APCO International Taps Jeff Cohen as Chief Counsel for Law & Policy

The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International announced the hiring today of Jeff Cohen as Chief Counsel for Law & Policy. In this role, Cohen will be responsible for advising the association’s leadership on matters related to legislative policy. Additionally, Cohen will be responsible for directing APCO International’s government relations.

“Given his extensive legal background in telecommunications and a distinguished federal legislative and regulatory career devoted to improving public safety communications, we are pleased to have Jeff join APCO International,” said APCO International Executive Director Derek K. Poarch.

Cohen has more than 17 years of experience in telecommunications law, including his current assignment as counsel on the minority staff of the House Energy & Commerce Committee. Cohen previously served as senior legal counsel for the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). In that capacity, Jeff advised the Bureau Chief on a number of legal and policy matters, including the public safety and homeland security elements of the National Broadband Plan, 700 MHz and other public safety spectrum, Next Generation 9-1-1, national security and emergency preparedness communications, and cyber security. In 2008, Cohen received APCO International’s Leadership in Regulatory Service Award in recognition of his dedicated service at the FCC in support of public safety communications.

“Jeff is well known within public safety and his stellar record precedes him,” said APCO International President Gregg Riddle. “We are excited to welcome Jeff to the APCO International leadership team.”

After graduating from the George Washington University Law School with honors in 1994, Cohen served as a partner at the Washington, DC law firm of Wilkinson Barker Knauer, where he worked over ten years on wireless communications regulatory matters. Cohen also holds a B.S. cum laude in electrical engineering from the George Washington University.

Cohen assumes his new post on April 16. Longtime Regulatory Counsel Robert Gurss will continue in his role and manage all FCC interactions on behalf of APCO International.

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About APCO Internationalâ„¢ (www.apcointl.org)
APCO International is the world’s largest organization of public safety communications professionals. It serves the needs of public safety communications practitioners worldwide – and the welfare of the general public as a whole — by providing complete expertise, professional development, technical assistance, advocacy and outreach.

 

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