Alan Morse Retires as Executive Chairman of Ritter Communications

A file photo of Alan Morse speaking at the one-year anniversary of the company's $8 million data storage center on Oct. 14, 2021.

Alan Morse is retiring as the executive chairman of Ritter Communications of Jonesboro, effective April 30, after more than a decade of leadership in the company.

Morse joined Ritter as president in 2014, was promoted to CEO in 2019 and moved into the role of executive chairman in January of 2024.

While he is retiring as a member of the executive team, Morse will continue to serve as a member of the company’s board of directors.

A press release from the company stated that “Morse led Ritter through a remarkable period of growth and expansion.” Under his leadership, Ritter expanded into new states and more than doubled the communities served, representing a direct investment of more than $500 million in network expansion.

Also during Morse’s tenure, Ritter saw advancements in infrastructure, service offerings and customer reach. He oversaw the launch of the company’s Data Technology Center and spearheaded the launch of RightFiber, Ritter’s fiber-to-the-home service, delivering internet to residents across the company’s expanding service area.

The release said that Morse’s leadership was “particularly vital” during the COVID-19 pandemic when demand for broadband services surged. Under his guidance, Ritter expanded network capacity and navigated market uncertainty.

“Alan has been an extraordinary leader and mentor, shaping the foundation of our company’s success. His role as executive chairman has ensured a seamless transition as I stepped into the CEO position,” CEO Heath Simpson said in the release. “I am honored to carry forward our shared vision of connecting communities with best-in-class technology. His impact is immeasurable, and his legacy of innovation will continue to inspire and drive us for decades to come. We’re grateful for his leadership and wish him the best in his retirement.”

Morse has also served on the board of directors for Jonesboro Unlimited and the American Cancer Society in Arkansas.