Erik Garr Joins Consolidated Communications as President, Leading Consumer-Small Business and Michael Smith Appointed President of Commercial and Carrier Services

Two key executive appointments include Garr’s new role, bringing experience from Google and FCC, and Michael Smith’s appointment to president of Consolidated’s commercial-carrier channel

MATTOON, Ill. & MANCHESTER, N.H.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Consolidated Communications (NASDAQ: CNSL) a leading broadband and business communications provider, today announced Erik Garr has joined the Company as executive vice president and president of the Company’s consumer-SMB business unit. Garr, who will be based in New Hampshire, will lead the Company’s consumer and small business channels including the go-to-market strategy associated with the Company’s fiber build expansion. Garr will be responsible for sales, product management, service and customer experience within these channels.

Garr brings more than 25 years of experience in communications and financial services. He most recently served as vice president at Policygenius, where he was responsible for the fastest growing business unit at a late stage insurtech startup. Prior to that, Garr was director of strategy and operations at Google Cloud, and served as director of Google Fiber where he launched five new markets across the southeast region and managed the business in its entirety in North Carolina. Garr was a principal at PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP and served a one-year appointment at the FCC as general manager of the National Broadband Plan. Garr holds a master’s degree in public policy from the University of Chicago and a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Michigan.

“This is an exciting time in Consolidated’s history, and I’m honored to welcome Erik to the Consolidated team as we enter into 2021 with an even stronger foundation and great momentum for the future,” said Bob Udell, chief executive officer and president of Consolidated Communications. “Erik is a proven leader in the communications industry with notable experience building and scaling fiber networks. I am confident Erik will contribute to our success and help us achieve the next level of market leadership.”

“I’m thrilled to join Consolidated Communications at this pivotal time during its next stage of fiber growth and expansion,” said Garr. “The investments the company is making in upgrading its network and its fiber offering will take the customer experience to the next level helping individuals and communities flourish.”

In addition, Michael Smith, who previously served as Consolidated’s chief revenue officer, will now lead the commercial and carrier business unit as president. Smith has been with Consolidated 29 years and has served as chief marketing officer and held executive management positions in sales, product management and customer service.

About Consolidated Communications

Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: CNSL) is a leading broadband and business communications provider serving consumers, businesses, and wireless and wireline carriers across rural and metro communities and a 23-state service area. Leveraging an advanced fiber network spanning 46,600 fiber route miles, Consolidated Communications offers a wide range of communications solutions, including: high-speed Internet, data, phone, security, managed services, cloud services and wholesale, carrier solutions. From our first connection 125 years ago, Consolidated is dedicated to turning technology into solutions, connecting people and enriching how they work and live. Visit www.consolidated.com for more information.