Who Will Replace Michael Powell?

In 2004, Michael Powell emerged as the leading voice in government against the regulation of IP telephony. With the news that he may be stepping down today, you can bet that the pundits will begin prognosticating as to who will replace the outgoing Chairman.

Of the many names already being bandied about as a possible replacement for Powell, several stick out as legitimate possibilities. While too early to call, as far as I can see it, one name that jumps off the page is that of former chairman of the Texas Public Utility Commission (PUC) Rebecca Klein.

Ms. Klein is currently the managing partner of Loeffler Tuggey Pauerstein Rosenthal LLP, a national law firm founded by former Congressman Tom Loeffler (R-TX).

Ms. Klein has more than 16 years of experience at the state and federal level, including extensive legal, regulatory and government affairs expertise in energy and telecommunications. She was appointed by Governor Rick Perry to the Texas PUC as a Commissioner and later became the Commission's Chairman. Prior to her years at the PUC, Ms. Klein served as a Policy Director for Governor George W. Bush, with particular focus on telecommunications, energy, housing, technology and banking issues.

She also served as Associate Director in the White House Office of Presidential Personnel under President George H.W. Bush.

A Major in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, she was awarded the National Defense and Southwest Asia Service Ribbons for her service in Saudi Arabia during Desert Shield/Desert Storm.

Ms. Klein graduated from Stanford University with a B.A. in Human Biology, obtained her Masters in National Security Studies at Georgetown University and earned her JD at St. Mary's University in San Antonio. She is admitted to the state bar to practice in Texas.

They say it's who you know that determines your path in life. Ms. Klein has the opportunity and the connections to add to an already distinguished career. No stranger to serving her country, there's a good chance that once again Rebecca Klein might be asked to serve.