People: New FCC Chief Economist, USTelecom Promotions

WASHINGTON, Jan. 6, 2026 – The Federal Communications Commission and broadband industry group USTelecom announced hires or promotions among its senior staff.

From USTelecom's Tuesday release:

• Alanna Chapell has been promoted from Director, Government Affairs to Senior Director, Government Affairs.

• Jessica Thompson has been promoted from Director, Policy and ITG Operations to Senior Director, Policy and ITG Operations.
• Lara Weinstein has been promoted from Director, Executive Office to Senior Director, Executive Office. 

Chapell spent five years working on Capitol Hill before joining USTelecom in 2023. She had most recently served as a legislative assistant to former Rep. Dan Kildee, D-Mi. Weinstein also worked in Congress for five years before joining USTelecom in 2020.