Shaffer Named Deputy Wireless Bureau Chief

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai has named Dana Shaffer as deputy bureau chief and chief of staff of the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau. Shaffer most recently served as the FCC’s deputy managing director.

“Dana is a strong leader who will enable the FCC to play its part in advancing access to mobile wireless services to consumers across the nation,” said Pai.  “Her keen insight into universal service issues will be invaluable as we prepare to launch an innovative Mobility Fund II reverse auction to support deployment of 4G LTE mobile service and help bridge the digital divide.”

Shaffer will work closely with Wireless Chief Donald Stockdale, with whom she served in her previous position as chief of the Wireline Competition Bureau.  She has served in numerous other leadership positions at the FCC, including deputy chief of the Enforcement Bureau, deputy chief of the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, and legal adviser to Commissioners Tate and McDowell.

She joined the FCC in 2006 as Deputy Chief of the Wireline bureau after a decade as vice president and regulatory counsel for NextLink, LLC (XO Communications). During that time, she also served as president of both the Tennessee Telecommunications Association and the Southeastern Competitive Carriers Association.

Shaffer graduated from the University of Arkansas and earned her J.D., Order of the Coif, from Vanderbilt University.

The Wireless Telecommunications Bureau develops and executes policies and procedures for fast, fair licensing of all wireless services, ranging from fixed microwave links to amateur radio to broadband data services on mobile phones. The bureau oversees nearly two million licenses, conducts auctions to award services licenses, and manages the tower registration process.