Key State Tech Position Remains Open
After serving eight years as U.S. Coordinator for International Communications and Information Policy, David Gross left the State Department on Jan. 20. Richard Beaird is currently serving in his place in an acting capacity. Gross held the title since 2001 when he was nominated by former President George W. Bush. According to the State Department's Web site, Gross led "more U.S. delegations to major international telecommunication conferences than anyone in modern history."
As coordinator, Gross was responsible for the formulation and advocacy of international communications policy for the United States. He had previously been a partner at the Sutherland, Asbill & Brennan law firm, where he specialized in telecommunication issues. He has also served as Washington Counsel for AirTouch Communications, a wireless telecommunications company. In 2000, Gross joined the Bush presidential campaign. Before serving as Gross's deputy, Beaird was an associate administrator at National Telecommunications and Information Administration. Prior to that, he worked for AT&T.
State's International Communication and Information Policy group advocates international policies for expanded access to information and communication technologies and improved efficiency in the international telecommunications market "through increased reliance on free-market forces, and fair opportunities for U.S. companies to participate in this important sector around the globe." A rumor has recently circulated that FCC Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein could be a candidate for Gross's former position.
-- Winter Casey
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