Carlisle tabbed as Maher’s successor as FCC Wireline Competition Bureau chief

FCC Commissioner Michael Powell announced during yesterday’s commission meeting that Wireline Competition Bureau (WCB) Chief William Maher will leave the agency this fall and that Jeffrey Carlisle will succeed him.

Carlisle, who has been the WCB’s senior deputy chief since 2001, will begin serving as acting WCB chief on Monday and will keep that title until his appointment is made permanent after administrative processing is completed, according to an FCC source.

"I am happy to name Jeff Carlisle to head the Wireline Bureau as chief at this critical time," Powell said in a prepared statement. "He has been a top manager at the Commission for more than three years and is a national expert on Internet and competition policy issues. He is uniquely suited to set the ground rules for the telecommunications marketplace for the 21st Century."

Maher’s departure, first reported several weeks ago, will bring an end to his two-year tenure as WCB chief. All commissioners praised his work at the agency, with Powell citing the WCB’s achievements during Maher’s tenure in voice-over-IP policy, access-charge reform, the e-rate program and unbundled network elements.

"Bill is widely respected for his fairness in addressing these issues, and we will miss him greatly," Powell said in a prepared statement.

When asked about his future plans during the post-meeting press conference, Maher said he was going to take a vacation and would consider his options.