Meet Jimmy Todd, NCSC’s Newest Telecom Director

At the 44th NCSC Annual Membership Meeting, Jimmy Todd, CEO and general manager of Nex-Tech in Kansas, was elected to fill the open seat for the District 4 telecom director. The meeting was held June 30 in conjunction with CFC Forum in New York City.

Todd’s career in the telecommunications industry began after his service in the U.S. Navy. He started as a technician with Pac Bell in central California, quickly rising through the ranks to management in San Jose. From there, he was recruited by US West in Portland, Oregon, where he not only advanced professionally but also earned his MBA and joined the Army National Guard, eventually completing Officer Candidate School.

“When the second Gulf War began, my unit was activated and went to the Middle East,” Todd said. “Upon returning, I decided that I wanted to pursue a direction that was different from corporate telecom.”

That shift led him to leadership roles at Malheur Home Telephone Company in Oregon and Mutual Telephone Company in Kansas, before ultimately becoming CEO and general manager of Nex-Tech—where he has served for over 11 years.

For Todd, the heart of telecommunications isn’t just about technology, it’s about people. It’s the cooperative spirit that has allowed him to continue to accomplish what motivates him the most— bringing connectivity to those who have never experienced high-speed fiber broadband.

“I have had the opportunity to be a part of telecom at every conceivable level and witnessed many changes in our industry,” Todd said. “But, the greatest part has been getting to know the people I have worked with over the years. I have been blessed to work with great teams and great boards. Being a part of a cooperative has been what truly connected community and technology for me.”

His resume includes service on the FCC Precision Ag Task Force and several gubernatorial appointments in Kansas, but it’s his passion for helping others that inspired him to pursue a director role with NCSC. 

“I have a great interest in helping peers grow and evolve their businesses and in the financial mechanisms that provide the resources to accomplish these goals,” Todd said. “So, when a friend recommended that I consider this, I found NCSC to be a great fit for my desire to help others.”

As he steps into his new director role, Todd is focused on gaining a deeper understanding of the board’s work and how he can best support its mission.

“My first priority is to learn more about how NCSC is helping rural telecom providers as well as how the organization (and the board) operates,” Todd said. “As I become more in tune with the rhythm of NCSC, I hope to be able to help expand its services across more of the rural telecom industry.”

Looking ahead, Todd plans on bringing the same energy and curiosity that have defined his career. He sees the future of telecom as a space full of opportunity and transformation. 

“The evolution of the broadband and telecom industries is nothing short of amazing,” Todd said. “As a fiber advocate, I am excited to see the advancement of data center infrastructure, the potential for AI and, in the not-too-distant future, quantum networks.”

When he’s not leading Nex-Tech or serving on boards, Todd enjoys life at home, especially working on his latest project: a tiki bar and outdoor kitchen by the pool. He’s also an avid motorcyclist, often hitting the road to explore the beauty and diversity of America’s landscape, sometimes even finding his way on stage at a Fiber Connect Conference!