Staff Changes at FCC as Agency Announces New Bureau Heads

WASHINGTON — Four new bureau chiefs and the naming of a familiar face to serve as permanent general counsel were announced by the Federal Communications Commission on Monday.

“Ensuring modern communications reach every corner of the country isn’t possible without the leadership of incredible, capable experts throughout the commission,” said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel in making the announcement.

Under the agency’s new organizational chart, Alejandro Roark will serve as chief of the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau; Loyaan Egal will serve as the acting chief of the Enforcement Bureau; Holly Saurer will serve as chief of the Media Bureau; and Debra Jordan will serve as chief of the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau.

In addition, Michele Ellison, who has been acting general counsel for the past year, will permanently serve as the agency’s top general counsel.

In a press release from the FCC, the agency said for the past 12 months Ellison has served with distinction as the agency’s chief legal officer and advised on some of the thorniest legal and policy issues before the commission — ranging from 5G and universal service to broadband data and security.

“Ellison previously served as deputy general counsel, a position she held for most of her 25-year tenure at the FCC. In that capacity, she managed the multibillion-dollar transactions, bankruptcy and fraud portfolio, setting numerous legal precedents and preserving the integrity of the auctions and universal service programs through a period of unprecedented challenge,” the release continued.  

Ellison also led the Enforcement Bureau, recovering hundreds of millions for federal programs and the U.S. Treasury. In addition, she has the distinction of being the first woman of color to hold positions as the agency’s chief of staff, chief of the Enforcement Bureau and, with today’s announcement, general counsel. Before joining the commission, Ms. Ellison was a partner, and earlier an associate, at Williams and Connolly. 

With the naming of the new bureau chiefs, the individuals they replaced — Michelle Carey, Lisa Fowlkes, Rosemary Harold and Patrick Webre — all transferred to new roles in the agency.

Rosenworcel thanked them for their public service.

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