Maroney named CEO of Halstad Telephone Co.

The board of directors of Halstad Telephone Co. recently named Tom Maroney the new chief executive officer of the telecommunications cooperative headquartered in Halstad, Minn.

Maroney will take over the CEO post September 1, replacing Ron Laqua.

Maroney, who is currently plant manager for HTC, has been with the co-op for more than 34 years. 

“I’m proud of what we’ve brought the communities we serve,” Maroney said. “Our goal is to bring the services our members want in the most efficient and modern way possible.”

Originally from Wadena, Minn., Maroney received his secondary education at Minnesota State Community and Technical College in Wadena. Before joining HTC, he worked with a national company installing electronic switching offices. He started at HTC in 1975, working in the central office, the hub location for all telecommunication services. After three years, Maroney was promoted to plant manager.

Maroney has been an award-winning employee for HTC. In 1999, he received the Key Employee of the Year Award from the National Telecommunications Cooperative Association. He also received the 21st Century Leadership Award for Public Service in 2006 from the Minnesota Telecom Alliance for his service to the community as a city council member, public utilities president and assistant fire chief.

“HTC is and will continue to be one of the front-runners in communications in Minnesota and North Dakota,” Maroney said.

One goal Maroney specifically mentioned is the rollout of a new digital cable TV system in the near future.

Maroney and his wife Kathy, a customer service representative with HTC for 30 years, live in Halstad. They have four children and two granddaughters.