Geoffrey Why, the former Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Telecommunications and Cable, has joined Mintz, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C. as a Member of the firm’s nationally renowned Communications practice. Mr. Why’s practice will focus on telecommunications and wireless issues, with a special emphasis on matters before state regulatory commissions.

“Mintz is honored to welcome Commissioner Why, a dedicated public servant and highly skilled attorney,” said Robert I. Bodian, Managing Member of Mintz. “His extensive background and expertise further strengthens the firm’s ability to serve its clients in this important industry.” 

Over the course of his tenure, Commissioner Why managed the Department’s full range of legal, legislative, and policy work, and supervised a staff of 28 employees. He also served as chair of the FCC's Section 706 Joint Conference on Advanced Telecommunications Services and as co-chair of the FCC's North American Numbering Council.

Prior to this appointment as Commissioner, Mr. Why served as the Department’s General Counsel, managing its legal division and advising on all legal matters. He also spent six years as an assistant attorney general in the Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General where he specialized in telecommunications and cable cases, and served as assistant district attorney for the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, Appellate Division.

 “Communications companies turn to Mintz for help in connection with myriad legal issues, from federal and state government matters, to transactions and litigation,” said Tara Corvo, Chair of the firm’s Communications Section. “As the communications landscape has evolved, Commissioner Why has been at the forefront of numerous issues impacting the industry.  His experience, insights and deep understanding of the state regulatory process will be invaluable as clients seek to navigate regulatory developments and a changing marketplace.” 

Commissioner Why is a board member of the Asian Community Development Corporation and also a member of its executive team.  He is a past board member of Asian American Lawyers Association of Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights.  From 2007-2012, he was a commissioner of the Massachusetts Asian-American Commission, serving as vice-chair from 2010-2012.  He holds a B.A. in Political Science from Boston College and a J.D. from Boston College Law School.