In Memoriam
Michael Fitch, former President and CEO of PCIA (now the Wireless Infrastructure Association) passed away on July 22. Fitch led the association through many industry-wide changes from 2005 to 2012. At PCIA, he led a successful legislative effort that resulted in the passage of Section 6409(a) of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012, which mandates colocation by right at many wireless towers and sites in the U.S.
Most recently, Fitch was Senior Counsel at Keller and Heckman’s Telecommunications Practice, a role he had from 2015 until his retirement earlier this year. The firm issued a statement saying: “We are very fortunate to have been able to work with Mike. He will be missed by his colleagues at Keller and Heckman, his family, and his friends.”
Fitch spent the first 20 years of his career at the FCC, where he advanced from Staff Attorney to Division Chief, Bureau Chief, and ultimately Senior Legal and International Advisor to the Chairman. He moved to the U.S. Department of State, where he was an Office Director and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State in the Communications and Information Policy Bureau during the Clinton Administration. While there, he led U.S. delegations to Inmarsat, Intelsat, and International Telecommunication Union meetings.
Following his government service, Fitch became the Vice President of Regulatory Affairs and Spectrum Management at Hughes Communications, now DirecTV. While at Hughes, he was a member of the Board of Directors and the Chairman of the Board of the Satellite Industry Association. When Hughes Space and Communications was acquired by Boeing in 2001, Mike continued his regulatory affairs and spectrum management roles and took on new responsibilities involving Homeland Security. While at Boeing, he was also Vice President of the U.S. ITU Association.
He had a JD from Columbia Law School, and a Bachelor of Science, Electrical Engineering from Purdue University.
Jeffrey Stoops, President and Chief Executive Officer of SBA Communications said: “Mike Fitch will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He was the consummate gentleman and professional. WIA would not be the successful and effective organization it is today without Mike’s leadership and hard work over the years. All of us associated with WIA owe Mike a great deal of thanks.”
Marc Ganzi, Chief Executive Officer of DigitalBridge said: “I want to extend my personal sympathies to the Fitch Family. It was my distinct honor and privilege to have worked with Mike on the PCIA (now WIA) Board, as he served our sector with class, dignity and humility. We achieved many great things together advancing the industry and its many advocacy challenges, as he worked tirelessly on all of our behalf. Mike you will be missed, revered and always in our hearts.”
Jonathan Adelstein Managing Director and Head of Global Policy of DigitalBridge said: “Mike was a seasoned professional who set PCIA up beautifully for success. He was respected by everyone in the industry and made his mark with many contributions in both public service and for the wireless industry. He was gracious in helping me make the transition, as he was in all he did. We will miss his wise counsel, wit and passion for our industry and his many friends in it. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones at this difficult time.”
“We’re deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Michael Fitch, and we extend our sympathy to his family and loved ones,” said WIA Interim President/CEO Tim House. “Mike was a titan in our industry and led WIA from 2005-2012, back when the organization was known as PCIA. During his tenure, he guided the association through rapid changes in our industry and successfully advocated for policies that spurred network advancements and innovation. Mike led an impressive life, with a prolific career in both public service and business. Mike hired me at then-PCIA 15 years ago, and I will personally miss his counsel, friendship, and our many conversations about music. As an industry, we’re thankful for his life and work, and he will be greatly missed.”
“NATE is saddened by the news of Michael Fitch’s passing and extends our thoughts and prayers to his family and friends,” said NATE President/CEO Todd Schlekeway. “When I first started at NATE in 2012, Michael was leading the PCIA organization and I appreciated him taking time to visit with me as a newcomer to the industry. The association also appreciated Michael representing the California Wireless Association as a speaker at our NATE UNITE 2014 Conference in San Diego. Michael’s in-depth industry knowledge and gentle demeanor will be missed by all who knew him,” Schlekeway said.
Reader Interactions