Media Contact: 
Neil Grace, (202) 418-0506
neil.grace@fcc.gov
For Immediate Release
CHAIRMAN PAI ANNOUNCES LEIGHTON AS CHIEF OF OFFICE OF 
STRATEGIC PLANNING & POLICY ANALYSIS
Economist Helping Chart the Path Forward for Planned Economics & Data Office
WASHINGTON, June 28, 2017 – FCC Chairman Ajit Pai today announced that the agency has 
chosen Wayne Leighton as chief of the FCC’s Office of Strategic Planning and Policy Analysis, 
continuing the work he has been doing as acting chief.
“Good public policy relies on a wide swath of experts including economists, policy analysts, 
technology experts, and strategic thinkers. Wayne and his team serve this purpose for the FCC 
and do a wonderful job at it,” said Chairman Pai.  “I’m very pleased that Wayne has agreed to 
continue his work in this area. Specifically, Wayne’s leadership in developing recommendations 
for establishing the FCC’s future Office of Economics and Data has been invaluable and will be 
key to establishing an important new office.”
The Office of Strategic Planning and Policy Analysis helps the Commission develop strategic 
plans, identify the agency’s policy objectives, and provide analysis and advice regarding
complex, novel communications issues. The office includes numerous economists, engineers,
and policy experts working on various projects for the agency. 
Prior to serving as acting chief, Mr. Leighton served as a senior economist in the Wireless 
Telecommunications Bureau and as wireless advisor to then-FCC Commissioner Deborah Taylor 
Tate. Prior to his FCC service, Mr. Leighton worked for an economic consulting firm, was senior 
economist with the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, and has 
been a professor of economics at Universidad Francisco Marroquín in Guatemala. He earned a 
doctorate in economics from George Mason University and undergraduate degrees in business 
and economics from Texas A&M University.
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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).