Sue McNeil Sullivan
Alexandria,VA
Summary
Highly accomplished attorney with extensive leadership experience. Demonstrated success in managing multi-billion-dollar programs, spearheading impactful regulatory initiatives, and fostering intergovernmental and stakeholder collaborations. Collaborative team player focused on delivering strong outcomes and adaptable to evolving demands. Known for analytical thinking, strategic problem solving, and effective communication.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Associate Chief, Wireline Competition Bureau
Federal Communications Commission
07.2017 - 03.2025
- Led FCC policy development and implementation across critical numbering initiatives, including robocall mitigation and access to 988 and domestic violence crisis hotlines. Responsibilities include managing rulemaking proceedings, overseeing contracts to provide numbering support, briefing FCC and Congressional leadership, and facilitating stakeholder engagement and compliance.
- Directed policy and implementation of the $7+ billion Emergency Connectivity Fund, providing broadband access and devices for remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Oversaw efficient and timely funding distribution, stakeholder engagement, and coordination with Hill and FCC leadership.
- Managed the $4.9 billion annual E-Rate program, ensuring affordable broadband access for schools and libraries. Oversaw rulemaking proceedings and program administration.
- Led policy and reform efforts for the $4.5 billion annual High Cost program, including modernization of the rate-of-return funding mechanism, creation of competitive bidding rules to provide service to underserved areas, and development of performance metrics and reporting frameworks.
- Managed efforts by the Universal Service Administrative Company to administer the Emergency Connectivity Fund, E-Rate, and High Cost programs.
Chief of Staff/Special Counsel, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau
Federal Communications Commission
07.2010 - 07.2017
- Directed Bureau operations, overseeing a team of approximately 200 personnel and managing a ~$17 million annual budget. Led cross-agency coordination to ensure alignment with broader Commission objectives and strategic initiatives. Provided strategic advice and support to Bureau Chief
- Served as lead counsel and senior manager on high-impact rulemaking proceedings and policy initiatives, including:
– Streamlining wireless tower siting regulations
– Designing bidding incentives to support small and rural businesses
– Driving Commission-wide process modernization efforts
Assistant Chief/Deputy Chief, Enforcement Bureau
Federal Communications Commission
11.2005 - 07.2010
- Led strategic enforcement initiatives and served as a senior advisor to the Bureau Chief and FCC Commissioners on key regulatory matters, including compliance with licensed and unlicensed spectrum rules, E911 requirements, equipment authorization, and technical licensing standards.
- Oversaw investigative and enforcement actions of more than 150 agents in 25 field offices to ensure public safety and implement Commission priorities.
Chief, Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, CGB
Federal Communications Commission
02.2003 - 11.2005
- Established and led the FCC’s Intergovernmental Affairs Office, developing and executing nationwide outreach initiatives targeting state, local, Tribal, and consumer stakeholders. Oversaw public engagement strategies, including FCC forums, educational publications, and strategic partnerships to advance Commission priorities.
- Served as the Bureau’s lead liaison on Commission-wide emergency response task forces.
- Served as Acting Deputy Bureau Chief overseeing consumer outreach efforts, in addition to intergovernmental affairs, from June-November 2005.
Senior Attorney, Law and External Affairs
Sprint Corporation
Director, Global Public Affairs
Lucent Technologies
Associate
Latham & Watkins
Special Counsel, Auctions and Spectrum Access Division, WTB
Federal Communications Commission
07.2010 - 09.2013
- Led efforts to develop policies to efficiently award universal service support to wireless carriers.
- Provided strategic advice and counsel to high-level FCC leadership on a variety of auction and spectrum access issues, leading to resolution of complex compliance and policy issues.
Education
J.D. -
Georgetown University Law Center
Washington, DCBachelor of Arts -
Duke University
Durham, NCSkills
- Large-Scale Program Management
- Strategy Development
- Effective Communication
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Problem Solver
- Budget Management and Oversight
- Statutory and Policy Analysis
- Leadership and Team Mentorship
- Change Management
- Public Speaking
Core Skills
- Large-Scale Program Management. Led multi-billion-dollar programs such as the $7+ billion Emergency Connectivity Fund, the $4.5 billion High Cost program, and the $4.9 billion E-Rate program, ensuring timely and efficient distribution of funds, stakeholder engagement, and programmatic success.
- Leadership & Cross-Functional Coordination. Demonstrated leadership in managing large teams (up to 200 staff), multi-million dollar budgets and contract oversight. Proven ability to coordinate across diverse teams, manage rulemaking and regulatory proceedings, and provide strategic direction.
- Intergovernmental Relations & Stakeholder Engagement. Established and led the FCC Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, facilitating collaboration between federal, state, local and Tribal governments. Developed outreach initiatives and participated in multiple interagency and Commission-wide efforts to promote broadband, access and public safety initiatives.
- Public Affairs & Advocacy. Extensive experience advocating for strategic business initiatives, including spectrum policy and global market entry. Negotiated successful policy outcomes and business deals at companies such as Sprint and Lucent Technologies.
Certification
Admitted to the Maryland and Federal Communications Bar Associations
Timeline
Associate Chief, Wireline Competition Bureau
Federal Communications Commission
07.2017 - 03.2025
Chief of Staff/Special Counsel, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau
Federal Communications Commission
07.2010 - 07.2017
Special Counsel, Auctions and Spectrum Access Division, WTB
Federal Communications Commission
07.2010 - 09.2013
Assistant Chief/Deputy Chief, Enforcement Bureau
Federal Communications Commission
11.2005 - 07.2010
Chief, Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, CGB
Federal Communications Commission
02.2003 - 11.2005
Senior Attorney, Law and External Affairs
Sprint Corporation
Director, Global Public Affairs
Lucent Technologies
Associate
Latham & Watkins
J.D. -
Georgetown University Law Center
Bachelor of Arts -
Duke University