Sandy Knechtel Joins Alaska Communications as Chief Operations Officer

Rhea-AI Summary

Alaska Communications appoints Sandy Knechtel as Chief Operations Officer to enhance service offerings and operations. Knechtel, with prior management experience at Alaska Communications from 2009 to 2015, has a proven track record in the telecommunications industry. Under his leadership, Alaska Communications aims to address the digital divide in Alaska and improve broadband access. Bill Bishop, the company's president, emphasizes Knechtel's commitment to Alaska and familiarity with the local market, which positions him well to help the company realize its growth objectives.

Positive

• Sandy Knechtel's appointment brings back experienced leadership to Alaska Communications.
• Knechtel has a strong background in telecommunications, having significantly grown Gartner's business in Alaska and Hawaii.
• The company is focusing on closing the digital divide, which could enhance its market position.

Negative

• None.

ANCHORAGE, Alaska--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Experienced local business leader, Sandy Knechtel, will join Alaska Communications as chief operations officer (COO).

Sandy Knechtel (Photo: Business Wire)

“I’m pleased to welcome Sandy Knechtel back to Alaska Communications to lead operations,” said Bill Bishop, Alaska Communications president and CEO. “There is a lot of opportunity in front of us and Sandy will help us focus and achieve our vision of becoming the provider of choice for Alaskans.”

Knechtel served in various management roles with Alaska Communications from 2009-2015. Since then, he has served as area manager for Alaska and Hawaii for Gartner, a global research and advisory company. Under his leadership at Gartner, he helped grow its business in these markets significantly.

“Sandy and his family are committed to Alaska,” said Bishop. “He knows our industry, our company and the local market.”

“It’s an exciting time to be in telecommunications,” said Knechtel. “Broadband is life-changing. I’m thrilled to return and help Alaska Communications further its efforts to close the digital divide and bring transformational change to Alaskans.”

Knechtel will lead and support operations, opportunity management, sales, product and strategy, marketing and information technology.

Learn more about Alaska Communications’ management team and advisory board.

About Alaska Communications

Alaska Communications, an affiliate of ATN International, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATNI), is the leading provider of advanced broadband and managed IT services for businesses and consumers in Alaska. The company operates a highly reliable, advanced statewide data network with the latest technology and the most diverse undersea fiber optic system connecting Alaska to the contiguous U.S. For more information, visit www.AlaskaCommunications.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220303005121/en/

Heather Marron

Manager, Corporate Communications

Heather.Marron@acsalaska.com

Source: Alaska Communications

FAQ

Who is the new COO of Alaska Communications?

Sandy Knechtel has been appointed as the Chief Operations Officer of Alaska Communications.

What is Sandy Knechtel's previous experience?

Knechtel served in various management roles at Alaska Communications from 2009 to 2015 and has worked at Gartner.

What is the goal of Alaska Communications with Knechtel's appointment?

The goal is to become the provider of choice for Alaskans and close the digital divide.

What company is Alaska Communications affiliated with?

Alaska Communications is affiliated with ATN International, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATNI).