Kathleen Kirby Begins Term as President of Federal Communications Bar Association

July 1, 2024

Washington, DC – Wiley partner Kathleen A. Kirby, co-chair of the firm’s preeminent Telecom, Media & Technology (TMT) Practice, began her term today as President of the Federal Communications Bar Association (FCBA – The Tech Bar).

Elected by the 2,000-member FCBA to serve in its top leadership role for the 2024-2025 term, Kirby accepted the gavel from immediate past FCBA President Diane Holland, also a partner in Wiley’s TMT Practice.

“Wiley has a long history of FCBA leadership, and I am honored to succeed Diane as President of this respected organization,” Kirby said. “The FCBA has contributed to my own professional development and success over many years. I look forward to giving back to the wonderful community that is the Tech Bar as we continue to provide learning, mentoring, and networking opportunities for law and policy professionals.”

Kirby is the most recent Wiley partner to serve as President of the FCBA. The firm’s past FCBA Presidents, in addition to Holland, include partners Joshua S. Turner, Amb. David A. Gross, and Henry M. Rivera; Managing Partner Peter D. Shields; and founding partner and Chairman Emeritus Richard E. Wiley.

Prior to her election as FCBA President, Kirby served in numerous FCBA leadership roles, including as President-Elect (2023-2024), Treasurer (2022-2023), Assistant Secretary (2021-2022), and as an Executive Committee member. She has also served as a trustee of the FCBA’s charitable arm, the FCBA Foundation, including as Chair and Treasurer. She received the FCBA’s “Distinguished Service Award” in 2018.

Kirby, a member of Wiley’s Executive and Management Committees, is one of the most sought-after communications attorneys in the United States. She represents media clients, including major radio and television group owners and programming networks, on business and transactional issues as well as regulatory matters before the Federal Communications Commission. She also advises on newsgathering, content regulation, and First Amendment issues, helping to influence state and national policy to protect journalists and ensure government transparency. Earlier this year, the Broadcasters Foundation of America honored Kirby with a 2024 Leadership Award.

Founded in 1936, FCBA – The Tech Bar is a volunteer organization of about 2,000 attorneys, engineers, consultants, economists, government officials, and law students involved in the study and practice of communications and information technology law and policy. The FCBA offers a variety of opportunities for members to network and increase their understanding of developing legal, engineering, and policy issues in the broadcast, wireless, emergency communications, spectrum, and satellite broadcasting areas.