Sioux Falls, SD – Midco, the regional telecommunications and media company that serves much of the Upper Midwest, disclosed a leadership transition on Tuesday. After a 46‑year tenure as chief executive, Pat McAdaragh will retire on March 1. He will remain with the organization as chair and president of its parent, Midcontinent Media, Inc., ensuring continuity while passing day‑to‑day operational control to his successor.
Ben Dold named chief executive
Effective March 1, Ben Dold will assume the role of chief executive officer. Dold currently serves as Midco’s president and chief operating officer, positions he has held for several years. In those capacities he has overseen network expansion, customer‑service initiatives, and the integration of new digital platforms that keep Midco competitive in a rapidly evolving communications market.
“Ben has demonstrated steady leadership and a clear vision for the future of Midco,” the company said in a statement. “His deep understanding of our operations and commitment to our customers make him the right choice to guide the next chapter of our growth.”
McAdaragh’s legacy
Pat McAdaragh’s four‑decade‑plus stewardship has seen Midco evolve from a regional cable provider into a diversified media and broadband enterprise. Under his guidance, the company expanded high‑speed internet service to rural communities, launched streaming options for local news, and invested in infrastructure that supports remote work and education across the Dakotas, Minnesota, and surrounding states.
While stepping down from the chief executive post, McAdaragh will continue to influence corporate strategy as chair of Midcontinent Media. The board praised his “unwavering dedication to the company’s mission of connecting families and businesses with reliable communications.”
What the transition means for the region
Midco’s leadership change is significant for the Sioux Falls area and the broader Upper Midwest, where the company is a major employer and a key provider of broadband services. The transition promises continuity in service delivery while positioning the firm to pursue new opportunities in fiber‑to‑the‑home deployments and next‑generation video offerings.
Local business leaders have welcomed the announcement, noting that stable leadership is essential for ongoing investment in the region’s digital infrastructure. “Midco’s commitment to expanding high‑speed internet is vital for our schools, hospitals, and small businesses,” said a spokesperson for the Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce.
Looking ahead
As Ben Dold steps into the chief executive role, Midco has outlined several priorities for the coming year: accelerating fiber rollout, enhancing customer‑support platforms, and exploring partnerships that bring advanced wireless solutions to underserved areas. The company also plans to continue its community outreach programs, which include scholarships for local students and support for regional nonprofit initiatives.
Midco’s board of directors will meet later this month to review the transition plan and set performance benchmarks for the new leadership team. Stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed through the company’s regular updates and public filings.
For more information about Midco’s services or the leadership transition, visit the company’s website or contact its public‑relations office.
Original reporting: KFYR-TV Bismarck (news) — read the source article.
