Chicago-based UScellular promoted Adriana Rios Welton, head of legal and government affairs, to general counsel. She takes over from John Kelsh, who will focus on being general counsel at parent company Telephone and Data Systems.

Welton's promotion comes as the company undergoes a strategic review which could ultimately lead to the carrier's sale. Title upgrades such as Welton's could give her an advantage in any merger and acquisition negotiations, noted legal department consultant and Argopoint managing partner Jason Winmill.