PD_FTC_Chair

Position Description

chairman, federal trade commission

Overview

Senate Committee

Commerce, Science and Transportation

Agency Mission

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is an independent, bipartisan federal agency with a unique dual mission to protect consumers and promote competition.¹ The FTC accomplishes its mission by stopping business practices that are anticompetitive, deceptive and unfair to consumers; engaging in research and policy work; and enhancing public understanding of consumer rights and the competitive process.² _{https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc/what-we-do https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc}

Position Overview

As leader of a five person bipartisan commission, the chair must work with the other commissioners to fulfill the FTC’s dual mission. The chair has an important role in determining key senior appointments and setting the enforcement, policy and research agenda for the agency. The chair also oversees agency operations, including directing the budget process.

Compensation

Level IV $155,500 (5 U.S.C. § 5315)³ _{The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2017 (Public Law 115-31, May 5, 2017), contains a provision that continues the freeze on the payable pay rates for certain senior political officials at 2013 levels during calendar year 2017.}

Position Reports to

The FTC is an independent agency. Commissioners are appointed to seven year terms.

Responsibilities

Management Scope

In fiscal 2016, the FTC had a budget of $309.6 million and 1,192 full-time equivalents.⁴ Each of the bureau and office directors report to the chair. _{https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/reports/fy-2016-congressional-budget-justification/2016-cbj.pdf}

Primary Responsibilities

Oversees and ensures that through law enforcement, research, advocacy and education, the FTC protects and advances the interests of consumers, by making sure they have access to accurate information and that markets work wellu2014providing lower prices, more choices and more innovation.

Strategic Goals and Priorities

[Depends on the policy priorities of the administration]

Requirements and Competencies

Requirements

® Candidates must have relevant substantive knowledge of, and interest in, antitrust and consumer protection law and economics
® Such stature and reputation as to gain the respect of, and effectively engage with, commission career staff, the private bar, the business community, consumer advocates, foreign enforcers and other stakeholders, to ensure the credibility of agency enforcement and other decisions

Competencies

® Unquestioned integrity and ethics
® Excellent leadership skills
® Strong oral and written communication skills
® Ability to articulate a clear vision and implement strategy
® Ability to motivate and energize a diverse, highly-skilled workforce
® Open-minded and flexible in thought and strategy
® Cultural and institutional interest and sensitivity

Past Appointees

Edith Ramirez (2013 to 2017) u2013 Partner, Quinn, Emanuel, Urquhart, & Sullivan, LLP; Associate, Gibson, Dunn & Brutcher; Clerk, Judge Alfred Goodwin, 9th Circuit Court of Appeals⁵ _{https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc/biographies/edith-ramirez}
Jon Leibowitz (2009 to 2013) u2013 Democratic Chief Counsel and Staff Director, U.S. Senate Antitrust Subcommittee; Democratic Chief Counsel and Staff Director, U.S. Senate Committee on Terrorism and Technology; Chief Counsel, Senator Herb Kohl; Vice President for Congressional Affairs for the Motion Picture Association of America⁶ _{https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc/biographies/jon-leibowitz}
William Kovacic (2008 to 2009) u2013 Professor, George Washington University Law School; General Counsel of the Federal Trade Commission; U.S. Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust and Monopolies⁷ _{https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc/biographies/william-kovacic}
The Partnership’s Center for Presidential Transition helps ensure the efficient transfer of power that our country deserves. The Center’s Ready to Govern· initiative assists candidates with the transition, works with Congress to reform the transition process, develops management recommendations to address our government’s operational challenges, and trains new political appointees.