Former Rep. Ferguson Joins AT&T in Changing of the Guard in DC

Former U.S. Rep. Michael Ferguson will lead AT&T’s federal legislative relations team starting Oct. 3, replacing Tim McKone, who is retiring, AT&T staffers were told in an internal announcement. Rhonda Johnson, who oversees AT&T’s state and local government affairs and social engagement initiatives in California, will lead federal regulatory relations, replacing Joan Marsh, also retiring, effective the same date, said a second announcement (see 2205110068). Both incoming executives will have executive vice president titles. Ferguson, a Republican, represented New Jersey’s 7th District for eight years, retiring in 2009. He is leaving BakerHostetler, where he heads the firm's federal policy team. “In his new role, Mike will be responsible for managing the federal advocacy team representing AT&T before Congress, the White House and executive branch departments,” said the internal announcement: “He will develop legislative strategy to ensure our business objectives are able to flourish.”