Department of Commerce Director of Privacy Initiatives Joins the Future of Privacy Forum

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE             

May 9, 2016

Contact: Melanie Bates, Director of Communications, [email protected]

 

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE DIRECTOR OF PRIVACY INITIATIVES

JOINS THE FUTURE OF PRIVACY FORUM

Washington, DC – Today, the Future of Privacy Forum (FPF) announced that John Verdi will join the organization as Vice President of Policy to lead the development of its rapidly growing privacy policy portfolio. Verdi will be responsible for furthering FPF’s efforts to advance responsible privacy practices.

“It has been a great privilege to work with industry, advocates, academics, and policymakers on codes and best practices for new technology,” Verdi said. “I look forward to collaborating with FPF’s diverse group of stakeholders to help shape policies that support beneficial uses of data, while ensuring privacy protections.”

Verdi joins FPF after serving as Director of Privacy Initiatives at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).  NTIA, located within the United States Department of Commerce, is the principal advisor to the President on telecommunications and information policy issues. Verdi’s work focused on digital privacy and security issues. He led NTIA’s privacy multistakeholder process, and his work touched on unmanned aircraft systems, facial recognition technology, and mobile apps.  Prior to NTIA, Verdi was General Counsel for the Electronic Privacy Information Center, where he supervised the organization’s litigation program, pursued federal lawsuits regarding privacy issues, and authored Supreme Court briefs.

“John’s unique blend of diplomacy and intellect has helped him navigate among stakeholders with a range of privacy viewpoints during his time at Commerce,” said Jules Polonetsky, CEO, FPF. “We look forward to his leadership advancing the FPF agenda on big data, wearables, connected cars, smart cities and ethics, among other privacy related matters.”

“John’s legal skills, personality, and passion for consumer protection are the key combination needed to help tackle the challenges of advancing responsible practices in this complex and nuanced privacy debate,” said Christopher Wolf, Board President, FPF. “With the addition of John, FPF is proud to expand its team of thought leaders.”

Verdi earned his J.D. from Harvard Law School in 2002 and his B.A. in Philosophy, Politics, and Law from SUNY-Binghamton in 1998.

 

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The Future of Privacy Forum is a Washington, DC based think tank that seeks to advance responsible data practices. Learn more about FPF’s work by visiting www.fpf.org.