Federal Position Descriptions
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Chair

Chairman, Federal Trade Commission
Responsibility
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.

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 well — providing lower prices, more choices and more innovation.

Strategic Goals and Priorities
[Depends on the policy priorities of the administration.]
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 Appointments
  • Edith Ramirez (2013 to 2017) – Partner, Quinn, Emanuel, Urquhart, & Sullivan, LLP; Associate, Gibson, Dunn & Brutcher; Clerk, Judge Alfred Goodwin, 9th Circuit Court of Appeals5
  • Jon Leibowitz (2009 to 2013) – 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
  • William Kovacic (2008 to 2009) – Professor, George Washington University Law School; General Counsel of the Federal Trade Commission; U.S. Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust and Monopolies7
AGENCY

Federal Trade Commission

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

COMPENSATION

Level IV $155,500 (5 U.S.C. § 5315)3

REPORTS TO

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

SENATE COMMITTEE

Commerce, Science and Transportation

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Footnote
  1. https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc/what-we-do
  2. https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc
  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.
  4. https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/reports/fy-2016-congressional-budget-justification/2016-cbj.pdf
  5. https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc/biographies/edith-ramirez
  6. https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc/biographies/jon-leibowitz
  7. https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc/biographies/william-kovacic
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