Marlene Hemphill Dortch is an accomplished federal government executive with a distinguished career spanning over 30 years at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). She currently serves as the agency secretary, where she provides leadership in all aspects of the rulemaking process. During her career at the FCC, she has served as the director of the Office of Communications Business Opportunities, where she supported agency efforts to guide small, women-owned and minority businesses in navigating agency rules. She also served as chief for EEO in the Media Bureau, regulating compliance in the broadcasting/cable sector. Her leadership is characterized by strategic thinking, innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to developing people and delivering results. She began her legal career at the FCC as an attorney-advisor focusing on media mergers, and multiple ownership issues.

Dortch holds a B.A. in English from Georgetown and a J.D. from The Ohio State University. She has received honors from many distinguished organizations for her service and leadership, including the National Bar Association (Women Lawyer’s Division), Women in Cable and Television (WICT), and the Federal Communications Bar Association. A 34- year resident of Virginia and Maryland, she grew up in Chicago, IL, and is proud to be a forever “South Side Girl!”