Stmt of Commissioner Clyburn on Admiral James Barnett's Departure

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See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NEWS MEDIA CONTACT
April 27, 2012
Louis Peraertz, (202) 418-2100
Louis.Peraertz@fcc.gov [5]

STATEMENT OF COMMISSIONER MIGNON L. CLYBURN

ON ADMIRAL JAMES ARDEN BARNETT’S DEPARTURE FROM THE FCC

“I would like to congratulate Admiral Barnett on leaving a terrific legacy at the FCC. As
a career Naval Officer, it was expected that he would lead an efficient, highly organized Bureau.
As a dedicated public servant, it was also anticipated that he would direct his staff to provide the
highest quality work product. He exceeded those expectations by achieving a number of
important public safety goals. He proposed, and we conducted, the first ever nationwide EAS
test. Through his efforts, we have improved the reliability and continuity of our communications
networks. And the industry is taking great strides, in response to his recommendation that we
take a multi-stakeholder approach to improving cyber security.
Admiral Barnett also served as an excellent role model in other ways that may not receive
as much attention. I was impressed with his dedication to the development of his staff. He
showed this in many ways such as allowing his professional staff, from all levels, to lead many
Eighth Floor briefings, and by recognizing their contributions during Open Meetings. This not
only allows me the opportunity to engage with more of our talented staff, it is also another means
to give them the respect they deserve.
I also appreciate Admiral Barnett’s efforts in promoting diversity at the FCC. He
traveled to the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern, a historically black
university, to inform students about the FCC and encourage them to pursue a career in
communications.
While he set a high standard for his successor in so many ways, I must admit that I will
also miss his Southern charm and graces. Fortunately, he will be staying in the area, so I look
forward to catching up and learning more about the work he will be doing at the Potomac
Institute. Godspeed.”
-- FCC --

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