Media Contact: 
Will Wiquist, (202) 418-0509
will.wiquist@fcc.gov
For Immediate Release
CHAIRMAN PAI ANNOUNCES WILLIAMS TO SERVE AS DIRECTOR 
OF COMMUNICATIONS BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES TEAM
Office Leads FCC Work Encouraging Small Communications Businesses  
--
WASHINGTON, June 7, 2017 – FCC Chairman Ajit Pai today announced that the agency has 
chosen Sanford Williams to serve as director of the FCC’s Office of Communications Business 
Opportunities, continuing the work he has been doing as acting director.
“The FCC plays an important role in encouraging a communications industry in which small 
businesses, including minority- and women-owned businesses, thrive,” said Chairman Pai. 
“While it is not our place to dictate market outcomes, there are productive ways that this agency 
can connect people, foster competition, and establish policies that support a market that reflects 
America’s diversity. I’m pleased Sanford has agreed to continue to lead this work; I value his 
counsel in ensuring that these issues are included in our policy thinking.”
The Office of Communication Business Opportunities promotes competition and innovation in 
telecommunications ownership and information services. The office also supports opportunities 
for small communications businesses, including minority- and women-owned businesses.  It is
the principal advisor to the Chairman and the Commissioners on issues, rulemakings, and policies 
affecting these communications businesses. It also represents the agency in various matters 
coordinated with the U.S. Small Business Administration, including those involving the 
Regulatory Flexibility and Small Business Acts.
Mr. Williams has worked in various roles at the Federal Communications Commission since 
1999.  Mr. Williams also worked as an attorney for Womble, Carlyle, Sandridge & Rice, and 
taught at Augusta State University in Augusta, Georgia. Mr. Williams attended Cornell 
University where he earned an undergraduate degree in operations research & industrial 
engineering and a Master’s in Business Administration from the Johnson School of Management. 
He earned his law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law where he was a member 
of the Virginia Law Review.
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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).