New Internet Association picks Hill veteran for CEO
Michael Beckerman is the first CEO of the recently formed Internet Association, Washington. The association will formally launch in September.
Beckerman said: “The Internet isn’t just Silicon Valley anymore, the Internet has moved to Main Street. Our top priority is to ensure that elected leaders in Washington understand the profound impacts of the Internet and Internet companies on jobs, economic growth and freedom.
“No one can predict what innovations will happen next. But we do know that the Internet’s decentralized and open model is what has enabled its unprecedented growth and innovation. We must guard against misguided attempts to handcuff this incredible source of job creation, freedom and creativity.”
Beckerman was deputy staff director to the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee, which oversees the nation’s telecommunications and Internet policy. He had been chief policy adviser to committee chairman Fred Upton (R-Mich.). He has had increasingly senior positions on Capitol Hill in the past 12 years.
A media spokesman would not comment on staff make-up or headquarters location, nor on members of the new assocation. Media reports, however, cited Google, Facebook, eBay and Amazon as founding members. Details: InternetAssociation.org.
