Gallagher to head NTIA

President George Bush announced this week that he intends to appoint Michael Gallagher to assistant secretary of commerce for communications and information at the U.S. Department of Commerce. Gallagher will also will serve as administrator for the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, where he previously served as deputy assistant secretary. NTIA serves as the administration’s link to the telecom industry. FCC Chairman Michael Powell said in a statement that Gallagher, while NTIA deputy, “made significant contributions to a number of important initiatives and proceedings where the FCC and NTIA were coordinating efforts and resources.” The U.S. Telecom Association and the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association both issued statements praising the appointment.