Public Knowledge Launches Gene Kimmelman Fellowship

Public Knowledge has created the Gene Kimmelman Fellowship Fund to train the next generation of consumer advocates specializing in technology, telecommunications, and intellectual property policy.

Throughout Kimmelman’s decades of public service, he created fellowships and other mentorship programs to nurture the next generation of diverse consumer advocates. When Kimmelman joined Public Knowledge as president and CEO in 2014, he embarked on a large-scale project to create a diverse pipeline of future advocates through intensive, on-the-job fellowship training. Since then, Public Knowledge has hosted almost 20 full-time fellows through the support Kimmelman generated.

This year, Kimmelman passed the baton to a new generation of public interest advocates at Public Knowledge by becoming the organization’s senior adviser, based on his belief that there comes a time when others should have the opportunity to lead the way.

According to the group, he will “continue providing strategic counsel for increasing competition in the technology marketplace. Kimmelman’s decades of experience in media and technology policy — especially antitrust law — will be a tremendous resource as Public Knowledge remains at the vanguard of technology and internet policy. The Gene Kimmelman Fellowship Fund both honors his legacy and continues the important work of training advocates to fight for consumers in the digital era.”

Chris Lewis, Public Knowledge president and CEO, said: “Few have contributed as much time, mentorship, or training to aspiring advocates as Gene Kimmelman. He pioneered Public Knowledge’s fellowship program, connecting young advocates with the public interest community while helping them master immensely complicated policy and politics through a learning-by-doing approach. Gene especially encouraged women, people of color, and anyone who experienced adversity to overcome the challenges of public interest work — no matter their background or knowledge level.”