February 11, 1998

GINA KEENEY TO LEAVE COMMISSION

	Regina M. (Gina) Keeney, Chief of the International Bureau, announced
        today that she is leaving the Commission on March 5 to run the
        Washington office of Dell Computer.

	"Gina is an exceptional public servant, one who combines great
        intellect and dedication with a warm personality," said Chairman
        Kennard.  "I speak for Commission colleagues both past and present
        in expressing our profound appreciation for her leadership and her
        extraordinary accomplishments."

	During her four and a half years with the Commission,  Keeney served
        as chief of three bureaus and played a major role in shaping many of
        the Commission's most significant policy initiatives.

	She joined the Commission in 1994 as the first Chief of the
        newly-created Wireless Telecommunications Bureau.  Under her
        leadership, the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau conducted the
        first highly successful spectrum auction, generating more than $7
        billion for the U.S. Treasury.

	In 1995, she was appointed Chief of the Common Carrier Bureau.  Under
        her leadership, the Bureau spearheaded the Commission's implementation
        of the landmark Telecommunications Act of 1996.  While she was chief,
        the Bureau met every deadline for implementing the numerous challenging
        proceedings called for in the Act, including rulemakings on
        interconnection, universal service, and access charge reform.

	FCC Chairman Kennard appointed Keeney Chief of the International Bureau
        in 1997.  As Chief, she was responsible for policy regarding
        international telecommunications facilities and services, licensing of
        satellites, and the implementation of the ground-breaking WTO Agreement
        on Basic Telecommunications Services as well as the Commission's
        International Accounting Rates Benchmark Order.  The results of these
        efforts have already yielded direct savings for U.S. consumers.

	"It's been a great honor to serve in government during some of the most
        dynamic years in the history of communications policy," said Keeney.
        "I am proud to have played a part in advancing competition in the
        telecommunications industry and to have worked with so many dedicated
        public servants."

 	"The Supreme Court's ruling upholding the Commission's interconnection
        decision is the highest endorsement possible of Gina's work," said
        Chairman Kennard.  "This ruling confirms that the Commission's work to
        facilitate competition will continue to deliver benefits to consumers.
        Gina's contributions to the Commission will continue to benefit consumers
        for years to come."

	Before joining the FCC,  Keeney served as the Senior Republican Counsel for
        Communications to the Senate Commerce Committee from 1985-1994.  She is a
        graduate of Harvard Law School and Georgetown University.

                                   - FCC -
?



 

 

	News media Information 202 / 418-0500
	Fax-On-Demand   202 / 418-2830
	Internet: http://www.fcc.gov
	     ftp.fcc.gov
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th St., SW
Washington, D. C.  20554

This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order
constitutes official action.  See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).