Harold To Lead FCC Enforcement Bureau

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai today announced his intention to appoint Rosemary C. Harold to be chief of the Enforcement Bureau. Harold is an attorney with considerable experience both within the agency and in private practice, as well as a former journalist.

“This agency has a critical role to play in enforcing the law to protect consumers and support competition in the communications marketplace,” said Pai. “Our Enforcement Bureau has been getting back on track in recent months, and I am confident in Rosemary’s ability to continue this progress. Our enforcement efforts must be governed by the facts and the law, and Rosemary’s experience and expertise will help us conduct sound investigations and craft legally sustainable enforcement actions.

“This is especially important when it comes to FCC priorities like protecting consumers against illegal robocalls and confronting unlawful interference with broadcast licensees. I greatly appreciate Rosemary’s willingness to serve,” he added.

Harold will be working closely with Michael Carowitz who, having served as acting bureau chief, will continue to help lead the bureau as deputy bureau chief. Pai praised Carowitz’s work as acting chief: “Michael’s steady hand at the helm of this important Bureau has helped us stay on task in protecting consumers and enforcing the law. I thank Michael for his superb and tireless work — including his focus on reaching out to our field office staff who play such an important role in fulfilling our mission.”

The Enforcement Bureau manages commission work enforcing the Communications Act, FCC rules and various licensing terms and conditions. The bureau investigates and responds to potential unlawful conduct to ensure consumer protection, robust competition, efficient and responsible use of the public airwaves and compliance with public safety-related rules.

Harold rejoins the agency from Wilkinson Barker Knauer LLP, where she was a partner. Prior to joining the firm in 2011, she was a legal adviser to then-FCC Commissioner Robert McDowell for media and broadband issues and deputy chief of the FCC’s Media Bureau.

She began her career as a journalist, working as a reporter and bureau chief for the Miami Herald and an editor at C-SPAN.

She earned her law degree magna cum laude from Georgetown University Law Center, her master’s degree from the University of Missouri, and her bachelor’s degree from the College of William and Mary.