Denny Law retires
after 27 years of service

Chief Executive Officer and General Manager Denny Law retired on May 9 after serving Golden West for nearly 28 years, with more than half that time spent in the top leadership role. For Law, managing the organization was always about the members and employees of Golden West.

“When you work with committed individuals across an organization and geography like Golden West and have the privilege of working with people who are committed to doing the right thing and working in members’ best interests – that’s such a blessing,” said Law.

Law started with Golden West at a time when dial-up internet in South Dakota was the primary way customers connected to the world. By the time he retired, the technology had evolved to allow rural communities to access new opportunities in education, communication, services, and more.

Unparalleled service

During Law’s tenure, the cooperative expanded its fiber-optic infrastructure. This involved the efforts of many Golden West team members coordinating projects and also gave Law the opportunity to testify before Congress on the importance of broadband in rural America. Law said a deep sense of community and the dedication of his Golden West colleagues made everything possible.

“Working at Golden West has been unlike any other experience in my professional career in terms of a sense of family and the pride both the organization and my coworkers take in serving communities,” says Law.

Staying rural

Law grew up in rural South Dakota, and alongside his wife, raised two sons in the town of Wall. He said he has always felt at home in small communities, and he was thankful his career allowed him to stay connected to that way of life while making an impact statewide.

Due in large part to Law’s affinity for local areas, rural communities in South Dakota are connecting to the world using fast and reliable fiber-optic networks. Law explained how world-class fiber connectivity helps eliminate geographical barriers. Now, communities like Philip, Pine Ridge, Armour, and Freeman are well prepared for the future.

Though Law has retired, he is excited to see how Golden West and the industry will continue to grow. “I may not be working in the middle of the cooperative anymore, but I will always be cheering it on for what’s next.”

The National Telecommunications Cooperative Association (NTCA) recognized Denny Law who represented the needs of Golden West members when advocating for the rural broadband industry on the national level over the past two decades. The NTCA honored him with the Excellence in Advocacy Award in April. Congratulations, Denny Law, and thanks for your service!

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