Regina, SK – The Board of Directors of Access Communications Co-operative is pleased to announce the appointment of Carmela Haines as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective January 1, 2023. The appointment of the new CEO follows the retirement announcement of Jim Deane, who has held the position since 2000.
“On behalf of the Access Communications Board, it is my privilege to announce the appointment of Carmela Haines as CEO,” said James Lainton, Chair of the Access Board. “As a Board, we know we have found the right person to lead our Co-operative. Given Carmela’s strong industry and business knowledge, her commitment to community, combined with her proven leadership skills, we have great confidence in her ability to lead the Co-operative into the future.”
Lainton would also like to extend his appreciation to the Access Board and Search Committee for their efforts. “I thank my colleagues on the Board and search committee for their input and support throughout this process. This is a significant time in our Co-operative’s history, and the Board looks forward to working closely with Carmela as she continues to provide strong leadership in her new role,” Lainton said.
Carmela Haines joined Access Communications in 2003 as Vice-President, Finance & Administration. In 2019, Carmela was promoted to Chief Operating Officer. Carmela obtained her Bachelor of Admin from the University of Regina, is a Chartered Professional Accountant and holds the ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors. Carmela has served on various not-for-profit boards and currently serves on the national board of Ombudsman for Banking and Investment Services (OBSI) and the Canadian Communication Systems Alliance (CCSA).
“It is a privilege to serve Access Communications as its next CEO,” said Carmela Haines, “and to have the opportunity to lead this Co-operative that values the roles of both serving and actively participating in the communities throughout Saskatchewan. With the support of our co-operative members, volunteers and staff, our Co-operative will continue to build on its strong foundation of community service, execute the strategic vision for the future and continue to be successful in this highly competitive communications industry for years to come.”
As CEO, Carmela will lead a team of over 300 Access employees located throughout Saskatchewan. Access Communications Co-operative serves over 235 communities and over 200,000 sq. km. of rural Saskatchewan. The Co-operative provides leading-edge telecommunications services to residential and business customers (broadband internet, video/TV, telephone and security monitoring), as well as over 100 local community television channels that share the stories of our province to near and far.
About Access Communications Co-operative
Access Communications Co-operative began serving customers in 1978 and has grown into one of Saskatchewan’s largest telecommunications companies. We deliver exceptional communications and entertainment services to over 235 communities and 200,000 square kilometres of rural areas across our province. As a community-owned, not-for-profit co-operative, our commitment to the community goes beyond providing internet, television, phone, and security services. We dedicate 100% of our earnings to improving the quality of life in the communities and rural areas where we live and do business, primarily through our AccessNow TV community channels, corporate initiatives and fundraising events, and our Children’s Fund charity.