Joanna McIntosh, a 30-year government relations executive who has worked extensively in telecommunications and entertainment policy, has announced her plans to retire at the end of the year as Senior Vice President and Chief of Government Relations, NCTA – The Internet & Television Association announced today.
In addition to serving as head of NCTA’s Government Relations since 2017, McIntosh previously served in top government affairs roles at AT&T, Verizon and the Motion Picture Association, and as a lawyer in private practice and at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.
McIntosh will be replaced by Cliff Riccio, current Vice President and Deputy Chief of Government Relations for NCTA, effective January 1, 2022. Riccio will oversee both the federal and state legislative functions while the state team will continue to be led by Lisa Schoenthaler, VP and Senior Policy Counsel for State Government Relations.
Riccio joined NCTA in 2001 and was elevated to Deputy of the Government Relations department and part of NCTA’s leadership team in 2017. Prior to NCTA, Riccio worked as a Legislative Analyst on telecommunications issues for past Chairmen of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, former U.S. Rep. Tom Bliley (R-VA) and former U.S. Rep. Billy Tauzin (R-LA). Riccio is a graduate from the State University of New York at Albany.
“Joanna has made an extraordinary contribution to our policy successes in her time at NCTA and we deeply appreciate her strong leadership and excellent advocacy for our industry in the halls of Congress and throughout our federal government. We wish her all the best as she begins this new chapter of her life,” said Michael Powell, President & CEO, NCTA – The Internet & Television Association. “Cliff’s ascension to head our government relations team is recognition of his effectiveness advocating on behalf of our member companies and the profound regard in which he is held by our industry, his peers, and policymakers.”
“It’s been a true honor to represent the internet and television industry under the leadership of Michael Powell and to work side-by-side with the most effective advocates in Washington, D.C.,” said McIntosh. “I am proud to have made a career of working to build both international and U.S. legal frameworks that promote innovation, investment, and risk-taking by America’s communications and entertainment industries. I wish Cliff, our colleagues, and NCTA all the best in the years ahead.”