Katja Seim Named New Chief Economist

FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler today announced the appointment of Katja Seim as chief economist for the commission, effective July 1. Seim currently is an associate professor of business economics and public policy at the Wharton School in Philadelphia.

“Given the vital importance of economics to the commission’s work, it is essential that we have exceptionally-qualified individuals like Professor Katja Seim involved,” Wheeler said. “In today’s world, it is vital that public policy and business economics are understood as inter-related fields.”

The FCC chief economist advises the chairman on economic issues and is part of the agency’s Office of Strategic Planning and Policy Analysis.

Seim received her doctorate in economics from Yale University and her undergraduate degree in economics and mathematics from Franklin & Marshall College. At Wharton, Seim teaches managerial economics in the MBA program and an undergraduate elective in public policy design and regulation. Before joining Wharton, she was on the faculty at the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

Seim will take on the chief economist role from Dr. Jonathan Levy who has filled the role over recent months and will now return to his deputy chief economist position in the agency.