WASHINGTON, DC - House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR) and Communications and Technology Subcommittee Chairman Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) today announced the following staff announcements for the Communications and Technology Subcommittee.
Robin C. Colwell, Chief Counsel, Subcommittee on Communications and Technology
Colwell will serve as Chief Counsel for the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology beginning in July. She has served as FCC Commissioner Mike O’Rielly’s Chief of Staff and Senior Legal Advisor since December of 2014. Prior to that Robin served as a Legislative Counsel for Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) and as a Counsel at the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation’s Subcommittee on Tourism, Competitiveness, and Innovation.
Timothy J. Kurth, Senior Professional Staff, Subcommittee on Communications and Technology
Kurth returns to Capitol Hill after a career in the private sector. Kurth worked in Congress from 1995 - 2004, including as the senior advisor on technology and telecommunications issues for the Speaker of the House, Congressman J. Dennis Hastert (R-IL), and prior to that as Hastert’s legislative assistant during his time on the House Commerce Committee. Kurth began his career in Washington with stints at the U.S. Department of State, as well as interning in the leadership office of Congressman Bob Michel (R-IL).
“We’re excited to have Robin and Tim join our already stellar team at the Communications and Technology Subcommittee," said Walden and Blackburn. “Their breadth of knowledge on communications policy will play an integral role as the committee works towards boosting broadband deployment, Next Generation 911 reauthorization, spectrum allocation and availability, and FCC oversight. We’re looking forward to them joining our team and getting to work on these important issues."
FCC Commissioner Mike O’Rielly added, “I will truly miss Robin because her professionalism and mastery of communications policy is only exceeded by her sound judgment, political acumen and ability to work well with everyone she meets. While she maintains sound conservative principles, she is able and willing to reach a deal when appropriate. There is no doubt in my mind that Robin will do very well in the new role."
Current Chief Counsel David Redl was nominated for the position of Administrator at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and will remain on staff until confirmed. Deputy Chief Counsel Grace Koh departed the committee earlier this year to serve as Special Assistant to the President for Technology, Telecom, and Cyber-Security Policy.
Kelsey Guyselman, Gene Fullano, Lauren McCarty, and Giulia Giannangeli will continue to serve the Communications and Technology Subcommittee in their current roles.
