President Obama officially nominated Julius Genachowski as the next chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Tuesday.
Genachowski is already serving on Obama's transition team and most recently worked as a venture capitalist in Washington. He was chief counsel at the FCC under Reed Hundt, who was FCC chairman from 1993 to 1997, and held executive positions at Internet firm IAC/InteractiveCorp.
Reports that Genachowski would succeed Kevin Martin as FCC chair have been making the rounds since early January. After Martin's departure on Jan. 20, however, Obama named Democratic Commissioner Michael Copps to serve as interim chairman until a formal appointment was made.
Obama has made “an excellent choice" with Genachowski, Copps said in a Monday statement.
“Julius has the knowledge, experience and dedication to lead this agency forward as we tackle the many challenges confronting the country – and the commission," Copps said. “I look forward to the prospect of working with him on a communications agenda focused on serving consumers and the public interest. He will find here a talented and energized team of public servants committed to precisely this goal."
Republican Commissioner Robert McDowell also praised Obama's choice.
“He will bring a valuable perspective to the commission with his experience not only in government but also in the private sector," McDowell said.
Genachowski is already serving on Obama's transition team and most recently worked as a venture capitalist in Washington. He was chief counsel at the FCC under Reed Hundt, who was FCC chairman from 1993 to 1997, and held executive positions at Internet firm IAC/InteractiveCorp.
Reports that Genachowski would succeed Kevin Martin as FCC chair have been making the rounds since early January. After Martin's departure on Jan. 20, however, Obama named Democratic Commissioner Michael Copps to serve as interim chairman until a formal appointment was made.
Obama has made “an excellent choice" with Genachowski, Copps said in a Monday statement.
“Julius has the knowledge, experience and dedication to lead this agency forward as we tackle the many challenges confronting the country – and the commission," Copps said. “I look forward to the prospect of working with him on a communications agenda focused on serving consumers and the public interest. He will find here a talented and energized team of public servants committed to precisely this goal."
Republican Commissioner Robert McDowell also praised Obama's choice.
“He will bring a valuable perspective to the commission with his experience not only in government but also in the private sector," McDowell said.
