Top congressional staffer to lead new Internet lobbying group

Michael Beckerman, a former top adviser to the House Energy and Commerce Committee, will be the first CEO of the Internet Association, the group said Wednesday.

Google, Facebook, eBay and Amazon will be among the association's members, according to an industry source close to the group. The Internet Association will release its full member list when it formally launches in September.

Beckerman worked on Capitol Hill for 12 years and stepped down as deputy staff director to committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-Mich.) at the end of last month. 

The Energy and Commerce Committee has jurisdiction over telecommunications and Internet policymaking. 

The Internet Association said Beckerman will lead the group's efforts to advance policies that "strengthen and protect an open, innovative and free Internet."

When Beckerman announced his departure from Capitol Hill last month, Upton released a statement describing him as one of his "closest friends."

"Michael Beckerman is a trusted adviser and confidant who helped set the tone and legislative agenda at the Energy and Commerce Committee when Republicans regained the majority,” Upton said.

—Jennifer Martinez contributed

—Updated at 10:50 a.m.

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