Michael McKeehan Named FOSI Chairman

Washington, D.C. - The Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI) has named Michael W. McKeehan as Chairman of its Board of Directors for a one-year term, according to an announcement made today by Stephen Balkam, the organization's chief executive officer. McKeehan is the director of Internet & Technology Policy for Verizon Communications, based in Washington, and has served on the FOSI board for three years.

The Institute's primary objective is to find innovative solutions for family online safety. Advocating a balanced approach with greater parental involvement and empowerment, comprehensive industry self-regulation and reasonable government oversight and support, the Institute provides a forum for exchanging information, developing ideas and refining solutions.

"I'd like to offer my sincerest congratulations to Mike for his election as Chairman of the Board," Balkam said. "With Mike's leadership and the continued support of Verizon, we look forward to expanding the Institute's impact on online safety and best practices."

McKeehan succeeds Nick Truman, head of Internet security for BT Retail in the United Kingdom. Truman and Dr. Silke Springensguth, manager of Promotion and Planning for AOL Deutschland, will serve as vice-chairs of the FOSI board.

At Verizon, McKeehan is responsible for developing policy strategies for next-generation network and service platforms. He holds multiple U.S. patents on call-forwarding services using advanced intelligent network technology. McKeehan earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, a Master of Business Administration and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Maryland.