SureWest CEO to Retire

ROSEVILLE, Calif. -- SureWest Communications (NASDAQ: SURW) announced today that it has begun a search for a President and CEO/Elect as a result of Brian Strom's indication to the company's Board of Directors of his desire to ultimately retire from those positions. SureWest intends to conduct and complete the search for a successor that will allow the President and CEO/Elect to serve with Mr. Strom prior to his formal retirement to assure an effective and smooth transition.

Strom, who will be 63 in March, originally joined the company in 1989 as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and has served as President and CEO since 1993.

"I am honored to be associated with this tremendous company for so many years, and have had the opportunity to work with all of the great customers, employees and shareholders,” said Strom. "In the past few years, I've made commitments to my family to plan to step away from SureWest at the right time. We have seen in the past decade the most dramatic changes ever in our industry, and I believe that we have set the course properly to assure our customers and shareholders that SureWest is poised to compete successfully in the new environment."

Kirk Doyle, Chairman of the SureWest Board of Directors provided the following statement: "We have been extremely fortunate to have Brian Strom serve our company first as a trusted outside advisor, and then a valued executive, including his service the past 12 years as President and CEO. There have been incredible changes in the telecommunications industry, and with Brian's guidance and leadership, our company is positioned perfectly in the telecom, broadband and wireless segments, and recognized nationally for our technological abilities. Brian's flexibility allows SureWest the best opportunity to assure a seamless transition to its new chief executive. We're delighted that Brian also intends to serve as long as necessary in order for the company to complete a successful transition, and that he will continue as a member of our Board of Directors after he retires from his officer positions."

SureWest Communications