COMPTEL Names Two to Fill Roles of President, CEO

COMPTEL’s board of directors today named the association’s new CEO and new president.

Matthew Salmon, a former U.S. Congressman and Arizona gubernatorial candidate, will become president in January. Jerry James, who has served as interim CEO since June, takes the helm as CEO.

Cementing James as a COMPTEL leader wasn’t a surprise. Even though he’s only led the association for a short time, COMPTEL’s convention and expo this fall had a new flavor, with greater emphasis on regulatory and business matters than has been seen in a while. James is the former president of Grande Communications and a past COMPTEL chairman.

Sherm Henderson, COMPTEL’s board chairman, said in a statement that James has taken COMPTEL to new levels during his time as interim CEO.

“The association has benefited tremendously from his strong, thoughtful and effective leadership,” Henderson said.

Meanwhile, it appears COMPTEL is looking to make the most of Salmon’s telecom and public policy experience. Before entering public office, Salmon worked at US WEST. Since leaving Congress, he has worked at Washington, D.C.-based law firm Greenberg Traurig.

There was no immediate word from COMPTEL on why it chose to separate the roles of president and CEO. The firm has been beefing up its visibility on both the business and policy fronts, though, and distinguishing the positions would let the respective leaders focus on relevant efforts. Henderson said as much in his prepared comments.

“This dynamic new leadership at COMPTEL demonstrates the strength of the association and the competitive industry, and provides our membership with powerful voices on both the business and public policy fronts,” said Henderson.

COMPTEL www.comptel.org

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