for the encouragement and support she has received from Hansen over the years and is thankful to have the opportunity to learn more from her during the rest of 2020.
“I’d like to thank the board for the confidence they have shown in me, and the staff as a whole. Our board believes strongly in investing in our communities and is committed to seeing them thrive while continuing to deploy fiber. It takes a great team to do what we do and I am just one small part of that. I will work every day to build upon the high standards which have been set for the customers and staff of Marne Elk Horn,” stated Hamilton.
