Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler appointed Mike Dabbs as director of the FCC Office of Legislative Affairs last week. Dabbs will work alongside Deputy Director Andrew Woelfling, who has served as acting director since April.
The Office of Legislative Affairs is the FCC’s primary liaison to Congress, and Dabbs will oversee the commission’s communications with the United States House of Representatives and Senate. OLA provides lawmakers with information regarding FCC regulatory decisions, answers to policy questions, assistance with constituent concerns and responses to Congressional inquiries.
Dabbs previously led U.S. federal government affairs for Applied Materials Inc. Before joining Applied Materials in 2010, he served as director of government affairs for the Information Technology Industry Council, where he focused on telecommunications, trade and energy issues. He also worked on Capitol Hill as legislative director for Rep. Rick Larsen (D-Wash.) from 2005 until 2008.
“The work of OLA is critical to achieving the FCC’s mission,” said Wheeler. “Mike’s experience on the Hill and in the high tech sector makes him a terrific addition to the FCC team.”
