The Computer and Communications Industry Association today
announced the appointment of Joshua Lamel as a CCIA vice president and the
executive director of the CCIA’s new non-profit Foundation for Innovation and
Internet Freedom (FIIF). Lamel will lead FIIF’s mission to safeguard and
promote innovation and protect access to the Internet and the free flow of
ideas online. He will oversee FIIF’s use of education, research and
advocacy to foster conditions and policies that support innovation and Internet
Freedom.
Lamel’s
depth of experience in the intersection of technology and government that he
brings to CCIA and FIIF follows his work at Hill + Knowlton Strategies, where
he led the firm’s Technology public affairs practice. He was formerly
legislative counsel to Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., who has been a leader on global
Internet freedom issues, chief of staff to former Congressman Kendrick Meek,
D-Fla., and held significant positions at TechAmerica.
Lamel’s
background includes representing consumer advocacy groups, small pre-revenue
startups and large multi-national technology companies alike. He has been
a tireless advocate on innovation and Internet freedom issues for over a
decade, including being a leader in fights for net neutrality, cheaper, faster
and stronger broadband, more advanced mobile networks and a pro-innovation
intellectual property regime. Additionally, Lamel has played a key role
in some of the most important battles over innovation policy, including funding
for scientific research, broader U.S. economic policy on tax and trade, and
workforce and immigration issues.
“The
Internet, from its humble beginnings, has grown into a massive engine of
economic growth and personal freedom”, said Lamel. “I have dedicated my
career to fight to foster the Internet’s role in both, and am looking forward
to continuing as a tireless advocate on these issues. CCIA has been a true
leader in this space, and with the founding of FIIF, is taking the next step in
fighting on behalf of Internet freedom.”
“CCIA views FIIF as a unique and vital institution that will focus
on the Internet’s dual, but intertwined capability of promoting the dynamic
exchange of ideas that stimulates and enhances innovation and economic
progress, while also empowering individual freedom and creativity,” said CCIA
President and CEO Ed Black. “We’re glad to have Josh on board to lead FIIF.”
Lamel
holds a Bachelor of Arts from Colgate University with High Honors and a Juris
Doctor from the University of Michigan. He is a member of the bar of New York
and the District of Columbia and has practiced antitrust, intellectual property
and telecommunications law in New York and Washington, DC.
