For more than five decades, the NTCA Group Health Program (GHP) has been guided by steady, thoughtful leadership at the trustee level. That legacy continues and evolves with a significant transition at the helm of the GHP Trust Committee.
After 35 years of dedicated service to the trust committee and 20 years as its chair, Toney Prather, president of Totelcom Communications (De Leon, Texas), has stepped down as chair. In doing so, Prather leaves a remarkable distinction: he is only the third individual to serve as chair since GHP's inception in 1972. While Prather will serve on the committee for an additional year, his tenure as chair is a testament to both the longevity of leadership within the program and the deep trust placed in those selected to guide it.
Prather’s leadership helped steward GHP through an increasingly complex healthcare landscape while keeping the program grounded in delivering high-quality coverage for NTCA members, their employees and family members. Colleagues consistently point to his collaborative approach, calm demeanor, and unwavering commitment to his fiduciary responsibility as hallmarks of his service.
As the trust committee expresses its sincere appreciation for Prather’s contributions, it also celebrates an exciting next chapter.
Kristi Westbrock, CEO and general manager of CTC (Brainerd, Minn.), has officially taken the gavel as chair of the trust committee, marking a milestone moment for NTCA Benefits. Westbrock is the first woman to serve as chair of an NTCA trustee committee, a meaningful step forward that reflects both her individual leadership and the strength of NTCA’s governance.
Westbrock brings to the role a deep understanding of rural broadband operations, a strong appreciation for employee benefits, and a thoughtful, engaged leadership style.
This transition represents both continuity and progress—honoring the foundation laid by Prather while embracing the perspective and leadership Westbrock brings.
NTCA extends its heartfelt thanks to Prather for his exceptional service and leadership, and its congratulations to Westbrock as she steps into her new role.