FCC’s O’Rielly Names New Chief Of Staff

FCC Commissioner Michael O’Rielly on Monday announced his intention to hire Robin Colwell, currently legal adviser to Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), to be his new chief of staff and legal adviser for media issues. She will also handle all press inquiries.

Colwell will start on Dec. 15, , assuming proper hiring procedures and clearances are approved by that date.

O’Rielly said: “I have known Ms. Colwell for over a decade and have valued her knowledge of communications issues and optimistic approach to complex matters. Robin’s expertise in Capitol Hill policies and politics will be an immense asset to me at the commission. I am so pleased that she has agreed to join my superb staff.”

Colwell has extensive background in communications policy, having worked most recently as legislative counsel to Sen. Tim Scott, and counsel to the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation’s Subcommittee on Tourism, Competitiveness, and Innovation, of which Scott is the ranking member.

She has served in the past as counsel to former Senators Jim DeMint and Peter G. Fitzgerald, as well as former Representative Connie Mack.

Before her time on the Hill, Colwell was an associate at Wiley Rein & Fielding, focused on telecommunications and technology transactions. A Florida native, Ms. Colwell first came to Washington, DC as a law clerk to Chief Judge H. Robert Mayer of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

She received her J.D. from the College of William and Mary School of Law and her B.S. from Florida State University.