NEWS
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street, S.W.
Washington, D. C.  20554
This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action.
See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).
News Media Information 202 / 418-0500
Internet: http://www.fcc.gov
TTY: 1-888-835-5322
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:
September 18, 2009 Brigid Calamis (202) 418-2200
COMMISSIONER ROBERT M. McDOWELL
ANNOUNCES STAFF CHANGE
Christine Kurth will join the Office of Commissioner McDowell as Policy Director and 
Wireline Counsel. She was most recently Republican Staff Director and General Counsel for the 
U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation and joined the Committee in 
2005 as Deputy Staff Director.  For the last six years of her Capitol Hill career, she has led or 
been intimately involved in drafting and negotiating legislation to keep up with the ever-
changing communications landscape.  Laws enacted during her tenure included Internet Tax 
moratorium, broadband mapping, public safety interoperability, online safety, spectrum 
relocation, and the digital television transition.
Regarding the hiring of Ms. Kurth, Commissioner McDowell said, “I am extremely lucky 
to have Christine join the team in our office.  She brings with her a wealth of experience and 
expertise.  She will be an invaluable asset as we tackle a plethora of complex wireline issues in 
the coming months, not the least of which is the National Broadband Plan.”
Prior to joining the Commerce Committee, Ms. Kurth served as Deputy General Counsel 
for the Senate Committee on Appropriations from 2003 to 2005.  She has also served as Counsel 
to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and as Professional Staff Member to 
the Senate Appropriations Committee.  Before her nine years of service on Capitol Hill, Ms. 
Kurth litigated contempt cases in federal court on behalf of the National Labor Relations Board. 
She began her legal career as a law clerk to Chief Judge James K. Singleton in the U.S. District 
Court in Alaska.  Ms. Kurth received a Bachelor of Arts degree, magna cum laude, in political 
science and a Juris Doctor degree, cum laude, from Valparaiso University.  
Nick Alexander, who has served as Commissioner McDowell’s Legal Advisor for 
wireline issues since July 2008, will be joining the leadership team of the Wireline Competition 
Bureau.  Commissioner McDowell expressed deep appreciation for Nick’s service:  “I am 
immensely fortunate to have been the beneficiary of Nick’s insight and excellent legal skills.  
More importantly, American consumers have been well served by his diligence and commitment.  
I am glad that the Commission will continue to benefit from his service.”
As background, Commissioner McDowell’s office is led by his Chief of Staff and Senior 
Legal Advisor, Angela Giancarlo who handles wireless and international issues, among many 
other matters.  Additionally, Rosemary Harold serves as his Legal Advisor for media issues, 
Brigid Calamis serves as Deputy Chief of Staff and Rafael Fernandez as Staff Assistant.
-FCC-