FCC picks new managing director

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski appointed David B. Robbins to be the commission's managing director Friday.

The FCC managing director is responsible for the agency's budget, contracts, purchasing, communications and meeting schedule, among other things.

Robbins previously worked for the U.S. Small Business Administration as the associate administrator for the Office of Management & Administration. He also served as the assistant director of the Federal Trade Commission's Bureau of Consumer Protection.

Before joining the FTC, Robbins spent 15 years working in the private sector as an executive, information technology professional and attorney.

Robbins succeeds Steve VanRoekel, who left the FCC earlier this year to work for USAID and is currently the federal government's chief technology officer.

"David’s leadership and management experience will be invaluable as we continue our efforts to do our work on behalf of the public more efficiently and effectively," Genachowski said.