Former Clinton administration official to replace Walter McCormick, who is retiring after leading group for 16 years

Spalter

USTelecom announced Tuesday that former Clinton administration official Jonathan Spalter will replace longtime CEO Walter McCormick as head of the $14 million-revenue telecommunications industry association on Jan. 1, 2017.

Spalter spent six years working for the federal government during Bill Clinton's presidency. He was Vice President Al Gore's chief spokesman and speechwriter for international affairs, director of the National Security Council and assistant White House press secretary for international affairs. He also was CIO and associate director of the U.S. Information Agency from 1998-1999.

Since leaving government, Spalter has held a number of high-profile positions in the tech sector. His executive roles include CEO of Snocap, the digital content services company founded by the creators of Napster, and CEO of Atmedica Worldwide, the online healthcare affiliate of the telecommunications and media company Vivendi Universal.

He currently is chair of Mobile Future, a national wireless technology association.

"His broad public policy background and business experience in communications and technology make him a perfect fit for our association, and will serve to enhance USTelecom's leadership role in the telecom sector," said Robert Hunt, chairman of the USTelecom's board of directors.

Spalter has a master's degree in international relations from the University of Cambridge in the U.K.

The new CEO will step into a position currently held by McCormick, who announced last year he was retiring after leading the group since 2001.

Recruitment firm Korn Ferry assisted in the search.