With a few days remaining in her position as head of the Federal Communications Commission, Jessica Rosenworcel is expressing her gratitude as she prepares to step down. Her tenure as the Chairwoman is concluding as the political landscape shifts once more.

Rosenworcel, appointed to various roles within the commission over the years, reflected on the challenges and accomplishments during her time in office. In a heartfelt message delivered during the last meeting she chaired, she revisited the commitments she laid out at the beginning of her leadership period.

In her early message, she highlighted efforts to prioritize consumer interests, tackle digital inequality, and maintain stringent standards for cybersecurity and public safety. She emphasized the importance of evolving media policies while respecting values like competition and diversity. A major goal had been to ensure internet accessibility to all students, regardless of their background or location, and to extend open and affordable broadband across the entire country.

Rosenworcel praised joint efforts that resulted in the largest initiative to make broadband more affordable in the nation. Milestones also included the creation of the first Space Bureau, revolutionizing global communications, as well as progress in cybersecurity initiatives that removed insecure equipment from national networks. This collaborative work also helped bridge the significant Homework Gap by providing millions of students with access to wireless hotspots.

To illustrate these efforts and achievements visually, here is an evocative representation of the FCC’s mission and work:

The Chairwoman spoke about strides made in ensuring that communications became more accessible and just for a broader audience through services like texting to emergency numbers and multi-language emergency alerts. These efforts also included making communications systems fairer within the penal system and enhancing safety alerts on Tribal Lands.

Rosenworcel acknowledged the multitude of people who aided in realizing these advancements. She extended her gratitude to her colleagues, pointing out the collective ability to focus on impactful initiatives and the progress achieved despite the difficulties posed by a global pandemic.

Her thanks extended to her personal team, recalling the remarkable talents and dedication of those who played an integral role in fulfilling the agency’s mission. She reminisced about her own journey within the commission, acknowledging the efforts and skills required from her advisors and staff members.

The outgoing Chairwoman paid tribute to notable individuals, both current and past, emphasizing the pivotal contributions made by teams across various bureaus and offices within the agency. Special recognition was given to an economist whose pioneering work in spectrum auctions earned not only national acclaim but even recognition from Nobel laureates.

Rosenworcel’s parting reflections delved into the deep-seated value of public service. Recalling her initial confirmation hearings, she stressed the exceptional nature of the FCC’s staff and their continuous commitment to serving the public. This calling of service, deeply rooted in her family history, resonated more profoundly as she recognized the dedication inherent in public roles.

Finally, acknowledging the personal sacrifices that come with such public service, Jessica Rosenworcel extended her thanks to her family for their unwavering support. She looks forward to new beginnings and spending more time with her loved ones in this next chapter of her life.