/ 04.19.2011 12:00AM
FCC Commissioner Michael Copps Announces Chief of Staff Change
WASHINGTON: Commissioner Michael Copps announced today that Chief of Staff
and Senior Policy Advisor John Giusti will depart the Commission shortly to
serve as the head of spectrum for GSMA, a global trade association of mobile
operators, in London, England.
“Working with John Giusti has been one of the true joys of my service here at
the commission. He has an incredible wealth of knowledge of all things global
that he amassed from his years in the International Bureau, including his time
as acting bureau chief while I was acting chair of the commission. I have been
with him at numerous international events and have the highest admiration for
his skills as a negotiator and a diplomat. He moves smartly and effectively in
the global arena. His wireless acumen is both broad and deep and he has been at
the forefront in developing FCC wireless policy for many years. John brings to
everything he does a deep dedication to the best possible policy outcomes and a
palpable commitment to the public interest. He also brings an inimitable ‘Giusti
Style’ to whatever he happens to be doing. It combines his penetrating
intelligence and practical good judgment with a unique sense of humor, an
ability to savor life’s little ironies, and a happy disposition even when the
terrain gets momentarily rough. Put it all together and you have a combination
of talents and traits that has won him a city-full--indeed an international
coterie--of friends and admirers. He will now bring these assets to GSMA--helping
deliver the value of mobility, including mobile broadband, to citizens around
the globe. The entire Copps team, present and former, joins in wishing John well
has he undertakes his new global challenge.”
Copps also announced that Mark Stone will join his office to take over John’s
responsibilities.
“I have had many opportunities to work with Mark over my years here, as he has
performed myriad tasks for the FCC. I especially recall the advice and counsel
he shared with me as I suddenly found myself acting chairman of the commission
in 2009. His knowledge of how the place runs and his mastery of how to get good
things accomplished was, and remains, immensely helpful to me--and to the
ongoing work of the commission.”
Stone holds an undergraduate degree in Business Administration from James Madison
University and a Juris Doctorate from George Mason University. He started in
public service in 1991 at the General Services Administration Office of
Inspector General. Since joining the commission in 1994, he has held posts in
the Common Carrier Bureau, the Enforcement Bureau and the Office of Managing
Director. He has also previously served as an advisor to former Commissioner
Jonathan Adelstein and former Chairman Kevin Martin. In his current role as deputy
chief of the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, Stone has been involved
in core consumer protection matters including bill shock, truth-in-billing and
disability access.
The remainder of the Copps team continues in place, with Margaret McCarthy
serving as policy advisor for Broadband, Wireline and Universal Service; Joshua
Cinelli as media advisor; Carolyn Conyers as confidential assistant; and Renee
Coles as staff assistant.