New Boss for US Trade Body

Former Congressman and NFL Football Hall of Fame member Steve Largent is to replace Tom Wheeler as President and CEO of the US wireless industry trade body, the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association (CTIA) effective from this November. Largent, a Republican, served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1995-2001 representing the first congressional district of Oklahoma. He was the Vice-Chairman of the Energy and Air Quality Subcommittee and served on the Telecommunications Subcommittee, the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee and the Environment and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee.

Commenting on the new appointment, Scott Ford, CEO of ALLTEL and Chairman of CTIA, said, "After an exhaustive search, it became clear that Steve Largent was the right person for the job. As a result of his past Commerce Committee experience, he has an appreciation for the complexity of telecommunications and the unique competitive nature of wireless. Steve has also demonstrated the ability to lead and build consensus in an environment that is rife with differing opinions. Steve clearly possesses the skills, energy and enthusiasm necessary to be the wireless industry's chief advocate."

"The leadership of the wireless industry has presented me with an extraordinary opportunity and a fascinating set of challenges. With a sense of mission and determination, I look forward to successfully leading the industry to new heights of competition and innovation," commented Largent. He continued, "Tom Wheeler is the gold standard when it comes to leading a trade association. He leaves a large pair of shoes to fill."

Largent, 48, resigned from Congress at the end of 2001 to run for Governor of Oklahoma. In May 2003, he joined the Wheelchair Foundation as Mid-West Chapter Executive Director. The Foundation's goal is to raise $150 million and distribute more than 1 million wheelchairs worldwide between 2003 and 2008. For the past several years, Largent has also worked as a motivational speaker and a marketing/advertising consultant. Largent, who holds a degree in biology, started his successful football career at the University of Tulsa. While in college, he twice led the nation in touchdown catches. He is best known for his record-setting performances as a wide receiver for the Seattle Seahawks. His professional football career spanned 14 years. In 1988, he was elected NFL Man of the Year, and in 1995 was inducted into the Professional Football Hall of Fame. Largent, his wife, Terry, and four children currently reside in Tulsa, Oklahoma."

Posted to the site on 25th August 2003