Election Information for the 2024 term
Thank you all for your continued support of the SCTE.

scte_sample_bio.pdf |
Here are our board members that are up for election and new candidates.
Incumbent Board member Candidates
Dan Langness- Sparklight Jeremy Billings - Midco |
Past Board Member Candidates
Anthony Sterkel - Golden West |
New candidates
Chad Stitz - Midco Jeff Baum - Midco Jim Bertocchi - Midco |
Here are some BIO's from our candidates to be added as received.
Anthony Sterkel
Golden West Cablevision
Video Engineer/Platform Engineering
I started in the cable industry as a contractor rebuilding and upgrading mainline systems for Adelphia and Time Warner around 2002. I moved back to South Dakota and started working in installation for McLeod/Prairie Wave then moved to Yankton and worked in the Mainline group for 3 years. In 2006 I started working for Golden West doing a little bit of everything. I have worked in almost every aspect of the cable business. Installation, maintenance, design and engineering, broadband, and headend both traditional cable as well as moving into the IPTV space. I have also served on the Dakota Territory Board in the past and am currently an assistant board member.
If elected to the Dakota Territory Board I would like to help the Chapter give training opportunities to the members to help them be better at their jobs and in turn provide better service and services to their customers. Also, provide training to give the members better knowledge of what is coming in the industry so we can all be better positioned to continue to provide the services our customers come to expect from us.
Golden West Cablevision
Video Engineer/Platform Engineering
I started in the cable industry as a contractor rebuilding and upgrading mainline systems for Adelphia and Time Warner around 2002. I moved back to South Dakota and started working in installation for McLeod/Prairie Wave then moved to Yankton and worked in the Mainline group for 3 years. In 2006 I started working for Golden West doing a little bit of everything. I have worked in almost every aspect of the cable business. Installation, maintenance, design and engineering, broadband, and headend both traditional cable as well as moving into the IPTV space. I have also served on the Dakota Territory Board in the past and am currently an assistant board member.
If elected to the Dakota Territory Board I would like to help the Chapter give training opportunities to the members to help them be better at their jobs and in turn provide better service and services to their customers. Also, provide training to give the members better knowledge of what is coming in the industry so we can all be better positioned to continue to provide the services our customers come to expect from us.
Chad Stitz
Midco Video System Engineer – Associate
I started in the telecommunication industry in 2017 as an intern Network Technician. After graduating with an Associate Degree in Network Administration and Internet Security in 2018 I rejoined the telecommunication industry in the Midco Network Operations Center. In 2020 I pivoted my career and joined the Video Engineering team at Midco. After passing my SCTE Digital Video Engineer Professional certification in 2022 I was promoted Video Engineer Associate. As an SCTE member I have found the Dakota Territory Chapter training and the DVEP certification training to be valuable in expanding my knowledge of the cable industry. If elected to the Dakota Territory Board, I will work to bring relative training and learning opportunities to our Dakota Chapter Members.
Midco Video System Engineer – Associate
I started in the telecommunication industry in 2017 as an intern Network Technician. After graduating with an Associate Degree in Network Administration and Internet Security in 2018 I rejoined the telecommunication industry in the Midco Network Operations Center. In 2020 I pivoted my career and joined the Video Engineering team at Midco. After passing my SCTE Digital Video Engineer Professional certification in 2022 I was promoted Video Engineer Associate. As an SCTE member I have found the Dakota Territory Chapter training and the DVEP certification training to be valuable in expanding my knowledge of the cable industry. If elected to the Dakota Territory Board, I will work to bring relative training and learning opportunities to our Dakota Chapter Members.
Jeff Baum
Midco
Environmental Health and Safety Business Partner
I began my telecommunications career as a field technician for Midco in 2014, based out of Bismarck, North Dakota. In 2015 I moved to Denver CO and worked as a field technician with Comcast for a year before returning to both Bismarck and Midco. My time at Midco has provided me with exposure to almost every facet in the cable industry. I have held various roles since joining Midco including Technical Trainer, Field Service Manager, and most recently I joined the Environmental Health and Safety Department in 2021. In my current position, I am able to help ensure the safety of all our employees from the hazards that can be specific to the telecommunications industry.
