NEWS
Federal Communications Commission
News Media Information 202 / 418-0500
445 12th Street, S.W.
Internet: http://www.fcc.gov
Washington, D. C. 20554
TTY: 1-888-835-5322
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. Circ 1974).
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:
January 31, 2013
Thomas Sullivan (202) 418-0411
Email:
Thomas.Sullivan@fcc.gov
INTERNATIONAL BUREAU PERSONNEL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Washington, D.C. -- Today, Federal Communications Commission International Bureau Chief, Mindel
De La Torre, announced Robert Nelson will become Chief Engineer for the International Bureau. Mr.
Nelson was most recently the Chief of the International Bureau’s Satellite Division. Fern Jarmulnek,
Deputy Chief of the Satellite Division, will serve as Acting Chief of the Satellite Division.
“I look forward to working with Bob Nelson in his expanded role in the International Bureau. He brings a
wealth of private and public sector expertise to this position and will help the Bureau with complex
communication and technology issues,” said Mindel De La Torre. “Fern Jarmulnek has provided the
Commission with outstanding guidance and leadership on satellite issues for almost 30 years. The
International Bureau is fortunate that she will be serving as Acting Division Chief.”
International Bureau Chief Engineer, Robert Nelson: In his new position, Mr. Nelson will be responsible
for leading the Bureau’s work on key technical issues, including, satellite communications and cross-
border technical issues. He will also play a significant role in the Bureau’s preparations for major
international conferences and meetings. Prior to serving as the Chief of the Satellite Division, Mr. Nelson
was the Chief of the Satellite Division’s Engineering Branch. Before joining the Commission, Mr.
Nelson held various engineering positions in the private sector where he was involved in the design,
manufacture, and implementation of domestic and international satellite networks. He has participated as
a member of several International Telecommunication Union (ITU) working parties, both as an FCC
official and as a private sector representative. He holds degrees in engineering and management from the
University of New Hampshire and Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey.
Acting Satellite Division Chief, Fern Jarmulnek: Ms. Jarmulnek has been with the Federal
Communications Commission for 30 years, with 29 years of experience on satellite communications. She
has been instrumental in shaping the policies that have allowed the U.S. commercial satellite industry to
evolve from a nascent industry providing primarily domestic fixed satellite services to a highly
successful, mature industry offering all types of fixed, mobile, and broadband offerings in the United
States and throughout the world. She also helped draft the framework that opened the U.S. satellite
market to satellites licensed by other countries, providing U.S. consumers with increased choices. She
held a variety of management positions in the Satellite Division, including Branch Chief and Associate
Division Chief before becoming a Deputy Chief of the Division in 2002. She holds a bachelor’s degree
from Brooklyn College and a law degree from Harvard Law School.
--FCC--
