The FCC launched its new Space Bureau and Office of International Affairs on Tuesday. FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced key leadership appointments: Julie Kearney as Chief of the Space Bureau, Ethan Lucarelli as Chief of the Office of International Affairs, Ronald Repasi as Chief of the Office of Engineering and Technology, and Joel Taubenblatt as Chief of the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau.
Rosenworcel discussed how the space-related work the agency does is growing: “We have applications for more than 60,000 new satellites before this agency right now. That is larger than at any point in history. We have seen an incredible increase in applications for gateway earth stations filed before the agency.”
The Chairwoman says the reorganization is part of what she believes should be a broader rethinking of the country’s space policy because of the plethora of new technologies in the industry. So many, “that I don’t think this agency can keep doing things the old way and thrive in the new,” she said.
Rosenworcel proposed the re-org in November, Inside Towers reported. It required Commission orders, congressional approvals, the okay of the Office of Management and Budget as well as union negotiations.
Julie Kearney, the first Chief of the FCC’s new Space Bureau, joined the Commission in February as Senior Counsel to help lead this transition. Prior to her FCC work, she worked in the private sector for communications companies including Twilio, Loon (Alphabet), NPR, MCI, the Consumer Technology Association, and in private legal practice.
Ethan Lucarelli, the first Chief of the Office of International Affairs, has most recently served as Legal Advisor to Chairwoman Rosenworcel on wireless and international policy issues. He also advised the Chairwoman on public safety and was an advisor in the agency’s Wireless Telecommunications Bureau. Prior to working for the FCC, he worked for Inmarsat, Wiley Rein LLP, and continues to lecture at the George Washington University Law School.
Joel Taubenblatt is now Chief of the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau after serving in an acting capacity in that role in recent years. Before that, he was Deputy Bureau Chief, Chief of the Competition and Infrastructure Policy Division, and Chief of the Broadband Division.
Ronald Repasi is now Chief of the Office of Engineering and Technology after serving in an acting capacity in that role in recent years. He joined the office in 2003, and served as Deputy Chief since 2007.
By Leslie Stimson, Inside Towers Washington Bureau Chief
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