Kathleen Q. Abernathy
Kathleen Quinn Abernathy | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1956 |
| Occupation(s) | Telecommunications executive, lawyer |
| Known for | Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission (2001–2005) |
Kathleen Quinn Abernathy (born 1956) is an American executive specializing in telecommunications technology and law, who held the position of Commissioner at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from 2001 until 2005. Following her tenure in public service, she joined the board of Frontier Communications and returned to practicing law. In 2010, Abernathy advanced to a senior leadership role at Frontier, where she served as Chief Legal Officer, Executive Vice President of External Affairs, and Chairperson of the America's Best Communities Prize Competition. Two years later, in 2012, she became a board member of ISO New England, an organization responsible for regional energy transmission. She earned her undergraduate degree magna cum laude from Marquette University and received her Juris Doctor from the Columbus School of Law at Catholic University. Additionally, Abernathy has taught as an adjunct professor at both Georgetown University Law Center and Catholic University's Columbus School of Law.
Early career
Prior to her appointment at the Federal Communications Commission, Abernathy occupied several significant positions including Vice President of Public Policy at BroadBand Office Communications; partner at Wilkinson Barker Knauer LLP; Vice President for Regulatory Affairs at U S WEST; and Vice President for Federal Regulatory Affairs at AirTouch. Her experience also includes serving as Legal Advisor to FCC Chairman James H. Quello and Commissioner Sherrie P. Marshall, along with acting as Special Assistant to the FCC General Counsel.
FCC appointment
President George W. Bush nominated Abernathy on May 1, 2001, and she officially assumed office on May 31, 2001, remaining until December 9, 2005. During her term, she led the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service and participated in significant international engagements such as the 2002 ITU Plenipotentiary Conference and the 2003 ITU World Radiocommunications Conference. In 2004, she also presided over the ITU Global Symposium for Regulators.
Family
Abernathy is married and has one daughter.