If elected, I would aim to provide relevant training opportunities for members to ensure they remain relevant to the rapidly evolving cable telecommunications industry. I would also strive towards maintaining and improving member engagement in the Dakota Territory.
Midco
Environmental Health and Safety Business Partner
I began my telecommunications career as a field technician for Midco in 2014, based out of Bismarck, North Dakota. In 2015 I moved to Denver CO and worked as a field technician with Comcast for a year before returning to both Bismarck and Midco. My time at Midco has provided me with exposure to almost every facet in the cable industry. I have held various roles since joining Midco including Technical Trainer, Field Service Manager, and most recently I joined the Environmental Health and Safety Department in 2021. In my current position, I am able to help ensure the safety of all our employees from the hazards that can be specific to the telecommunications industry.
If elected, I would aim to provide relevant training opportunities for members to ensure they remain relevant to the rapidly evolving cable telecommunications industry. I would also strive towards maintaining and improving member engagement in the Dakota Territory.
Jim Bertocchi
Midco
SD
I want to run for the position of Dakota Territory chapter board member because I am deeply passionate about the cable telecommunications industry and believe in the power of collaboration and innovation to drive its growth. With my expertise, experience, and commitment to professional development, I am confident that I can make a meaningful impact in advancing the industry and supporting the needs of SCTE members within the region. By advocating for industry advancement, strengthening professional development opportunities, enhancing collaboration and networking, promoting diversity and inclusion, and amplifying the voices of regional members, I aim to contribute to the success and growth of the SCTE and the cable telecommunications industry.
Please provide a summary biography of your experiences within the cable industry and SCTE:
As a dedicated professional within the cable community, I bring a wealth of experience and expertise to my candidacy for the position of Regional Representative on the SCTE Board. With a strong background as a technical trainer and a proven track record of success in passing multiple SCTE courses, I am well-equipped to contribute to the growth and development of the industry. Throughout my career, I have been actively involved in the cable telecommunications field. Through my role, I have gained a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities individuals face within the industry. In addition to my technical training experience, I have actively engaged with the SCTE community. I have attended numerous SCTE events, conferences, and workshops, where I have had the opportunity to network with industry leaders, exchange ideas, and stay updated on the latest trends and technologies. This involvement has allowed me to build strong connections within the SCTE community and gain insights into the needs and aspirations of its members. Overall, my experiences within the cable community and SCTE, my technical training background, and the successful completion of multiple SCTE courses have prepared me to take on the role of Regional Representative on the SCTE Board. I am committed to leveraging my expertise, passion, and dedication to drive industry advancement, foster professional development, and amplify the voices of regional members.
Midco
SD
I want to run for the position of Dakota Territory chapter board member because I am deeply passionate about the cable telecommunications industry and believe in the power of collaboration and innovation to drive its growth. With my expertise, experience, and commitment to professional development, I am confident that I can make a meaningful impact in advancing the industry and supporting the needs of SCTE members within the region. By advocating for industry advancement, strengthening professional development opportunities, enhancing collaboration and networking, promoting diversity and inclusion, and amplifying the voices of regional members, I aim to contribute to the success and growth of the SCTE and the cable telecommunications industry.
Please provide a summary biography of your experiences within the cable industry and SCTE:
As a dedicated professional within the cable community, I bring a wealth of experience and expertise to my candidacy for the position of Regional Representative on the SCTE Board. With a strong background as a technical trainer and a proven track record of success in passing multiple SCTE courses, I am well-equipped to contribute to the growth and development of the industry. Throughout my career, I have been actively involved in the cable telecommunications field. Through my role, I have gained a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities individuals face within the industry. In addition to my technical training experience, I have actively engaged with the SCTE community. I have attended numerous SCTE events, conferences, and workshops, where I have had the opportunity to network with industry leaders, exchange ideas, and stay updated on the latest trends and technologies. This involvement has allowed me to build strong connections within the SCTE community and gain insights into the needs and aspirations of its members. Overall, my experiences within the cable community and SCTE, my technical training background, and the successful completion of multiple SCTE courses have prepared me to take on the role of Regional Representative on the SCTE Board. I am committed to leveraging my expertise, passion, and dedication to drive industry advancement, foster professional development, and amplify the voices of regional members.