- Director's Office
Jessica Rosenworcel is a public interest technologist and accomplished public servant. She brings more than two decades of leadership in communications policy, most recently serving as Chairwoman of the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC)—the first woman confirmed to lead the agency in its history.
At the MIT Media Lab, Rosenworcel works with the faculty director to shape the Lab’s strategic vision, aligning its academic excellence with a bold agenda for innovation and global engagement. She oversees development, communications, and collaborative initiatives across sectors, ensuring that the Lab continues to lead at the intersection of art, science, engineering, and design. Her leadership reinforces the Lab’s mission to explore ethically grounded, human-centered technologies that help people and societies thrive.
Previously at the FCC, Rosenworcel advanced broadband equity, civil rights in the digital domain, cybersecurity, and access to emergency communications. She established the agency’s first Space Bureau, launched the U.S. CyberTrust Mark to strengthen consumer device security, and guided national strategies addressing artificial intelligence, from mitigating risks of voice cloning fraud to optimizing spectrum with machine learning. Her tenure also encompassed initiatives on data privacy, submarine cable regulation, and infrastructure security.
Throughout her career, Rosenworcel has emphasized fairness, inclusion, and forward-looking systems. A mission-driven leader, she coined and championed solutions to the “Homework Gap,” expanded rural broadband programs, and spearheaded efforts to connect underserved communities. Her commitment to closing divides in access and opportunity has positioned her as one of the nation’s most influential voices on how technology can advance the public good. She has been recognized by POLITICO, InStyle, and numerous industry organizations for her impact and dedication to public service. Rosenworcel holds degrees from Wesleyan University and New York University School of Law.