Allen Russ joins the NTCA board of directors.(Interview)

During the 2009 NTCA Annual Meeting & EXPO in February, Allen Russ, chief executive officer/general manager of ATMC (Shallotte, N.C.), was elected to serve as the Region 1 director.

In an interview with Exchange, Russ shares his passion for the rural telecom industry and his desire to make a difference in the industry at large.

Exchange: Tell me a little bit about yourself. When and how did you first get started in the industry?

Russ: As a young boy, I became fascinated with telephones when I watched an installer with Atlantic Telephone Membership Corp. (ATMC) install my family's first telephone. After graduating high school, I continued my education and received a degree in electronics.

My career in telecommunications began with Southern Bell in 1966. After 33 years of service, I retired from BellSouth headquarters in Atlanta, where I held an operations position with responsibility in three states. My wife, Sheila, and I moved back home to Brunswick County in 1999 to be closer to our kids and grandkids. I joined ATMC two months later. After serving as purchasing manager, executive officer plant operations and assistant general manager, I accepted the CEO/general manager position in 2006.

Exchange: What is it about rural telecom that has kept you interested over the years?

Russ: Having worked for a large Bell company for over 33 years, I rediscovered rural telecommunications when I returned home and started working for ATMC. Being able to make a difference to our community is what keeps me interested in our business. When you work for a large corporation, your job is such a small piece of a very large pie. In rural telecom, you have a much greater opportunity to make a much greater difference.