Media Contact: 
Bill Davenport, (202) 418-2500
william.davenport@fcc.gov

For Immediate Release

COMMISSIONER STARKS ANNOUNCES NEW LEGAL ADVISOR

WASHINGTON, January 7, 2020—FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks announced today the appointment of Diane Holland as Legal Advisor covering media and consumer protection issues. 

Ms. Holland was most recently the Senior Advisor for Technology and Telecom at the Washington Bureau of the National Urban League, where she developed strategic advocacy and analysis in support of the organization’s goals to provide economic empowerment, educational opportunities, and the guarantee of civil rights to the underserved in urban communities.  She previously served as Vice President, Law and Policy at USTelecom – The Broadband Association, developing policy and advocating on behalf of broadband companies.  During her tenure at USTelecom, Ms. Holland was appointed to serve as Vice Chair of the FCC’s North American Numbering Council, and was elected to the Federal Communications Bar Association’s Executive Committee. 

Prior to that, Ms. Holland served in various leadership roles at the FCC. As Deputy Associate General Counsel for Administrative Law, she oversaw the legal review of all matters relating to broadband and wireline competition. She also served as Chief of Staff to the General Counsel and held numerous positions in the Wireline Competition Bureau, including Associate Bureau Chief, Chief of Staff, and Division Chief. 

Commissioner Starks said, “Diane is well-known both within and outside the FCC as a communications law and policy expert, and I am excited about bringing her depth and knowledge to our already deep bench.  She is passionate about issues that I care deeply about, such as digital inclusion and privacy rights, and I look forward to working with her to address these and other important consumer protections.” 

“I am honored that my return to public service is to the office of Commissioner Starks; our team is strong, and fully committed to helping achieve the Commissioner’s goal of addressing digital inequality across the Nation,” said Ms. Holland.  “I’m especially eager to work on the important media and consumer protection issues facing the Commission during this critical period of innovation and technological revolution.” 

Ms. Holland is a graduate of the University of Maryland, and has a J.D., cum laude, from Howard University School of Law and a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from Georgetown University Law Center.
###
Office of Commissioner Geoffrey Starks: (202) 418-2500 
ASL Videophone: (844) 432-2275
TTY: (888) 835-5322
Twitter: @GeoffreyStarks 
www.fcc.gov/about/leadership/geoffrey-starks

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).