Combined cooperative will look to the future by accelerating innovation, expanding resources, and delivering greater value across the communications and energy industries
Atlanta, Georgia – May 12, 2026
Information technology cooperatives National Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC) and Meridian Cooperative today announced that their Boards of Directors and leadership unanimously approved a merger. By combining the two trusted cooperatives, the united organization will create a single, purpose-driven cooperative focused on our partnership with our Members by delivering faster, innovative, and advanced technology solutions that effectively navigate evolving industry changes.
Subject to Member approval, the merger will go into effect on August 1, 2026. The combined cooperative will accelerate innovation and deliver expanded value to Energy and Communications Members, including communications providers, electric cooperatives, public utility districts, municipalities, and public power entities.
The merger is a true fusion of the two cooperatives, blending their Boards of Directors, leadership, employees, and Members into a single combined entity to best serve Members and the market. Current NISC CEO Doug Remboldt will serve as CEO of the combined organization and current CEO of Meridian Cooperative Chris Haas will serve as COO. The united cooperative will operate under the NISC name initially as it focuses on ensuring a smooth and successful merger of the two cooperatives.
“Cooperation and collaboration are core to the cooperative business model, guiding our work to strengthen the Members we serve and adding value through partnerships and integrations,” said Doug Remboldt. “By joining forces with Meridian Cooperative, we are putting cooperation among cooperatives to work for our Members and setting the organization up for long-term success. We are uniting two like-minded organizations to deliver deeper expertise, expanded resources, and an accelerated roadmap, while continuing to provide the trusted, top-notch support our Members have always relied on.”
“Our industry is evolving rapidly, and so are the expectations of the communities we serve,” said Chris Haas. “To stay ahead, our organizations and the technology we rely on must continuously evolve as well. This merger positions us to deliver greater scale, deeper expertise, and expanded resources to better serve our Members and their communities. Together, the two cooperatives will create an organization equipped to help Members meet the challenges of the future by accelerating innovation, strengthening economies of scale, and expanding the products, services, and support available to our Members and their communities.”
“Cooperatives have always known that collective effort produces results that no single organization can achieve alone,” said NISC Board of Directors Chairman Bob Paulling. “As our industry changes rapidly, this move will set NISC up for long-term growth and success, while delivering even more value for Members.
“The cooperative business model was built on a simple but powerful idea: organizations are stronger when they work together, pool resources, and put the needs of their Members above all else,” said Meridian Cooperative Board of Directors Chairman Keith Hayward. “Guided by these principles, we are taking an important step forward on our co-op’s path of collaboration and growth, while ensuring that every decision we make will have a positive impact on our Members.”
About NISC
NISC is an information technology organization that develops, implements and supports software and hardware solutions for our Members. We deliver advanced solutions, services and support to more than 1,000 independent communications companies, energy cooperatives and other public power entities. NISC is an industry leader providing information technology solutions including financials, service, operations and marketing as well as many other supporting platforms and business services. With facilities in Mandan, N.D., Lake Saint Louis, Mo., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Blacksburg, Va., NISC and its subsidiary employ more than 1,400 professionals between the four locations and remotely throughout the United States. Additional information about NISC can be found at www.nisc.coop.
About Meridian
Meridian Cooperative is a trusted leader in the development of innovative utility software and technology solutions. As a cooperative, we’re committed to providing our users with the Billing, Accounting, Engineering, and Operations applications they rely on to provide essential services in their communities. Our all-in-one solutions are cost-effective, flexible, and backed by teams of expert designers and dedicated support staff. With over 45 years of experience, we are committed to developing cutting-edge technologies and building lasting relationships in the communities we serve.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
NISC: Trish Helgeson, [email protected]
MERIDIAN: Nicole Engelmann, [email protected]
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