FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski Takes Office

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New FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski took office on Monday and announced several members of his staff. He appointed two senior advisors and two legal advisors to assist him on the full range of policy issues. Edward P. Lazarus will serve as Chief of Staff. He comes to the FCC from Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, where he was co-head of the firm-wide global litigation practice, overseeing more than 800 lawyers.

Colin Crowell will serve as Senior Counselor to the Chairman, while Bruce Liang Gottlieb will become Chief Counsel to the Chairman and senior legal advisor. Priya Aiyar will serve as Legal Advisor, with particular responsibility for wireline competition and international issues. Sherrese Smith is also named as Legal Advisor, with particular responsibility for media, consumer and enforcement issues.

Sherry Gelfand will serve as Confidential Assistant to the Chairman, while Daniel Ornstein will serve as Special Assistant to the Chairman. Mary Beth Richards will handle Special Counsel to the Chairman for FCC Reform, and Ruth Milkman will lead the transition effort in the Chairman's office.

"The FCC should be a model for excellence in government, and this extraordinarily accomplished team will help us achieve that," said Chairman Genachowski. "The agency will benefit enormously from their leadership, from their private and public sector experience, and from their dedication to public service."