IP-FLASH New head of FCC's OET

[David Farber <dave () farber net>]

> From: Dewayne Hendricks <dewayne () warpspeed com>
>
> EDMOND J. THOMAS TO BE APPOINTED
> CHIEF OF THE OFFICE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
>
> Washington, DC -- Michael K. Powell, Chairman of the Federal Communications
> Commission, today announced that Edmond J. Thomas will be appointed as the
> Chief of the FCC's Office of Engineering and Technology (OET).
>
> Mr. Thomas brings over thirty-five years of management experience in
> engineering and technology to the Commission.  He formerly served as the
> Chief Executive Officer of a subsidiary of Philips Electronics.  He has also
> served in several senior positions in Bell Atlantic/NYNEX and AT&T.  Mr.
> Thomas received a Masters Degree in Business Administration from Pace
> University.  He also holds both a Masters of Science degree and Bachelors of
> Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic
> University.
>
> "I am thrilled that Ed will be joining us at the Commission," remarked
> Chairman Powell, "he brings a wealth of technology development and
> management expertise to OET at a critical time for communications
> technology.  I am confident that under Ed's leadership, the superb staff of
> OET will be well armed to take on sweeping, fast-paced changes that
> characterize the industries that we regulate and guide the Commission
> through the dynamic technical issues before us."
>
> Mr. Bruce Franca, acting OET Chief, and Mr. Julius Knapp will both continue
> to serve as Deputy Chiefs of OET.
>
> Mr. Franca has served as Acting Chief of OET since December 2000.  During
> this time, Mr. Franca was responsible for developing and implementing the
> Chairman's Excellence in Engineering Program to enable Commission's staff to
> develop a strong fluency in technology.  During his tenure at the FCC, Mr.
> Franca has been involved in a number of significant technical matters
> including the development of the Direct Broadcast Satellite and Personal
> Communications Services.  He also led the FCC's technical efforts with
> regard to Digital Television and the development of the DTV Table of
> Allotments.  Mr. Franca joined the Commission in 1974 and has served as
> Deputy Chief of OET since 1987.
>
> "Bruce Franca has done a stellar job over the past year as Acting Chief of
> OET," said Chairman Powell.  "Bruce is an invaluable asset and the FCC is
> very fortunate to have him here."
>
> - FCC -