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Comcast, Verizon Vet Becomes New CEO for MTA

Oct 6, 2025 | Right Moves, Telecom & Tech

Photo Credit: MTA

Upon the retirement of Michael C. Burke as CEO of MTA, Demian Voiles stepped up as a successor. The board of the Palmer-based telecom selected Voiles at the culmination of a nationwide search conducted in partnership with CarterBaldwin Executive Search.

Voiles joins MTA from Comcast, the Philadelphia-based conglomerate that owns, among other assets, NBCUniversal; Voiles served as Regional Vice President of Construction and Engineering, managing a $300 million capital budget. Previously, as regional vice president of sales and marketing in Texas, he directed strategies that generated $2 billion in annual revenue for Comcast.

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January 2026

“Demian brings a unique combination of entrepreneurial vision and large-scale operational expertise,” says Ken Kincaid, Chief Governance Officer of the MTA board. “His leadership in building markets from the ground up, along with his success in delivering transformative growth for global telecom companies, makes him the right leader to guide MTA through a period of continued expansion and community impact.”

Voiles holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of California, Davis. He previously worked in Alaska for Verizon as the global phone company’s first employee in the state. He’s credited with building Verizon Alaska from the ground up, as it quickly surpassed market and revenue targets. He also held senior leadership roles at GCI Liberty, parent company of Anchorage-based GCI (spun off in July from Denver-based Liberty Broadband Corporation).

“I am honored to return to Alaska and lead MTA into its next chapter,” says Voiles. “MTA has a rich history of innovation and service to its members, and I look forward to building on that foundation by investing in people, expanding our networks, and ensuring MTA remains a vital partner to both local communities and the state as a whole.”

Voiles is the first new CEO at MTA in a decade. Burke had been in the position since 2015. “On behalf of the board, I want to thank Michael Burke for his outstanding leadership and years of dedicated service,” says Kincaid. “Under his guidance, the organization has grown stronger, expanded its impact, and positioned itself for long-term success. Michael leaves behind a legacy of integrity, innovation, and unwavering commitment to the communities we serve, and we are deeply grateful for the foundation he has built.”

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Alaska Business Magazine January 2026 cover
In This Issue
JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF ALASKA + INDUSTRY SUPPORT
January 2026
In our first issue of 2026, we are again featuring two special sections: Junior Achievement of Alaska and Industry Support.

We’re honored again this year to celebrate our partnership with Junior Achievement of Alaska, a nonprofit that educates local youth about enterprise, business, money, and financial literacy. In the special section, three Junior Achievement of Alaska students weigh in on their experience with the exceptional volunteers and teachers involved with the program.

And in Industry Support, we explore the range of varied services that industry in Alaska requires, from mancamps to spill response to off-grid energy solutions.

Outside the special sections, make sure to check out the 2026 Economic forecast, where Alaska leaders share their insights on what may lie ahead in the coming year. Enjoy!

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