VanRoekel leaving FCC to join USAID, newspaper says

Steven VanRoekel, the former Microsoft expert brought in to revamp the Federal Communications Commission’s online presence, is leaving the commission to join USAID, according to a June 2 report in The Hill newspaper.

VanRoekel came to the FCC in June 2009 to overhaul the agency’s website to improve transparency, improve electronic reporting and to release FCC data. The new website went live on May 12.

According to The Hill, the redesigned website had gotten a number of complaints, especially from industry lawyers.

VanRoekel’s title at the FCC was managing director, with responsibilities for administration and management of budget and financial programs, personnel, telecommunications, fees, the Universal Service Fund, physical space and security, among other items.

He previously held various executive positions in 15 years at Microsoft, including managing the cross-industry Web services and serving as a speech and strategy assistant to Bill Gates.

VanRoekel did not immediately respond to a request for comment.