Jessica Rosenworcel Named Acting Chairwoman for the FCC

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, January 21, 2021 | 2:49pm CT

Jessica Rosenworcel

President Joseph R. Biden has named FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel as Acting Chairwoman of the Federal Communications Commission. She was sworn in as a Democratic Commissioner in 2017 and replaces outgoing Chairman Ajit Pai. Rosenworcel was previously re-nominated in December, 2015, and the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee unanimously voted to reappoint her to another term. For her first term, Rosenworcel was confirmed unanimously by the U.S. Senate in May, 2012, and formally sworn into office on May 11, 2012.

Prior to joining the agency, she served as Senior Communications Counsel for the United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, under the leadership of Senator John D. Rockefeller IV and Senator Daniel Inouye. Before entering public service, Rosenworcel practiced communications law in Washington, DC.

"I am honored to be designated as the Acting Chairwoman of the Federal Communications Commission by President Biden. I thank the President for the opportunity to lead an agency with such a vital mission and talented staff. It is a privilege to serve the American people and work on their behalf to expand the reach of communications opportunity in the digital age," said Rosenworcel.

NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith said in a statement, "NAB applauds Jessica Rosenworcel on her selection by President Biden as acting chair of the FCC. She is a dedicated and experienced public servant who has demonstrated great aptitude in leading communications policy during her tenure at the Commission. We look forward to working with her and her fellow Commissioners on regulatory policies that help local radio and TV stations serve the public interest."