FCC Names Consumer-Governmental Affairs Deputy Chief

The FCC on Monday appointed Barbara Esbin deputy chief of the agency’s Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau. She will focus on overseeing the Bureau’s Office of Native Affairs and Policy and its Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, concentrating on productive engagement with Native Nations and with state and local governments. 

“Communications play a vital role in the everyday lives of Americans, and it’s the responsibility of this Bureau to ensure that the connection between consumers and the policies we work on as an agency is always front and center,” said Patrick Webre, acting chief of the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau. “We are so pleased that Barbara will be joining our committed team. Her experience and talent will further bolster our work on behalf of American consumers — and her focus on engaging with our state, local and Tribal partners will be vital.”

Esbin’s background includes more than 14 years at the agency and 15 years in private practice. She has taken on varied roles during her stints with the FCC including senior positions in the Enforcement Bureau, Media Bureau, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau and the former Common Carrier and Cable Services Bureaus.

In private practice, she was a partner at Cinnamon Mueller; a senior staffer at the Progress and Freedom Foundation; and a partner at Dow, Lohnes and Albertson. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Antioch College and law degree from Duke University.

The Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau develops and implements consumer policies for the FCC. Among its responsibilities are reviewing consumer complaints, managing public policy related to robocalls and spoofing, ensuring access to communications services for those with disabilities, and providing consumer-facing information about issue areas covered by the agency.