OTI Praises Historic FCC, NTIA Nominations, Urges Speedy Confirmations

Today, President Biden nominated former OTI Director Alan Davidson as administrator of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), acting Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair Jessica Rosenworcel as the agency’s permanent chair, and public interest lawyer Gigi Sohn as an FCC commissioner.

Alan Davidson is currently a vice president at the Mozilla Foundation. He was OTI’s director and New America’s vice president for technology policy and strategy from 2014 to 2015. He also served as the first director of digital economy at the U.S. Department of Commerce and opened Google’s first Washington, D.C. office in 2005. He began his professional life as a computer scientist.

Jessica Rosenworcel is currently serving as the acting FCC chair, having served as a commissioner since 2012. She previously served as an advisor to FCC Commissioner Michael Copps and the Senate Commerce Committee. She has a proven track record of success on many issues, including spectrum policy, closing the “homework gap,” and, most recently, launching the FCC’s Emergency Broadband Benefit. 

Gigi Sohn is currently a distinguished fellow at the Georgetown Law Institute for Technology Law & Policy and a senior fellow and public advocate at the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society. She previously served as counselor to FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler and founded Public Knowledge in 2001. She has had a long career as a public interest leader and a devoted advocate for internet freedom, consumer protection, and digital equity.

The following quote can be attributed to Sarah Morris, Director of New America’s Open Technology Institute:

“I had the privilege of working with Alan Davidson during his tenure at New America and OTI, but his commitment to promoting a free and open internet transcends his roles in both the public interest and private sectors. His strategic and technical acumen, breadth of knowledge and experience across the full range of technology policy issues, and strong commitment to public interest values make him an excellent choice to lead the NTIA.

“OTI has worked closely with Jessica Rosenworcel throughout her long career at the FCC, where she has been a tireless advocate for the public interest and a key ally for many OTI priorities, including defending net neutrality, expanding broadband connectivity, and modernizing spectrum policy. As acting chair, she quickly launched two programs that are helping students and low-income households access the internet during the pandemic. She will be an outstanding permanent chair—making history as the first woman in this role—and we look forward to her continued leadership. 

“Gigi Sohn is a fierce champion for the public interest who will ensure the FCC advances policies that put people first. As the FCC’s first openly LGBTQ commissioner, her nomination is also historic. OTI has worked alongside Gigi in numerous coalitions, where she shines as a leader with an unwavering commitment to open, affordable, and privacy-protective communications that are accessible for all. She will have a large and lasting impact as the agency’s newest commissioner. 

“OTI strongly supports these nominees and urges the Senate to move quickly on their confirmations. These agencies have critically important missions that require Senate-confirmed leadership to get the job done.”