FCC Announces New Chief Economist and the 2023 Excellence in Economics, Engineering Award Winners

Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel appointed Dr. Johannes Bauer as Chief Economist for the FCC. Bauer is the Director of the James H. and Mary B. Quello Center at Michigan State University. His research focuses on advanced communications technologies (5G, IoT, and AI)—enabling them, along with understanding and addressing their downsides. On the ground, he works in broadband access, deployment, and digital equity. As with prior Chief Economists, he will work in the FCC’s Office of Economics and Analytics and serve a one-year term. The FCC also announced the winners of the agency’s Excellence in Economic Analysis and Excellence in Engineering Awards. Lester Roberts of the Office of Economics and Analytics has won the 2023 Excellence in Economic Analysis award for his outstanding work to make the Emergency Alert System (EAS) more resilient. John Gabrysch of the Media Bureau has won the 2023 Excellence in Engineering award for his outstanding work in developing innovative tools and methodologies for analyzing interference in the AM radio service.