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Gray's Homeland Security Anatomy
by Heather Greenfield
A former White House aide who helped create the Homeland Security Department now will become the department's new White House liason. Jocelyne Gray has left the national intelligence director's office and the White House to take the post.
Gray knows her way around the White House, having worked at its homeland security office. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said Gray possesses "unique perspective and knowledge" because she contributed to the creation of the department while at the White House.
"I am grateful for Jocelyne's return to the department and her ongoing service to the homeland," Chertoff said. "I will rely upon her for attracting and retaining talented non-career personnel, and I will count on her counsel as we continue to build a stronger and more integrated department."
Gray most recently led the public outreach division in the intelligence director's office and contributed significantly from the beginning to that agency's development. She has served as associate director of public liaison for the Homeland Security Council at the White House and in the office of the administrator at the General Services Administration.
Before her federal service, Gray, an Ohio native, was a staffer to former Ohio Gov. Bob Taft.
Two Takes On Life At The FCC
Robert McDowell, the newest FCC commissioner, spoke candidly about his approach to his not-so-new job while he was at the Progress and Freedom Foundation's annual summit in Aspen, Colo., late last month. He said the FCC should promote freedom -- "certainly the freedom to communicate."
McDowell advocated the construction of new communications platforms and said competition "obviates the need for regulation." He also sounded upbeat about the current state of high-speed Internet deployment, saying that the fast lane is getting faster, fiber is growing at 94 percent a year and the United States has "more competition among platforms than any other country."
He was also upbeat about his job, saying the FCC influences one-sixth of the U.S. economy.
But Stanford University economics professor Roger Noll, who spoke later on the same telecom policy panel, noted that working at the FCC was the low point of his career. Noll was a consultant there from 1977 to 1981. Noll had little good to say about the commission -- despite his opening remark that he came "to praise the FCC, not to bury it."
Patent Expert Heads To PFF
Thomas Sydnor starts his new job at PFF this month as a senior fellow directing the group's digital property center. Sydnor brings more than a decade of expertise in intellectual property law and policy, most recently serving as a copyright adviser in the international relations at the Patent and Trademark Office.
Before joining PTO, Sydnor worked on Capitol Hill. He was counsel for intellectual property and technology for the Senate Judiciary Committee.
"I'm very excited about joining PFF," Sydnor said. "IP issues are so important to the health and growth of the digital economy, and PFF provides a unique platform for participating in the current debates and influencing policy." PFF acting President Thomas Lenard said, "This is a critically important area, and Tom is ideally suited to bring the work of [the PFF blog] IPcentral to the next level."
Fond, And Not-So-Fond, Farewells
The current House Speaker had kind words for the former Speaker when he announced his retirement last month. Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Rep. Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., "has always placed a high value on public service, a calling he dedicated much of his life to as a teacher, coach and member of the House."
"He can take great pride in his record as the longest-serving Republican Speaker, an accomplishment that is a testament to his leadership in the Republican Conference," Pelosi said. "I salute Dennis Hastert for his service to our nation and wish him the best as he prepares for the next chapter in his life."
Pelosi was not as generous about the resignation of Attorney General Alberto Gonzales over the August congressional recess, calling it "long overdue."
"The rampant politicization of federal law enforcement that occurred under his tenure seriously eroded public confidence in our justice system," Pelosi said. "The president must now restore credibility to the office of the attorney general."
But Texan Lamar Smith, the ranking Republican for the House Judiciary Committee, defended Gonzales, a fellow Texan. "I thank Attorney General Gonzales for his service to the American people and commitment to the Department of Justice," Smith said. "Under his leadership, prosecutors and policymakers devoted their efforts to protecting children, safeguarding communities and preserving civil liberties."
Engaged On The U.S. Trade Front
Del Renigar is a new co-chairman for USA Engage, a coalition of small and large businesses, agriculture groups, and trade associations pursuing alternatives to the proliferation of unilateral U.S. foreign policy sanctions and promoting the benefits of U.S. engagement abroad. The National Foreign Trade Council and USA Engage announced his appointment.
Renigar is the corporate counsel for international policy and trade regulation for General Electric. He currently counsels all GE businesses on trade controls, global public policy, investment and market access, among other things. Before joining GE, Renigar served on the National Security Council at the White House and at the Commerce Department.
Before his federal service, Renigar was an attorney with Steptoe & Johnson in Washington, where he maintained a broad international practice.
"There is no one more qualified than Del to take on the role of providing solid counsel, direction and leadership to USA Engage," group Director Jake Colvin said. "Del brings with him many years of foreign policy and trade experience from both the public and private sectors."
Renigar will succeed Robert Haines, international senior adviser for Exxon Mobil, who served as co-chairman of USA Engage since 2003 and who will retire from the company at the end of the month. Haines also has been a member of the trade council's board for 10 years.
"We appreciate Bob's many years of service to the organization as a thoughtful leader and contributor and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors," NFTC President and USA Engage Co-Chair Bill Reinsch said.
Quote Of The Week
"John Warner always puts the commonwealth and country before party and partisanship. And during my time as governor, he and I were able to work across party lines to shore up Virginia's finances, take on our transportation challenges, and deal with the [base-closing] process."
-- Former Virginia Gov. Mark Warner on the pending retirement of Sen. John Warner, R-Va. Mark Warner is expected to announce this week whether he will run for the vacant Senate seat.
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