President and Chief Executive Officer

Bill Hegmann became NECA's president and CEO in July, 2004.  He has also served on NECA's Board since January, 2002 and was Chairman in 2004. 

Hegmann  served as General Manager of Southwest Arkansas Telephone Cooperative in Texarkana, Arkansas.  He began his telephony career with Continental Telephone in 1967. Hegmann is trained in many areas including engineering, outside plant, central office, traffic, commercial, management and legal.

Hegmann has a bachelor’s degree from Arkansas Tech University and a law degree from the University of Arkansas. Specialized courses include: USTA Cost Separations, FCC First Class License, numerous telecommunications legal seminars, AMEDD Officer Advanced Course, and Command & General Staff College.

He serves on many industry boards, including: 

• Rural Telephone Finance Cooperative
• National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative - Chairman  
• Communications Supply Service Association  
• Arkansas Telecommunications Association
• Arkansas Carrier Common Line Pool
• National Telcom Corporation
• Red River Cellular

Hegmann is a member of the American, Arkansas, and Texas Bar Associations;  and Texas Telephone Association. He is a practicing attorney and serves as chairman of the board of a national bank.

Hegmann has won the ATA President’s Award four times, the NTCA Life Achievement Award, the American Jurisprudence Award, and NTCA Management Life Achievement Award.  He serves on the Executive Board of the Boy Scouts of America and is the recipient of their Eagle Scout and Silver Beaver Award.  Hegmann retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army Reserve.