Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski announced yesterday Rick Kaplan will replace Bruce Gottlieb as chief counsel and senior legal adviser at the end of July.Kaplan will assume the responsibility for policy coordination among the FCC bureaus and offices.
“Rick brings a wealth of experience and achievement to the Commission—as an attorney, public servant, and successful entrepreneur,†Genachowski said. “He has a keen intellect, great judgment, deep insight into the challenges and opportunities of the modern communications landscape, and the ability to build consensus among a wide variety of stakeholders. I am delighted that he has agreed to join my senior leadership team.â€
Kaplan is former chief of staff for commissioner Mignon Clyburn. He took on this role in 2009 after he was deputy coordinator of the FCC’s DTV task force.
He was also once an associate at Sidley Austin LLP and also served in the Office of the General Counsel at the U.S. House of Representatives. Kaplan will be taking over for Gottlieb after his four and a half years of service.
On Gottlieb’s service, Genachowski said, “I am grateful for his tireless efforts over the past year as my Chief Counsel, as well as during the eight months he took a leave of absence from the agency to manage my Senate confirmation process.” He added, “Bruce will remain a trusted adviser and friend, and I wish him great success in the next phase of his career.â€
