Media Contact: 
Will Wiquist, (202) 418-0509
will.wiquist@fcc.gov
For Immediate Release
FCC CHAIRMAN WHEELER APPOINTS NEW CHIEF ECONOMIST
  --
WASHINGTON, June 10, 2016 – FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler today announced the 
appointment of Katja Seim as chief economist for the Federal Communications Commission, 
effective July 1, 2016.  Dr. Seim currently serves as an associate professor of business economics 
and public policy at the Wharton School in Philadelphia, Pa. 
“Given the vital importance of economics to the Commission’s work, it is essential that we have 
exceptionally-qualified individuals like Professor Katja Seim involved,” said Chairman Wheeler. 
“In today’s world, it is vital that public policy and business economics are understood as inter-
related fields. I look forward to having Professor Seim playing the important role of FCC chief 
economist.”
The FCC chief economist advises the Chairman on economic issues and is part of the agency’s 
Office of Strategic Planning and Policy Analysis.
Dr. Seim received her doctorate in economics from Yale University and her undergraduate degree 
in economics and mathematics from Franklin & Marshall College. At Wharton, Dr. Seim teaches 
managerial economics in the MBA program and an undergraduate elective in public policy design 
and regulation. Before joining Wharton, she was on the faculty at the Stanford Graduate School 
of Business.
Dr. Seim will take on the chief economist role from Dr. Jonathan Levy who has filled the role 
over recent months and will now return to his deputy chief economist position in the agency.  
Chairman Wheeler noted, “I thank Jonathan for his continued leadership and valued counsel on a 
wide variety of policy issues.”
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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. Cir. 1974).