Hays, KS – November 6, 2025 – Nex-Tech announces the upcoming retirement of Mike Pollock, Chief Operating Officer, after 24 years of dedicated service to Nex-Tech. Mike’s official retirement date will be November 30, 2025.
Mike began his journey with Nex-Tech in March 2001 as the Information Technology Manager and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the Director of Information Services, Chief Information Officer, and most recently serving as Chief Operating Officer. Mike has been instrumental in overseeing the company’s largest division that includes Engineering, Construction, Field Operations, Facilities, Network Operations, NOC, Technology Services, Product Development/Administration, Project Management, Software/Data Engineering, Help Desk, Service/Provisioning, and Dispatch. From the start, his drive and vision transformed Nex-Tech’s approach to IT and led to the completion of numerous critical projects.
Throughout his career, Mike has worked on multi-million-dollar broadband initiatives that expanded high-speed Internet access across rural Kansas. He participated in projects covering more than 6,000 square miles, including 1,645 miles of fiber and numerous wireless towers, helping bridge the digital divide for thousands of customers.
When asked about the projects Mike is most proud of, he shared several highlights of which he was honored to be a part of with the Nex-Tech team. Some of the many standout projects of Mike’s career include: assisting with the startup of Nex-Tech Wireless in 2005, participating in the acquisition and overbuild of 10 Sprint exchanges with fiber from 2005-2008, expanding fiber in NW Kansas from 2010-2015 with the RUS Broadband Initiatives Program (BIP) award, and the completion of fiber to the entire cooperative footprint in 2023. “In the end,” Mike says, “the journey was the reward, and the projects were destinations along the way.”
“Almost 25 years ago, I pulled into Nex-Tech’s parking lot in Lenora. At the time, I didn’t realize the adventure that I was about to begin. Once I walked through the front door and began my journey, I experienced opportunities that I never dreamed of. As I begin the next chapter in life, I will always cherish the memories of the people that I have had the pleasure of working with during this journey. I want to thank Nex-Tech’s board, management team, employees, customers, industry friends, and my family for their support over the years,” said Mike.
Mike is viewed as a distinguished leader within Nex-Tech, and across the telecommunications and technology industries. Mike received NTCA’s 2024 Key Employee Award, a prestigious award that recognizes an employee who has made significant contributions to a company’s growth and success.
Beyond his technical and financial expertise, Mike has been a mentor, negotiator, strategic thinker, and advocate for education and workforce development. In 2021, after realizing how increasingly difficult it was to hire staff with technical skills in Western Kansas, he worked directly with NCK Tech (now Fort Hays Tech | North Central) to resurrect the Telecommunications program and implemented a Technology Education Sponsorship Program for students. His leadership was instrumental in reviving the program and garnering support from other companies. Through this new program, nine students have enrolled in the program, and are employed with Nex-Tech working in the field as interns or full-time employees. Mike’s vision for the future needs of the company and innovative work in partnership with the college are creating the next generation workforce.
“Whether through high-level strategic planning or lending a helping hand at local events, Mike has consistently embodied the spirit of service, innovation, and teamwork. His legacy will continue to influence Nex-Tech and the communities we serve for years to come,” says Nex-Tech CEO, Jimmy Todd.
Mike has made a tremendous impact at the local, state and national levels, by devoting many years serving in leadership and volunteer roles. Locally, he has been involved with Scouts, coaching, Rotary, and church. Regionally, he has been an Advisory Council Member for Kansas NG911 Cybersecurity, Fort Hays Tech | North Central, and MACC. He is/has served on local and national Boards for Nex-Tech Wireless; Community Assistance Center; Centennial Merchants Association; Hays Med Foundation; Celebration Church; CSSA; and RICA. He is/has served on the FCC CSRIC IV Working Group for NG911, Nex-Tech’s Cybersecurity Team, NTCA’s Cybersecurity Working Group and WTA’s Cybersecurity Committee.
Beyond his contributions to Nex-Tech’s financial strength and strategic direction, Mike exemplifies effective leadership. He promotes growth and learning within his team, guides staff in strategic planning and consistently offers support to others. His leadership extends far beyond the workplace, and he is always ready to lend a hand, whether it’s sharing personal growth stories, shoveling snow from the office sidewalks, or helping others who have fallen victim to identity theft.
Please join us in wishing Mike all the best in this well-deserved next chapter! A retirement reception will be held on November 21, 2025, at Smoky Hill Country Club, 3303 Hall St, Hays, KS 67601 from 2-5pm.
Nex-Tech wishes Mike a fulfilling and well-deserved retirement and is committed to building on the strong foundation he leaves behind.