WASHINGTON-CTIA’s Steve Largent moved swiftly Thursday to announce his new communications vice president and lobbyist after confirming to RCR Wireless News that he was making significant changes in the wireless trade association.
John Walls, the anchor of NBC-affiliate KJRH-TV in Tulsa, Okla., will become the vice president of communications for the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association Feb. 23.
“His judgement, skill and understanding, gained from years of broadcasting, will prove invaluable to the wireless industry as we face new and sometimes unpredictable challenges and work to further polish our image in the eyes of the media and the public,” said Largent, CTIA president and chief executive officer.
Bobby Franklin, vice president of federal government affairs for Alltel Corp., will become vice president of government affairs Jan. 20, the day CTIA begins operations in its new headquarters.
“Bobby’s persuasiveness and tremendous experience will be real assets to this organization. His understanding of the industry and issues will have an immediate impact,” said Largent.
Franklin replaces Steven Berry, who left shortly after Largent’s Nov. 1 arrival to be the chief lobbyist at the National Cable Television Association.
While Berry focused on Washington, CTIA was quick to point out that Franklin’s portfolio will include “advocacy efforts before Congress, state legislatures and regulatory agencies.” Under Largent’s predecessor, Thomas Wheeler, CTIA had barely put a toe in the state arena after strenuously avoiding any controversy outside of the Beltway for years.
Largent spoke to RCR Wireless News Thursday morning to confirm that he was restructuring the wireless trade association and that his goal was to have a new organization in place by the time of the move. The Walls and Franklin announcements were made in the afternoon.
On Monday, CTIA said it was creating a new position-chief operating officer-and that Brian Kidney had been hired to be COO. After Kidney’s hire, Largent moved to lay off four senior executives. The layoffs and Kidney’s hire represent significant changes in organizational structure. Under Wheeler, CTIA had four senior vice presidents. It appears that Largent will have none, although titles and an organizational chart are still being developed.
“An organizational chart will not be drawn until the conclusion of Mr. Largent’s 90-day review. It will conclude within the next couple of weeks,” said CTIA spokesman Travis Larson. “Having come from Congress, Mr. Largent is more comfortable with the chief-of-staff organizational structure that is common on Capitol Hill.” Kidney is that chief of staff.
Let go this week were Christina Martin, senior vice president for public affairs and communications; Jo-Anne Basile, vice president for external and industry relations; Kathryn Condello, vice president of industry operations; and Christopher Putala, vice president of congressional affairs.
