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
April 27, 2012 Louis Peraertz, (202) 418-2100
Louis.Peraertz@fcc.gov
STATEMENT OF COMMISSIONER MIGNON L. CLYBURN
ON ADMIRAL JAMES ARDEN BARNETT’S DEPARTURE FROM THE FCC 
“I would like to congratulate Admiral Barnett on leaving a terrific legacy at the FCC.  As 
a career Naval Officer, it was expected that he would lead an efficient, highly organized Bureau.  
As a dedicated public servant, it was also anticipated that he would direct his staff to provide the 
highest quality work product.  He exceeded those expectations by achieving a number of 
important public safety goals.  He proposed, and we conducted, the first ever nationwide EAS 
test.  Through his efforts, we have improved the reliability and continuity of our communications 
networks.  And the industry is taking great strides, in response to his recommendation that we 
take a multi-stakeholder approach to improving cyber security. 
Admiral Barnett also served as an excellent role model in other ways that may not receive 
as much attention.  I was impressed with his dedication to the development of his staff.  He 
showed this in many ways such as allowing his professional staff, from all levels, to lead many 
Eighth Floor briefings, and by recognizing their contributions during Open Meetings.  This not 
only allows me the opportunity to engage with more of our talented staff, it is also another means 
to give them the respect they deserve.
I also appreciate Admiral Barnett’s efforts in promoting diversity at the FCC.  He 
traveled to the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern, a historically black 
university, to inform students about the FCC and encourage them to pursue a career in 
communications.
While he set a high standard for his successor in so many ways, I must admit that I will 
also miss his Southern charm and graces.  Fortunately, he will be staying in the area, so I look 
forward to catching up and learning more about the work he will be doing at the Potomac 
Institute. Godspeed.”
-- FCC --