Prior to joining Searchlight in 2021, Ajit Pai was the chairman of the FCC, which he led from 2017 until 2021. During his tenure as chairman, he implemented major initiatives to help close the digital divide; advance U.S. leadership in 5G, Open Radio Access Networks, Wi-Fi 6, and other wireless technologies; promote innovation; protect consumers, public safety, and national security; and make the agency itself more open, transparent and data driven. Ajit first joined the FCC as a Commissioner in 2012. Before becoming commissioner, he served in various positions of increasing responsibility at the FCC, the U.S. Department of Justice, and the U.S. Senate. Previously, he was a partner at Jenner & Block and served as in-house counsel at Verizon. Ajit serves on various portfolio company boards. He received an AB, with honors, from Harvard University and a JD from the University of Chicago Law School.