Behind the Board: Sanford Williams, District I

At BEK Communications Cooperative, our strength lies not only in our technology, but in the people who guide our mission. This month marks the beginning of a new feature series designed to help our members get to know the dedicated individuals serving on BEK’s Board of Directors. Our directors are neighbors and community members who work tirelessly to ensure BEK remains a trusted, forward-thinking cooperative serving rural North Dakota.

Our first spotlight shines on Sanford Williams of Wing, whose life and leadership are deeply rooted in the very soil of his family’s farm, land that has been home to four generations.

Rooted in Tradition, Growing Toward the Future Sanford Williams has spent nearly his entire life in Wing, North Dakota, where he grew up on his family’s farm, a place his grandfather purchased, his father cultivated, and now his son proudly operates. Except for four years serving in the U.S. Navy, Sanford has called Wing home, dedicating his life to family, community, and the cooperative principles that define BEK.

After returning home from military service in 1974, Sanford resumed farming on the family homestead and began working part-time as a field man for the North Dakota Farmers Union, a position he balanced alongside his duties on the farm. Today, even as his son takes the lead on daily operations, Sanford still helps out when he can, embodying the work ethic and stewardship that are hallmarks of rural North Dakota life.

In 2021, Sanford married his wife, Kim, and together they share a blended family of eight children.

A Legacy of Leadership Public service runs deep in the Williams family. Sanford’s father was one of BEK’s original directors in 1952, serving 25 years and helping to lay the cooperative’s foundation, literally stringing the first telephone wires that connected rural communities. Sanford admired his father’s work but never expected to follow directly in his footsteps. That changed in 1984 when the BEK Nominating Committee asked him if he might be interested in running for a board position. The members elected him, and 41 years later, Sanford continues to serve with the same dedication that inspired him to join.

“I find it so interesting because it’s always changing,” Sanford says. “We’re always looking at something new and developing the company further. From the early days of telephone lines to television, internet, and now cybersecurity and AI, it’s been incredible to see how far we’ve come.”

Guidance for Members and Future Leaders When asked what advice he would give to BEK members interested in getting more involved, Sanford’s answer is simple: get started.

“Talk to your director. Attend the annual meeting. Ask questions. You don’t have to start big; join a nominating committee, share your skills, and see where you fit. Everyone has talents that can benefit the cooperative.”

As for the board’s most important role, Sanford believes it comes down to leadership and accountability.

“The board’s job is to make sure we have a solid manager leading the organization,” he explains. “We’re not involved in the day-to-day operations, but we are responsible for setting policy and ensuring our leadership is steering BEK in the right direction. That’s what our members entrust us to do.”

Looking Ahead As BEK continues to innovate and expand, from broadband and television to cybersecurity and beyond, it’s leaders like Sanford Williams who ensure that our cooperative remains grounded in its mission: connecting and strengthening North Dakota communities through local ownership, integrity, and vision.

Stay tuned next month as we continue our “Behind the Board” series and introduce another member whose story reflects the heart and history of BEK.