Steven J. Simmons

Steven J. Simmons is Chairman and CEO of Patriot Media and Communications, LLC, a new company formed to purchase cable companies in the United States. It will offer subscribers digital and analog cable programming as well as high-speed Internet access through cable modems.

From 1982-1994, he served as chairman and chief executive officer of Simmons Communications, Inc. (SCI). Simmons founded SCI, which owned and managed cable companies, in 1981. At its height, SCI served approximately 350,000 cable subscribers in 20 states. It had over 50 offices nationwide and more than 600 employees. Prior to starting SCI, Simmons served almost four years as an assistant and then as associate director on the White House's domestic policy staff.

A graduate of Cornell University and Harvard Law School, Simmons began his career at the University of California at Irvine where he taught communications and constitutional law, among other subjects. His writing includes a book entitled "The Fairness Doctrine and the Media." Simmons has also authored children's books, including "Alice and Greta," which became a best-selling children's picture book.

Simmons continues to be active in cable and other organizations. He served on the board of the National Cable Television Association for three years, and he co-founded and chairs the Entrepreneurs Club, a group of 24 leaders of cable television companies. He was also active in the Young Presidents' Organization, serving on its board, and is a member of the Chief Executives' Organization.