Whippany, NJ - July 14, 2004 - The National Exchange Carrier Association (NECA) has named William Hegmann, President and CEO.  Hegmann, Chairman of NECA’s Board, had been serving as NECA’s interim President and CEO since March 26 following a NECA Board action that placed three former officers on administrative leave.  Those officers were separated from the company on May 14. 

Hegmann is also General Manager of Southwest Arkansas Telephone Cooperative (SWAT) in Texarkana, Arkansas.  He continues in that position and will maintain offices in Arkansas and in New Jersey.   Hegmann also continues as NECA Board Chairman.

In announcing Hegmann’s appointment, Edward D. Young, Chair of NECA’s Corporate Organization Committee said, “Bill Hegmann is particularly well suited to lead NECA at this critical juncture.  He is acutely aware of the needs of local telephone companies, their customers and the role that access charges play in bringing telecommunications services to all Americans.”

The NECA Board also named Peter Dunbar NECA’s Chief Financial Officer and Regina McNeil, General Counsel.  Dunbar had been NECA’s Director of Financial Operations and McNeil NECA’s Senior Attorney.