Genachowski Makes Key Staff Changes

FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski announced today the appointment of Zachary Katz as chief of staff, as well as other senior staff changes. Katz will succeed Eddie Lazarus when he departs at the end of January.

Genachowski said: “As I know from working closely with Zac on many important initiatives, he has exceptionally good judgment, tremendous aptitude, and the strong leadership qualities to serve as chief of staff. The agency is fortunate to have an extraordinarily accomplished senior team to lead an ambitious policy agenda as we start the new year. Building on the successes of the past few years, this team will be focused on unleashing the benefits of broadband, driving economic growth, and opportunity for all Americans.”

Over the past three years, Katz has led a number of high-priority initiatives at the commission, including the creation of the Connect America Fund, which brought sweeping reforms to the Universal Service Fund and Intercarrier Compensation programs. Mr. Katz has worked with technology companies at a strategy consulting and investment firm in Silicon Valley; developed an expertise on intellectual property, technology and media issues at a leading Los Angeles law firm; and worked in the White House.

In addition, Genachowski announced new roles and responsibilities for senior staff and named a new legal adviser:

Sherrese Smith, currently senior counsel and legal adviser, will become chief counsel and senior legal adviser. In this role, Smith will manage the commission’s overall policy agenda, and will be responsible for policy coordination among the bureaus and offices.

Josh Gottheimer will expand his responsibilities as senior counselor to the chairman to focus on directing a new team at the commission on public-private initiatives.

Amy Levine, currently special counsel and legal adviser, will become senior counsel and legal adviser. Levine will continue to have particular responsibility for the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau and Office of Engineering and Technology.

Michael Steffen will join the chairman’s office as legal adviser to the chairman with particular responsibility for wireline, international, and Internet issues, including universal service, open Internet and satellite matters. Steffen currently is special counsel in the Office of General Counsel, where he has helped coordinate the commission’s Universal Service Fund and Intercarrier Compensation reforms and other priority projects.