FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn announced Tuesday that the commission’s April meeting would be her last at the agency.
“I’ve done all I know to do,” Clyburn said at the meeting. “And it’s time for me to serve in another way.”
One of two Democratic commissioners, Clyburn began serving at the FCC in 2009 and is in her second term at the agency. She previously served as acting chairwoman in 2013 — becoming the first woman to lead the agency.
“It has been an honor to work alongside her to put consumers first and bring connectivity to those at greatest risk of being left behind — urban, rural, and everywhere in between,” fellow Democratic Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel said in a statement.
Reports indicated that the announcement wasn’t unexpected, and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer previously recommended FCC enforcement bureau official Geoffrey Starks to take her place at the commission, according to Politico.
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai praised Clyburn’s transition leadership and her work to advance “telehealth, media diversity and digital inclusion.”
“I have enjoyed working with her and, even when we have not seen eye-to-eye on policy, I have always held her candor and thoughtfulness in the highest regard,” Pai said.
Meredith Attwell Baker, a former commissioner who now leads wireless industry group CTIA, also lauded Clyburn’s “deep understanding of how wireless connectivity can empower consumers and provide new opportunities to educators and health care professionals.”
“She has been a steadfast advocate for harnessing the power of wireless to help diverse communities,” Baker said.
Filed Under: Industry regulations
