FCC Space Bureau deputy takes the reins amid licensing overhaul
TAMPA, Fla. - The Federal Communications Commission is turning to Space Bureau deputy chief Jennifer Gilsenan to keep its satellite regulatory overhaul moving as Jay Schwarz prepares to retire as its chief later this month.
The U.S. regulator announced Gilsenan's appointment as acting Space Bureau chief Aug. 7, after Schwarz revealed plans a few weeks ago to step down less than two years after taking the helm.
Gilsenan, who has worked on satellite and spectrum regulatory issues at the FCC for more than two decades, will take charge of a bureau created in 2023 to sharpen the regulator's focus on space and modernize rules to keep pace with the rapidly evolving industry.
In July, the FCC unanimously approved a sweeping overhaul of its satellite licensing regime, introducing a new framework designed to process applications faster and more predictably as increasingly complex constellations proliferate.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said Schwarz had already helped cut the agency's licensing backlog by 43% in his first year in the role, followed by another 15% reduction so far in 2026.
"The speed and ambition at which the Commission executed these reforms is historically unprecedented within the federal government," Carr said in a statement.
"While Jay leaves big shoes to fill, I am confident that the team will continue to deliver great results as we march ahead. I thank Jennifer for stepping up to the plate as Acting Chief and look forward to working with her more closely."
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