Walter C. D. Carlson is the President and Chief Executive Officer of TDS Telecommunications LLC (TDS®), a leading provider of telecommunications services and a subsidiary of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (TDS Inc.). With over three decades of experience in the telecommunications industry, Carlson began his career at Ameritech in 1989, where he held various finance and operations roles. He joined TDS in 1994 as Vice President of Finance for TDS TELECOM, quickly advancing through key leadership positions, including Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President, before assuming his current role in 2015. Under Carlson's leadership, TDS® has significantly expanded its fiber-to-the-home network, passing more than 250,000 locations and achieving substantial growth in high-speed internet subscribers. His strategic initiatives have driven the company's focus on rural broadband expansion, innovative service offerings, and operational efficiencies, earning industry recognition such as multiple awards for customer satisfaction and network reliability from J.D. Power and other analysts. Carlson's emphasis on technological innovation and community investment has positioned TDS® as a vital connectivity provider in underserved markets across 24 states. As President and CEO, Carlson oversees all aspects of TDS® operations, including network strategy, customer service, and financial performance, reporting to the TDS Inc. board. A certified public accountant and active industry leader, he serves on various telecommunications advisory boards and champions digital equity initiatives, ensuring TDS® remains at the forefront of delivering reliable, future-proof communications services to residential and business customers nationwide.