WASHINGTON, D.C. — It’s official: Anna Gomez is now a Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission, having been sworn in on Monday.
“I am humbled and honored that President Biden and the United States Senate have entrusted me with the privilege to serve the people of the United States as a Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission,” Gomez said. “As the first Latina to serve in this position in over two decades, it is especially meaningful to be sworn in as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. I look forward to working with Congress, Chairwoman Rosenworcel, my fellow Commissioners, and the talented and dedicated FCC staff to ensure that every person in every community, of every geography and income, has access to modern telecommunications services. I am eager to hear from all and to bring my experience in domestic and international telecommunications to serve the American people.”
Gomez brings over 30 years of public and private sector experience to her role and is committed to ensuring we have a vibrant, strong, competitive telecommunications and media marketplace, that promotes U.S. economic prosperity and security while also meeting the needs of all consumers.
Born in Orlando, Gomez spent her childhood in Bogota, Colombia, before her family relocated to New Jersey. She now resides in Virginia.
Immediately following her appointment, Gomez confirmed the appointment of several individuals who will serve in her office in acting capacities:
Deena Shetler, Acting Chief of Staff and Legal Advisor for Media and International. Deena will serve as Acting Chief of Staff and advise Commissioner Gomez on media and international matters. Deena joins Commissioner Gomez’s staff from the office of Chairwoman Rosenworcel, where she served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Administration. She has held numerous leadership roles at the FCC including Deputy Chief of the Office of Economics and Analytics, Deputy Managing Director, Associate Chief of the Wireline Competition Bureau, and as a Legal Advisor to Commissioner Gloria Tristani. Deena served on details to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) from 2010 to 2011 and to the Department of Justice Antitrust Division from 2016-2017. Deena joined the Commission in 1996 as an attorney in the Common Carrier Bureau. Prior to joining the FCC, she was an associate at Howrey and Simon in Washington D.C. and Los Angeles. Deena received her J.D., Order of the Coif, from University of California Los Angeles School of Law, and her B.A. from University of California San Diego.
Edyael Casaperalta, Acting Legal Advisor for Wireless, Public Safety and Consumer Protection. Edyael will advise Commissioner Gomez on wireless, public safety and consumer protection matters. Edyael joins Commissioner Gomez’s staff from the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, where she served as Chief of Staff. Edyael has extensive experience working on broadband access issues as an attorney and a consumer advocate. Prior to joining the FCC, Edyael served in Federal Government as Senior Policy Advisor in the Rural Utilities Service in the Department of Agriculture, where she worked on policies to fund broadband infrastructure projects in rural areas and Tribal lands. Before becoming an attorney, Edyael worked alongside rural, poor, and underserved communities advocating for policies to ensure affordable, reliable, high-speed broadband access and communications services. Edyael received her J.D. from the University of Colorado Law School, her M.A. from Ohio University, and her B.A. from Occidental College. She is proud to be from Elsa, Texas.
Hayley Steffen, Acting Legal Advisor for Wireline and Space. Hayley will advise Commissioner Gomez on wireline and space issues. Hayley joins Commissioner Gomez’s office from the Wireline Competition Bureau, where she served as Legal Advisor to the Bureau Chief. Previously, Hayley served as an attorney advisor in the Telecommunications Access Policy Division, focusing on universal service and emergency initiatives in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. She came to the Commission through the agency’s Attorney Honors Program. Prior to joining the Commission, Hayley served as Law Clerk to the Honorable Patrick L. Woodward, Chief Judge of the Appellate Court of Maryland. Hayley received her law degree, cum laude, from William & Mary Law School, and undergraduate degree from Franklin & Marshall College.
Anna Holland, Acting Executive Assistant. Anna will serve as Acting Executive Assistant in Commissioner Gomez’s office. She began her career at the FCC as Staff Assistant in the Office of Chairman Wheeler before moving to her most recent role as Staff Assistant to two successive Bureau Chiefs of the Wireline Competition Bureau. Anna has also provided interim administrative support in the offices of Commissioner Clyburn and then-Commissioner Rosenworcel. Prior to her start in the federal government, Anna worked in the private sector supporting executive level staff for more than 15 years.
“I am elated that these dedicated talented public servants have agreed to join my office,” said Gomez. “They bring extensive experience in communications policy, the Commission, and working with its broad range of stakeholders. I know they will provide outstanding advice and I look forward to getting to work with them to ensure the Commission’s actions meet the needs of all people.”
