August 20, 2021, Thayne, WY- Barbara Sessions, Vice President and COO of Silver Star Communications, has accepted the role of president of the company beginning September 1.
Silver Star noted that finding the right person for the job was a painstaking process. More than 100 applicants applied for the position after conducting a national search. “From this pool, finalists were identified, and it was clear that Barbara was the best candidate to fill this demanding role and is clearly the best person to lead our company into the next phase of our growth,” said Allen Hoopes Silver Star owner and CEO. “Barbara not only has extensive experience in the industry, but exceptional leadership skills coupled with a deep knowledge of our entire operation,” Hoopes added.
Sessions began her telecommunications career at Silver Star in 2002 as the company’s HR assistant. In 2007 she became the Director of Sales for the mobile wireless division. In 2014 she earned the Director of Operations and Engineering role and was promoted to Vice President and COO in 2018. While working full-time and with three daughters at home, Barbara completed her MBA from the University of Wyoming in 2015.
Other notable achievements include sitting on the USTelecom Engineering & Technology Policy Committee and the USTelecom Traceback Committee. Sessions also acts as a telecommunications consultant on the FirstNet Committee and is a Competitive Carriers Association’s Wireless Regulatory committee member.
Sessions currently sits on the board of Syringa Networks and the Wyoming Broadband Advisory Council. She is also a member of the NTCA Regulatory Council, the Wyoming Legislative Task Force, and the WYDOT Broadband Planning Commission.
Sessions is also very active in the community and served on the Afton Planning and Zoning Committee, the Star Valley Economic Development Board, and as an Afton Town Council member.
“I am honored to accept the position. I know it’s a big responsibility, but I look forward to the challenge of leading the company to the next level while continuing to focus on innovation, customer experience, and company culture,” said Sessions.
Ron McCue is retiring from his presidential role at Silver Star after working in the telecommunications industry for 44 years, 32 of which were at Silver Star.
“Ron and I have spent 32 years together, so it’s bittersweet as he’s a close friend, confidant, and tremendous leader. I wish him well in his retirement and know that he will enjoy spending his time with his family and honing his woodworking skills. But with time comes change, and I am looking forward to having Barbara at the helm and excited to see where she takes us,” said Hoopes.
