WASHINGTON, D.C. — The individual who led the Federal Communications Commission for the majority of Jimmy Carter’s tenure as U.S. President has died.
Charles Ferris, a Name Member of the law firm of Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C., in Washington, D.C. who once headed the office, died on February 16, 2024.
A longtime aid to Sen. Mike Mansfield, Ferris played a key role in the enactment of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Voting Rights Act of 1965, and Lyndon B. Johnson’s “Great Society” legislation during his presidency.
A decade later, in 1977, Ferris was nominated by President Carter to chair the FCC. Before assuming the chairmanship, Ferris worked initially as a trial attorney at the U.S. Department of Justice, and from 1964 to 1977 as general counsel to the U.S. Senate Democratic Policy Committee and chief counsel to Senator Mansfield. He also served as general counsel to U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Thomas P. “Tip” O’Neill, Jr., in 1977.
Following the election of Ronald Reagan as U.S. President, Ferris departed the Commission in April 1981, beginning a 32-year career at Mintz. In particular, Ferris established the firm’s communications practice.
“We are grateful for Charlie’s countless contributions to our clients, our people, our culture, and the communities that Mintz serves,” the law firm said in a statement. “We will remember him as a distinguished lawyer, trusted colleague, and cherished friend.”
