APCO shuffles lobbying leadership
Just weeks after the organization’s greatest political victory, the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) has announced changes in some of its key lobbying positions.
Former FCC counsel Jeff Cohen will join the influential organization as its chief counsel for law and policy, effective April 16. Cohen previously served as senior legal counsel in the FCC’s public safety and homeland security bureau, where he worked with Derek Poarch, who served as the first chief of that bureau.
In his new role, Cohen again will work with Poarch, who has been executive director of APCO for several months.
“I think one of the things that APCO learned as we went through the D Block and staffing and supporting the PSA was that we also need counsel that can advise us on matters related to legislation,” Poarch said. “So this is a new position — chief counsel for law and policy — that we think Jeff is perfectly suited for. We’re thrilled to have him as part of the APCO team.”
Robert Gurss will continue in his regulatory counsel role and manage APCO’s FCC interactions.
Stepping down from the APCO team will be Yucel Ors, the organization’s longtime director of government relations.
“After an excellent and dedicated 15 years with APCO and leading the team … Yucel has decided to leave APCO to pursue other professional opportunities,” Poarch said. “[Ors’ previous responsibilities] will be part of Jeff’s portfolio, as well.”
In addition to these changes, former APCO President Richard Mirgon announced that he will be stepping down from the Public Safety Alliance (PSA) — the coalition that led public safety’s efforts to secure the 700 MHz D Block and $7 billion in funding for a nationwide LTE network.
“It’s time to move on,” Mirgon said Monday during a PSA gathering in Broomfield, Colo. “Terry Hall will become APCO’s PSA representative. We’re leaving it in great hands.”
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