Midco to Name New CEO in Leadership Transition

Business partners of the Sioux Falls firm should prepare for executive management changes effective March 1, 2027.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in People

Bold flat-color editorial illustration showing two interlocked architectural forms, symbolizing a corporate leadership transition.
Midco will transition leadership to current President and COO Ben Dold, who succeeds outgoing CEO Pat McAdaragh effective March 1, 2027. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Midco CEO Pat McAdaragh will retire on March 1, 2027, concluding a tenure that began in 1981. Current President and COO Ben Dold will succeed him as president and CEO of the Sioux Falls-based telecommunications company.

Why it matters

Leadership transitions at major regional operators necessitate shifts in long-term strategic direction and relationship management for local partners and vendors. The move follows a 46-year career under McAdaragh, signaling a significant change in operational oversight for the organization.

Pat McAdaragh concludes a 46-year tenure at Midco, marking one of the longest leadership runs for a regional telecommunications operator. The transition involves a handover of executive duties to the current president and COO, Ben Dold.

The players

Pat McAdaragh

Long-standing executive who served at the regional telecommunications provider for 46 years.

Ben Dold

Current President and COO of Midco who is set to assume the CEO role.

Midco

A telecommunications provider headquartered in Sioux Falls, S.D.

Midcontinent Media, Inc.

The parent organization where Pat McAdaragh will continue to serve as Chair and President.

The details

Pat McAdaragh will continue to serve as CEO until February 28, 2027, working directly with Ben Dold to facilitate the handover. Following his retirement, McAdaragh will remain involved with the broader organization as Chair and President of Midcontinent Media, Inc. This ensures a period of continuity for stakeholders as Dold steps into the top executive role.

Timeline

  1. Pat McAdaragh joined Midco in 1981.

  2. Pat McAdaragh concludes his service as CEO on February 28, 2027.

  3. Pat McAdaragh retires as CEO on March 1, 2027.

Market Landscape

This leadership shift follows the pattern of long-term executive successions common within regional telecommunications firms. It marks a significant organizational change following decades of stable management at the Sioux Falls-based company.

Operators and vendors should monitor the upcoming change in leadership for shifts in procurement priorities or strategic partnerships. With the transition set for March 2027, stakeholders have a defined window to manage existing service agreements and relationship transitions.

The takeaway

Long-tenured leadership transitions often create shifts in organizational culture and operational focus for vendors and business partners. Partners should ensure they have updated points of contact and clear communication channels with current leadership before the March 2027 handover.

What happens next

Ben Dold is scheduled to officially assume the role of president and CEO on March 1, 2027.

Further reading

For context on how leadership changes impact regional firms, visit the People section.

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