Julie Kearney. Photo: LinkedIn

Julie Kearney, who served as the first chief of the FCC’s Space Bureau has joined DLA Piper, the firm announced Tuesday. Kearney will serve as co-chair of the Space Exploration and Innovation Practice and a partner in the Telecom Group. 

Kearney has more than 25 years of experience in the satellite, telecom, space, and technology industries. She previously served as vice president of Communications Regulatory Affairs and Policy at Twilio Inc., and global head of Communications Regulation and Policy for Loon, the former broadband balloon company led by Google’s parent company Alphabet. 

During her time as chief of the FCC’s Space Bureau, the FCC adopted the first regulatory structure of its kind to allow supplemental coverage from space (SCS), in which satellites use terrestrial spectrum to connect to consumer handsets. 

The FCC’s Space Bureau is now led by Jay Schwarz, who was previously vice president of Public Policy for Comcast the wireline advisor for former Chairman Ajit Pai.

“Julie is a well-known and highly regarded figure in the satellite and space sector, and her ability to navigate opportunities for transformative services and innovative technologies in the U.S. and around the world will expand our offerings for existing clients as well as open the door for new startups,” said Mike Senkowski, co-chair of DLA Piper’s U.S. and Global Telecom Practice.

She will be based in the firm’s Washington, D.C. office.