At their December 2025 board meeting, the Polar Communications Board of Directors accepted the resignation of CEO Karl Blake. Mr. Blake plans to retire from the company on July 1, 2026.
Karl has been with the cooperative since April 1994. During his 32-year tenure, he has held several positions, including Internet Supervisor, Chief Operations Officer, and, for the past 10 years, CEO. During his time as CEO, the company secured USDA Reconnect and American Rescue Plan Act grants totaling over $20 million to bring broadband to unserved and underserved areas of eastern North Dakota, bringing the broadband subscriber count at Polar to over 9,000.
“We want to thank Karl for his service, leadership, and dedication, which will leave an enduring impact on our organization. We wish him a fulfilling and well-deserved retirement,” said Amber Meyer, Polar Communications Board Chairman. The Board of Directors will be initiating a national search for a new CEO for Polar. A successor is expected to be named in the May-June 2026 time frame.