Former top FCC cyber official heads to law firm

David Turetsky, one of the Federal Communications Commission’s former top cybersecurity officials, is headed to law firm Akin Gump.

Turetsky will join the firm as a partner in its public law and policy practice, Akin Gump said Tuesday.

{mosads}“With cybersecurity being such a clear focus of both the legislative and executive branches … adding someone with the track record and high-level government experience that David possesses has been a priority of ours,” said Kim Koopersmith, Akin Gump’s chairperson.

Most recently, Turetsky was deputy chief of the FCC’s International Bureau, but he also led the commission’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau.

In March, Turetsky stepped down from the agency.

FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler called him “a tireless and effective leader at the FCC.”

Wheeler singled out Turetsky’s efforts “to promote the availability and reliability of communications to make people safer.”

Turetsky helped the FCC implement President Obama’s cybersecurity executive order, working to improving the security of public safety communications, like the 911 network. Turetsky also helped coordinate the FCC’s response to natural disasters, such as Hurricane Sandy.

Prior to the FCC, Turetsky worked at the Justice Department on antitrust enforcement, mergers and regulatory policy related to the telecommunications and computer industries, among others.

“David’s stature in the industry will be a great asset to our clients, and we are delighted to have him with us,” Koopersmith said.

Turetsky will also aid Akin Gump in its push to get government approval for expanded commercial drone use.  

“Rapid changes in technology are reshaping business competition, creating new and disruptive opportunities and threats and giving rise to complex policy and regulatory issues,” Turetsky said.