Michael Powell Named NCTA President-CEO

Michael K. Powell, FCC chairman from 2001 to 2005 and a member of the FCC for eight years, today was appointed president and chief executive officer of the National Cable & Telecommunications Association. 

As NCTA CEO, Powell will serve as the cable industry’s leading advocate, spokesman and representative in its relationship with the U.S. Congress, the administration, the FCC and other federal agencies. He will also manage the association’s staff, programs and initiatives. And, he will serve as a strategic voice on the direction of the industry.

Powell currently is a senior adviser with Providence Equity Partners and honorary co-chair of Broadband for America.  He begins his tenure at NCTA on April 25 and succeeds outgoing NCTA President-CEO Kyle McSlarrow, who recently was named president, Comcast/NBC Universal, Washington.

“Michael Powell is one of the most well respected and influential visionaries in all of telecommunications, and we’re so proud to have him join the cable team,” said Patrick J. Esser, chair of the NCTA board of directors and president of Cox Communications.  “Michael’s exemplary record of leadership, deep commitment to public service, and vast insight into public policy make him an ideal fit to lead our industry in Washington, D.C., as we address the regulatory challenges that lie ahead and continue to help policy makers understand cable’s commitment to jobs, investment, and innovation.”

“Cable is a dynamic and highly innovative industry, providing cutting edge services and content that Americans love,” Powell said.   “The broadband platform the industry has deployed is a critical part of the infrastructure needed to realize our national ambition to be a great nation in the Information Age.  I am excited to help lead companies committed not only to their businesses, but to improving U.S. competitiveness and supporting invaluable programs in important areas such as education.”

“Michael is an outstanding individual who brings great commitment and integrity to his work, whether in public or private service,” said Jonathan Nelson, CEO, Providence Equity Partners.  “While he will be missed here at Providence, where we share his passionate interest in media and communications, we know he will serve NCTA members extremely well.”

FCC Commissioner Robert M. McDowell said in a statement: “I congratulate my friend, Michael Powell, on taking over the helm of NCTA. I have known him since he first became a commissioner in 1997. Whether serving at the Commission both as a commissioner and as chairman; advising the investment community; leading the board of our shared alma mater, William and Mary; practicing law; or serving in uniform with distinction, Michael has always exhibited the best attributes of leadership. His intellect and vision will serve NCTA and its members well as the cable industry faces increasing competitive and regulatory challenges. I look forward to working with him in his new capacity.”

Also commenting on the appointment was NAB President-CEO Gordon Smith, who said: “NAB salutes the NCTA for its outstanding choice of former FCC Chairman Michael Powell as its new president and CEO. I got to know Michael well during my tenure on the Senate Commerce Committee, and always found him to be thoughtful, engaging and a tremendous public servant. Though NAB and NCTA do not always agree on every issue, we look forward to working with Michael in the months ahead on public policy issues where we might find mutual agreement.”

Powell was nominated as a member of the FCC by President Bill Clinton and sworn in on Nov. 3, 1997.  He was designated by President George W. Bush as FCC chairman in January 2001, serving in that role until April 2005.

During Powell’s tenure at the FCC, the commission oversaw tremendous change and marketplace growth in the telecommunications sector.  Powell worked to bring FCC regulations into the 21st century and to recognize the move of voice, video, and data technologies away from limited analog platforms to powerful digital applications that bring more value to the public.  He focused on initiatives to encourage market-driven solutions that promote consumer interests.  He also supported new methods of deploying advanced services through technologies that would expand affordable broadband options to all Americans regardless of their geography.

Prior to the FCC, Powell was the chief of staff of the Antitrust Division in the Department of Justice where he advised the assistant attorney general on substantive antitrust matters, including policy development, criminal and civil investigations, and mergers.  He also served as an associate in the Washington office of the law firm of O’Melveny & Myers LLP and clerked for the Honorable Harry T. Edwards, chief judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.

Before his legal career, Powell served as a policy adviser to the Secretary of Defense.  His experience also includes military service as an armored cavalry officer in the United States Army.

Powell graduated in 1985 from the College of William and Mary with a degree in government.  He earned his J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center.