Biden nominates Gomez for FCC
May 23, 2023
By Colin Mann
US President Joe Biden has announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to serve as key leaders in his administration:
- Anna M Gomez, Nominee for Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission
- Geoffrey Adam Starks, Nominee for Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission
- Brendan Carr, Nominee for Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission
Starks and Carr are existing Democrat members of the five person Commission and if successful, Gomez’s nomination would result in a 3:2 majority. Biden had sought the nomination of Gigi Sohn in October 2021, but she withdrew her nomination to the post in March 2023, blaming “unrelenting, dishonest and cruel attacks” on her character for her withdrawal. Starks and Brendan Carr would serve additional five-year terms.
“I congratulate Anna Gomez on her nomination to serve as FCC Commissioner,” commented FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. “She brings with her a wealth of telecommunications experience, a substantial record of public service, and a history of working to ensure the US stays on the cutting edge of keeping us all connected. I wish her all the best during the confirmation process.”
“I also want to congratulate Brendan on his re-nomination. From improving network resiliency in light of destructive hurricanes to keeping our networks safe in the face of evolving threats, the FCC has benefitted from his public service.”
“In addition, I want to congratulate Geoffrey on his re-nomination. He has been a consistent advocate for expanding the reach of communications and the opportunities of the digital age to all. I especially want to thank him for his leadership on the creation of the Affordable Connectivity Program’s federal housing outreach effort. I value his partnership on this programme and so many others.”
“I look forward to working with a full complement of FCC Commissioners to advance our mission to connect everyone, everywhere,” she concluded.
NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt said: “NAB congratulates Anna Gomez on her nomination by President Biden to serve as an FCC Commissioner. Ms. Gomez possesses a wealth of experience in media and telecommunications, most notably from her service as acting administrator of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration during the nation’s transition to digital television. With Next Gen TV launching in markets around the country, if confirmed, Ms. Gomez can bring her demonstrated ability to work with industry, manufacturers and consumers to help ensure a smooth and expeditious transition for millions of Americans.
“We applaud the Biden Administration’s ongoing commitment to diversity and are eager to work with all the Commissioners on policies that better enable the broadcast industry to reflect the diverse communities we serve. NAB looks forward to the confirmation process and learning more about Ms. Gomez’s commitment to the critical services local television and radio stations provide to their communities.
“NAB also congratulates Commissioners Carr and Starks on their renominations. Both have demonstrated an appreciation for the importance of a vibrant local broadcast industry, and a willingness to roll up their sleeves to better understand the impact posed by today’s changed competitive landscape.”
Gomez is a telecommunications attorney with extensive experience in domestic and international communications law and policy. Gomez serves as a Senior Advisor for International Information and Communications Policy in the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy. Gomez served as the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Deputy Administrator from 2009 to 2013. She also served for 12 years in various positions at the Federal Communications Commission, including as Deputy Chief of the International Bureau and as Senior Legal Advisor to then-Chairman William E. Kennard. Gomez also served briefly as Counsel on the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation Subcommittee on Communication and as Deputy Chief of Staff of the National Economic Council during the Clinton Administration. Prior to joining the State Department in 2023, Gomez was a partner in Wiley LLP’s telecommunications media and technology group. Gomez also was Vice president for Federal and State Government Affairs at Sprint Nextel and an Associate at Arnold and Porter.
Starks has served as a Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission since 2017. Throughout his career, Starks has focused on creating access to high quality broadband for every American including rural America. While serving at the FCC he has worked to make networks more secure. Starks previously served as Assistant Bureau Chief of the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau. Before joining the Commission in 2015, Starks served as Senior Counsel to the Deputy Attorney General at the U.S. Department of Justice, where he received the Department’s highest employee service award, the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Service. Prior to his government service, Starks practiced law at Williams & Connolly. He earned his A.B. in Social Studies magna cum laude from Harvard College and his J.D. from the Yale Law School, where he served on the Yale Law Journal.
Carr currently serves as a Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission, having first joined the agency as a staffer in 2012. In his time on the Commission, Carr has focused on expanding affordable, high-speed Internet service to all Americans. Carr also leads a telehealth initiative at the FCC, the Connected Care Pilot Program, which supports the delivery of high-quality care to low-income Americans and veterans. Prior to his current role, Carr served as the FCC’s General Counsel and before that as a staffer in multiple offices at the Commission. Before joining the agency, he clerked for Judge Dennis Shedd on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit and worked as a lawyer in the private sector. Carr earned his B.A. from Georgetown University and his J.D. magna cum laude from the Catholic University of America’s Columbus School of Law where he served as an editor of the Catholic University Law Review.