Internet Alliance Announces New Executive Director and Expanded State Government Affairs Team

January 29, 2010 — Direct Marketing Association (DMA) Executive Vice President Linda Woolley announced today that Tammy Cota has been named executive director of the Internet Alliance (IA), the nation’s leading Internet, e-commerce and technology advocacy group. Cota had served as interim director since July of 2009, when former executive director Emily Hackett retired.

Cota announced Wednesday that Venable LLP, a DC-based Internet and intellectual property firm, has also joined the IA team. Venable attorneys Michael A. Signorelli and Julia Kernochan Tama will provide legal drafting support to IA members working on Internet and ecommerce issues in legislatures in the 50 states.

KSE FOCUS, a strategic communications company with offices in DC, Boston and Vermont, provides strategy, legislative policy support and 50-state tracking to IA members. Scott Mackey, a KSE partner and formerly the chief economist for the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) joined the IA roster in July. KSE Partner Bob Sherman and Legislative and Regulatory Analyst Jenna Dimmick complete the IA team.

Woolley explained the new leadership and expanded services at the IA come at a critical time in the states. Woolley added: “While Congress has been slow to act, state regulation and taxation of the Internet and e-commerce continues to be fiercely debated in legislatures across the country. The IA has been the leading voice for industry in the states since the birth of the commercial Internet. The challenges and opportunities we face this year are great. We have expanded our staff to better represent our members and deliver a clear, consistent message to lawmakers.”

Cota, a Champlain College graduate, has worked with the IA internally for the past 10 years through her employment at KSE. She will begin working from the IA’s D.C. office February 1.

Woolley added: “We are excited to have Tammy here in D.C. She has an excellent grasp of the issues, the players and the politics in states. As a longer term player, Tammy also knows the history. This is an invaluable asset to our members.”

Signorelli has many years of experience from his legal and regulatory work representing clients on privacy and Internet-related issues. Signorelli has counseled clients on advertising, marketing, and data security related matters before state and federal policy makers.

Tama has experience in privacy and data security matters and advises clients on compliance with such laws and regulations. Prior to joining Venable, Tama served as Judiciary Committee Counsel to U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer (D-NY).

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