Benton Foundation Executive Director Adrianne B. Furniss announced today that former Federal Communications Commissioner and Acting Chair Mignon L. Clyburn has joined the foundation’s Board of Directors effective January 1, 2019.

Nominated by President Barack Obama, Clyburn served as an FCC Commissioner from August 2009 until June 2018, and as Acting FCC Chair from May 20, 2013 through November 4, 2013. While at the FCC, Clyburn was a champion of diversity in media ownership, an advocate for the reform of Inmate Calling Services, and a staunch defender of a free and open internet.

“Mignon Clyburn’s dedication to closing the digital divide makes her the perfect fit for the Benton Foundation,” Furniss said. “Mignon’s experience, passion and guidance will be critical as we consider new ways to provide all people in the US access to advanced communications in a time of both new technologies and social needs.”

Clyburn said, “I am drawn to Benton’s steadfast commitment to access, equity, and diversity. Fast, fair, and open broadband for all people in the U.S. would support better educational, employment, local economic development, civic engagement, and health outcomes.  I am excited to join a team committed to creating a new framework for broadband policy in the 2020s.”

Clyburn is currently an Open Society Foundations Leadership in Government Fellow. Previously, she served 11 years on the South Carolina Public Service Commission and was the publisher and general manager of the Coastal Times, a family-founded, Charleston-based weekly newspaper focusing on issues affecting the African American community.

Clyburn is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and holds a BS in banking, finance, and economics.

Benton is a non-profit, operating foundation. Its mission is to bring open, affordable, high-capacity broadband to all people in the U.S. to ensure a thriving democracy.

CONTACT: Adrianne B. Furniss 847-328-3040

Benton, a non-profit, operating foundation, believes that communication policy - rooted in the values of access, equity, and diversity - has the power to deliver new opportunities and strengthen communities to bridge our divides. Our goal is to bring open, affordable, high-capacity broadband to all people in the U.S. to ensure a thriving democracy.

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