FairPoint Communications creates new positions for northern New England states

FairPoint creates new positions in New England

MONTPELIER, Vt. — FairPoint Communications Inc. has named a former Vermont legislator and secretary of administration to be the company’s new state president.

In the newly created position, Michael Smith will be responsible for all regulatory matters, government relations and economic development in Vermont. He begins the job Jan. 4.

FairPoint is creating similar positions in Maine and New Hampshire that will be filled in the weeks ahead.

North Carolina-based FairPoint last year bought Verizon Communications’ land line and Internet operations in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. It has been suffering under a heavy debt load and technology problems and filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in October.