Zachary Katz has been tapped chief of staff for the Federal Communications Commission, the regulatory agency announced on Thursday.
Katz will succeed Eddie Lazarus, who leaves at the end of January. When he announced his departure in December, he said he had no immediate plans.
“As I know from working closely with Zac on many important initiatives, he has exceptionally good judgment, tremendous aptitude and the strong leadership qualities to serve as Chief of Staff," Genachowski said in a statement.
Katz joined the FCC in 2009 from the White House Counsel’s Office and previously practiced law at Munger, Tolles & Olson in Los Angeles.
In addition, Genachowski is shaking up the contours of his senior staff.
Among the changes: Sherrese Smith, currently senior counsel and legal advisor, will become chief counsel and senior legal advisor. Smith will manage the commission’s overall policy agenda, and will be responsible for policy coordination among the bureaus and offices.
Josh Gottheimer will expand his responsibilities as senior counselor to the chairman to focus on directing a new team at the commission on public-private initiatives.
Amy Levine, currently special counsel and legal advisor, will become senior counsel and legal advisor.
Michael Steffen will join the chairman’s office as legal advisor to the chairman with particular responsibility for wireline, international, and Internet issues, including universal service, open Internet, and satellite matters. Steffen currently serves as special counsel in the Office of General Counsel.
