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December 01, 2021

James will serve on FCC’s Communications Equity and Diversity Council

Chris James, president and CEO of The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (The National Center), was recently appointed as a member of the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC’s) Communications Equity and Diversity Council (CEDC).

Previously referred to as the Advisory Committee on Diversity and Digital Empowerment (ACDDE), FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel re-chartered the group in 2021 with a new focus on diversity and equity throughout the tech sector. James previously served on the FCC’s Diversity in Tech working group.

Learn more about the Communications Equity and Diversity Council.

Under the expanded mission of the CEDC, council members will make recommendations to the commission on the removal of the regulatory barriers to broadband infrastructure and investment that have hampered high-speed internet deployment in communities that need it most. The CEDC will also encourage the entry of small businesses—including minority, women, and Native-owned enterprises—into the technology sector with recommendations for access to capital, small business mentoring, upskilling for tech and digital industries, and more. James’ appointment is for two years.

Read the full public notice announcing CEDC members here.

“I am honored to join the Communications Equity and Diversity Council at the Federal Communications Commission,” said National Center CEO and President Chris James. “I applaud Chairwoman Rosenworcel’s unwavering commitment to ensuring historically underserved communities are represented at the FCC. Indian Country faces unique barriers to broadband access that have kept tribes and their citizens disconnected from an increasingly connected world. These barriers to high quality internet access have also made it harder for Native and other diverse small business owners to enter the growing technology sector. I look forward to helping address some of these long-standing barriers and to being a strong advocate for Native Americans, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians on the CEDC.”