Press Release: Commerce Department Announces New Deputy Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information To Assist in Leading Nation’s Switch to Digital Television Transition

For Immediate Release:  February 3, 2009
Contact:  Bart Forbes, (202) 482-7002 or press@ntia.doc.gov

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration today announced the appointment of Anna Gomez as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information, and Deputy National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Administrator. One of Ms. Gomez’s top duties will be to help facilitate the nation’s historic transition to digital television.

“With significant challenges ahead of us as the country prepares to make the switch to digital TV, it’s essential that we have leadership at NTIA that puts the American consumers first,” said NTIA Associate Administrator Bernadette McGuire-Rivera. “Anna Gomez’s work with the telecommunications industry and her vast experience with the Federal Communications Commission give her the judgment, experience and commitment necessary to help lead the NTIA though this transition time. Helping the American people through the DTV conversion is a top priority for the Obama Administration and I am confident Anna is the right person to help the NTIA achieve this goal.”

Most recently, Ms. Gomez served as the Vice President, State and Federal Regulatory, Government Affairs advocating on behalf of Sprint Nextel before state and federal government agencies regarding non-spectrum issues that affect the company’s wireless and wireline assets. Prior to her work in private industry, Ms. Gomez worked for several years at the Federal Communications Commission in various management positions including Chief, Network Services Division, Common Carrier Bureau and most recently as Deputy Chief of the International Bureau where she assisted in developing and implementing policy on international telecommunications and satellite spectrum. Ms. Gomez also served as a Senior Legal Advisor to former FCC Chairman William Kennard.

Prior to her work at the FCC, Ms. Gomez served as the Deputy Chief of Staff in the National Economic Council during the Clinton Administration specializing in the development of U.S. telecommunications policy and issues related to Hispanic education. Ms. Gomez also served as Staff Counsel in the U.S. Senate for the Subcommittee on Communication, Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation.

Gomez is a graduate of the Pennsylvania State University and earned her J.D. from George Washington University. Ms. Gomez is a member of the District of Columbia’s Hispanic Bar Association and the Federal Communications Bar Association. Ms. Gomez resides in Northern Virginia.

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