Comptel taps Pickering as new CEO, replacing James

Comptel, the trade association representing the competitive telecom service provider segment, has named former Mississippi Congressman Chip Pickering as its CEO.

Chip Pickering, Comptel

Pickering (Source: U.S. House of Representatives)

Set to begin on Jan. 2, 2014, he will take over the helm from Jerry James, who plans to pursue new ventures in the telecom private sector after serving as the organization's CEO for over six years.

Pickering is a well-known figure in the communications industry with experience in dealing with competitive telecom issues.

During his tenure as a six-term U.S. representative from Mississippi, he served on the House Energy & Commerce Committee, where he was vice chairman from 2002 to 2006, and was a member of the Telecommunications Subcommittee.

Before becoming a Congressman, he had a hand in helping shape the Telecommunications Act of 1996 as a staff member on the Senate Commerce Committee. He also worked for Sen. Trent Lott (R-Miss.).

Pickering currently is a partner with Capitol Resources LLC, a public affairs and government relations firm based in Jackson, Miss., which represents a number of telecom clients, including wireless, cable and competitive broadband providers.

His appointment comes as a number of key policy issues that have a direct effect on the players Comptel represents are coming to the forefront, including the ensuing debate between AT&T (NYSE: T) and CLECs over special access and a call to revise The Telecom Act of 1996.  

For more:
- see the release

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