FCC consumer affairs bureau chief to step down

The Federal Communications Commission announced Thursday that Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau chief Joel Gurin will step down Feb. 17.

“I want to thank Joel for his work to harness technology to empower consumers with the information and tools they need in today’s rapidly evolving communications marketplace," said FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski. "We’ll miss Joel’s dedication as a stalwart advocate for consumers, working to solve real problems in smart ways.”

Gurin joined the commission in December 2009 to lead the Consumer and Government Affairs Bureau, which has tackled issues including bill shock, cramming and robocalls during his tenure. Kris Monteith, currently a deputy chief in the Media Bureau, will serve as acting bureau chief.

Gurin was previously executive vice president of Consumers Union, the nonprofit publisher of Consumer Reports, for almost a decade, where he launched and grew the publication's website.

Gurin earned his B.A. in biochemical sciences from Harvard University. He began his career as a science and medical journalist.

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