FCC Chair Carr Makes Additional High-Level Personnel Announcements

FCC Chair Carr Makes Additional High-Level Personnel Announcements

New Appointments at the Federal Communications Commission

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has made several key staff appointments, as Chair Brendan Carr aims to deliver great results for the American people.

One of the most notable appointments is that of Andy Hendrickson, who has been named as the Chief of the FCC’s Office of Engineering and Technology (OET). Hendrickson brings over 20 years of experience in telecommunications and digital infrastructure to the role. He has served recently as the Chief Technology Officer in the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau, focusing on emerging technology, policy, enforcement, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, 911, and network outage mitigation.

Before rejoining the FCC, Hendrickson was Senior Director of Technology at Verizon Communications, involved in the rollout of Verizon’s 5G network and overseeing engineering and operations for Verizon Cloud. He has also led global technology initiatives at Esri Inc. and taught environmental geomatics at Rutgers University.

In his new role as the FCC’s principal technical advisor, Hendrickson will shape spectrum policy, guide equipment authorization, and ensure regulatory standards keep pace with evolving communications technologies like 5G, next-generation satellite, and AI.

Other notable appointments include Catherine Matraves, who has been appointed as the Acting Chief of the Office of Economics and Analytics. Matraves, who holds a Doctorate in Economics from the University of East Anglia in England, joined the FCC as a deputy division chief in the Economic Analysis Division when the office was formed in 2018 and became deputy chief for economics in January 2022.

Ira Keltz, the Acting Chief Engineer in the Office of Engineering and Technology, also joined the FCC in 1994 and has held management positions in the office’s Policy and Rules Division and Electromagnetic Compatibility Division, and worked for the agency’s Wireless Bureau-then the Private Radio Bureau. Keltz earned his master’s degree in electrical engineering from George Washington University and his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Michigan.

Katie Gorscak, the acting director of media relations, has been with the FCC since 2014, first as the director of communications for the Connect2Health Task Force and recently as a senior communications adviser in Media Relations.

Chair Carr expressed gratitude towards the new staff members and looks forward to working with them. The appointments are intended to advance the agency’s agenda and help the FCC deliver on its mission to promote competition, investment, and innovation in the communications sector.

The FCC aims to ensure that all Americans have access to fast, affordable, and reliable communications services, and these appointments are a step towards achieving that goal.

1. Andy Hendrickson, as the new Chief of the FCC's Office of Engineering and Technology (OET), will shape spectrum policy and guide equipment authorization, focusing on evolving technologies like 5G, next-generation satellite, and AI.
2. Catherine Matraves, the Acting Chief of the Office of Economics and Analytics, holds a Doctorate in Economics and has been with the FCC since 2018, joining as a deputy division chief in the Economic Analysis Division.
3. Ira Keltz, the Acting Chief Engineer in the Office of Engineering and Technology, joined the FCC in 1994 and has a master's degree in electrical engineering from George Washington University and a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from the University of Michigan.
4. Katie Gorscak, the acting director of media relations, has been with the FCC since 2014, first as the director of communications for the Connect2Health Task Force and recently as a senior communications adviser in Media Relations. These appointments are a step towards the FCC's goal of promoting competition, investment, and innovation in the media and communications sector, and ensuring fast, affordable, and reliable services for all Americans.

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