Tom Wheeler is a long-time advocate for improved and innovative telecommunications networks and services. He is a policy expert, an entrepreneur, and a former chairman of the FCC.  He grew up in Columbus, OH and is a proud Buckeye and graduate of The Ohio State University, majoring in international trade.

In Washington, DC, Tom was president and CEO of the National Cable & Television Association (NCTA), from 1979 to 1984.  In the 1980s, Tom recognized the growing importance of mobile wireless service and was part of the group that won an RSA cellular license for the area of Ft. Wayne, IN. He was managing director at Core Capital Partners, and served as President and CEO of Shiloh Group, LLC, which specialized in telecommunications services. He also co-founded SmartBrief, an electronic information service for vertical markets.

From 1992 to 2004, Tom was president and CEO of CTIA.  He united the industry behind both the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 and the Telecommunication Act of 1996, two major legislative achievements that promoted the efficient use of spectrum, deregulation and competition.  Tom spearheaded the formation of a blue-ribbon panel to investigate any possible cell phone – brain cancer correlation (extensive research has shown no evidence of an increased risk of brain cancer from cell phones).

During President Barack Obama’s first term, Tom served on his transition team and consulted on the national transition from analog TV to digital.  In President Obama’s second term, Tom was appointed Chairman of the FCC.  He led the efforts that resulted in the adoption of net neutrality, privacy protections for consumers, and increased cybersecurity. Tom served as FCC Chairman from November 4, 2013 until January 20, 2017, with industry competition as his mantra.

Tom is a visiting fellow at the Brookings Institute and a senior fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School.  He has authored books on both technology and the Civil War.  Tom is a board member and past president of the National Archives Foundation, a board member of Actility, a consultant for Gerson Lehrman Group, for Third Bridge, an advisor for Global Counsel, and for RapidSOS.  Tom was appointed as a Trustee of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, where he served for 12 years. He was inducted into the Wireless Hall of Fame in 2003, and in 2009 was inducted into the Cable Television Hall of Fame.  Tom along with Ted Rogers are the only 2 individuals to be honored in both these prestigious halls of fame.