WASHINGTON, D.C. –  Kansan Ajit Pai was confirmed by the U.S. Senate Monday as a Commissioner to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

Pai is the second Kansan ever to serve on the FCC, and the first since Bob Wells served on the Commission from 1969 to 1971.

A native of Parsons, Pai is currently a partner at Jenner & Block law firm, and previously worked in the Office of the General Counsel of the FCC, where he served as Deputy General Counsel, Associate General Counsel, and Special Advisor to the General Counsel.

Prior to joining the FCC, Mr. Pai served as Chief Counsel to the Senate Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Constitution, Civil Rights and Property Rights, when then-Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kan.) served as Chairman.

Pai also served as Senior Counsel in the Office of Legal Policy at the U.S. Department of Justice and began his public sector career with the Telecommunications Task Force of the United States Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division. In addition,  Pai has served as Associate General Counsel at Verizon. He holds a B.A. from Harvard University and a J.D. from the University of Chicago.

The FCC is directed by five Commissioners, which are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate for 5-year terms.