"Wayne brings a wealth of technology, telecommunications and financial experience to EarthLink and we are excited to have him on board as we continue to focus our company on customer retention and satisfaction while creating shareholder value," says Rolla P. Huff, CEO, president and chairman of the board of directors.

From March 2006 until September 2007, Wisehart served as chief financial officer of digital marketing services firm aQuantive, which was acquired by Microsoft in August 2007. Prior to this position, Wisehart served as executive VP and chief financial officer of cellular phone service provider Western Wireless from January 2003 until September 2005.

Wisehart has also served as CFO of web hosting provider iNNERHOST, president and CEO for marketing automation software firm Teledirect International, president and CEO of Price Communications Wireless, now part of Verizon Wireless, and CFO of Palmer Communications and its subsidiary, Palmer Wireless.

EarthLink also announced the retirement of Robert Kavner and William Harris, Jr. from the board of directors, effective July 25.

Kavner served on the board of directors for EarthLink, as well as its predecessor, EarthLink Network, since 1996. He served as chairman of the board of directors from March 2005 to January 2008, and was independent lead director from January 2008 to July 2008. Harris served on the board of directors of EarthLink since October 2003.

The EarthLink board of directors also includes Susan D. Bowick, Sky D. Dayton, Marce Fuller, Rolla P. Huff, Terrell B. Jones, David Koretz and Thomas E. Wheeler. Fuller is succeeding Kavner as independent lead director.

EarthLink provides a range of Internet services, including dial-up, high-speed, voice, web hosting, wireless, home networking and security.