The 63-year-old Lawton, who also serves as the administrator of cable and communications services for Montgomery County, Md., died of an apparent heart attack after giving a rousing sermon on preserving local franchise authority for cable television [Read more in Technology Daily's PM Edition].

Lawton formerly served as a systems engineer for IBM and was a past president of the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors. She was also involved in the Federal Communications Bar Association and Women in Wireless Leadership Forum.

Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley said in a statement that he was "shocked and saddened" by her death. Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett also issued a quote saying Lawton's death was "a significant and tragic loss" and that her "expertise in cable matters was unprecedented."

The Washington Post also has coverage of the community leader's passing.

Update: Assistant Attorney General Thomas Barnett, who spoke prior to Lawton, released a statement late in the day, saying her "vibrant spirit, dedication to public service, and expertise in the telecommunications industry is well known to those she served."