Kevin Hess, EVP, government and regulatory affairs, for American Cable Association member TDS Telecom, is retiring at the end of this year after more than 30 years with the company.

VP of external affairs Drew Peterson, who is a member of the ACA board, will succeed Hess following a "several month" transition period.

RELATED: TDS To Buy Muni Operator, Feb. 7, 2017

Madison, Wisc.-based TDS, a subsidiary of Telephone and Data Systems, serves 1.2 million connections with high-speed internet, phone, and TV in just south of 900 communities, according to the company.

“His presence will be missed within our organization," said TDS CEO Dave Wittwer of Hess, "however, he has done what every great leader should do — prepare for a solid succession. I’m confident his team is positioned for long-term success."

Peterson joined TDS in 1997 and has had his current post since 2010.