As expected, President Obama announced he intends to nominate wireless telecom and cable executive Tom Wheeler as the next FCC chairman and designate Commissioner Mignon Clyburn to act as “Acting Chairwoman” once current Chairman Julius Genachowski leaves the agency.
Genachowski said he’s known Wheeler for 20 years and he’s “made strong contributions to the FCC’s work, including on unleashing spectrum for mobile, removing barriers to private investment, and strengthening our cyber security.”
The FCC’s role “has never been more essential,” said Genachowski, who adds that Wheeler’s policy expertise and “first-hand experience as a technology investor” make him a great choice for FCC chairman.
Genachowski calls Clyburn a “strong, experienced and thoughtful” leader who’s distinguished herself as a champion for closing America’s digital divide.
He plans to leave the agency in mid-May.
