Comings and Goings at the FTC Office of Policy and Planning

Congratulations to Maureen Ohlhausen, outgoing Director of the Office of Policy and Planning at the Federal Trade Commission, who is headed to a new position as Technology Policy Counsel at the Business Software Alliance, a nonprofit trade association that promotes innovation, growth, and a competitive marketplace for commercial software and related technologies.  While losing Maureen is a significant loss for the FTC, they couldn’t have found a better replacement as Acting Director.  James Cooper, who previously served as Deputy Director, will oversee the office.  I had the pleasure of working with both Maureen and James on a number of projects during my stay at the Commission and viewed that experience as one of the highlights of my time there.  I also proudly note that both Ohlhausen and Cooper have ties to George Mason.  Both graduated from the Law School, Ohlhausen has taught as an adjunct faculty member, and Cooper was a Levy Fellow, ultimately earning a Ph.D. in economics from Emory University.  Congratulations to both of them.