SureWest Communications today announced that Steve Oldham, a member of its Board of Directors has been named as the company’s new president and CEO.

Oldham, who will begin on January 1, 2006, was most recently senior vice president, energy supply for Sierra Pacific Resources. Oldham spent a total of 26 years at Sierra Pacific, holding positions in the accounting, finance and regulatory departments. He has chaired SureWest’s Audit Committee since June, 2004.

Oldham replaces Brian Strom, who announced his desire to retire last year. Strom, who also served as a recent chairman for the U.S. Telecommunications Association, will continue on as an employee until March 31, 2006, after which time he will take on a consulting role.

Additionally, the company announced that Jay Kinder, senior vice president, will retire from the company on December 31 after 43 years. Fred Arcuri, senior vice president, assumed Kinder's operational responsibilities as part of a reorganization implemented over the past year.