The law firm of Brooks, Pierce, McLendon, Humphrey & Leonard LLP will take on the duties of regulatory counsel to the Society of Broadcast Engineers.
As we previously reported, SBE General Counsel Chris Imlay announced last year he was stepping down, having worked with the SBE since 1980 and as its general counsel since 1993.
Former President Wayne Pecena led a search committee and considered several candidates before making its recommendation to the SBE board in December.
[Read our profile story: “Imlay Prepares His Next Chapter”]
Two partners at Brooks Pierce, Stephen Hartzell and Coe W. Ramsey, will work with the society on its regulatory needs. “They both are experienced with broadcast technical regulatory issues, and Broadcast Auxiliary Services in particular, and they have worked with state broadcast associations,” SBE said in its announcement.
Imlay expressed support for the choice.
“In my experience, these able lawyers are well-positioned to work with the SBE Board to advocate for our members at the FCC, the NTIA and on Capitol Hill, especially in the area of spectrum protection,” said Imlay. “I have promised to be available to consult with them on current open issues and going forward to the extent they would like, and I will help [Executive Director] Jim Ragsdale and the SBE’s Indiana counsel with non-FCC legal issues going forward, as a volunteer.”