Giulia Cangiano McHenry | Wife of Rep. Patrick McHenry

Giulia Cangiano McHenry, an accomplished economist and wife of Rep. Patrick McHenry, leads the FCC’s Office of Economics and Analytics and spearheaded the landmark 2016 spectrum auction.

Educational Journey and Academic Excellence

Giulia Cangiano McHenry’s path to economic expertise began at Wesleyan University, where she completed her undergraduate studies with a strong focus on economic theory and market analysis.

Building on her undergraduate foundation, she pursued advanced studies at the University of Maryland, where she earned her Ph.D. in Economics. Her doctoral research centered on regulatory economics and telecommunications policy, areas that would later define her professional career at the FCC.

Her academic achievements set the stage for her future work in spectrum management and telecommunications policy analysis. Cangiano McHenry’s blend of theoretical knowledge and practical applications in economics helped shape her approach to regulatory challenges at the Federal Communications Commission.

Career at The Brattle Group

Giulia Cangiano McHenry took her first major professional step as a senior associate at The Brattle Group, where she developed expertise in economic consulting and regulatory analysis.

During her time at the consulting firm, she worked on projects that involved market analysis and regulatory economics, laying the groundwork for her future role in telecommunications policy. Her work focused on helping clients navigate complex regulatory environments and market dynamics.

This position at The Brattle Group proved to be a stepping stone for Cangiano McHenry, preparing her for the challenges she would later tackle at the Federal Communications Commission. Her experience in economic analysis and regulatory consulting made her a natural fit for her future role in spectrum management and telecommunications policy.

Leadership Role at Federal Communications Commission

Giulia Cangiano McHenry joined the Federal Communications Commission in 2014, bringing her economic expertise to one of the nation’s key regulatory bodies. Her initial role focused on policy analysis and regulatory economics within the telecommunications sector.

In 2018, she took on the position of Chief of the FCC’s Office of Economics and Analytics, marking a significant advancement in her career. In this role, she oversees economic analysis that shapes major telecommunications policies and spectrum management decisions.

Her leadership at the FCC encompasses directing research teams, managing spectrum auctions, and developing competition policies that influence the broader telecommunications industry.

Cangiano McHenry’s work at the Federal Communications Commission continues to shape how spectrum resources are allocated and managed across the United States.

Spectrum Auction Achievement and Industry Recognition

Giulia Cangiano McHenry’s most notable achievement came in 2016 when she led the groundbreaking spectrum auction that moved broadcast television frequencies to wireless broadband use. Her economic analysis and strategic planning helped reshape how America uses its airwaves for communication.

Her innovative approach to spectrum management earned her the FCC’s Gold Medal Award in 2017, marking her as a leading voice in telecommunications policy. The award recognized her role in modernizing spectrum allocation and improving wireless communication access across the country.

Under Cangiano McHenry’s guidance, the spectrum auction project set new standards for how the FCC manages and distributes wireless frequencies. Her work helped bridge the gap between traditional broadcasting and modern wireless needs, showing how Giulia Cangiano McHenry’s economic expertise translates into practical telecommunications solutions.

Personal Life and Family

Giulia Cangiano McHenry’s personal life centers around her marriage to Republican Congressman Patrick McHenry from North Carolina. Their shared commitment to public service has created a unique blend of policy expertise and political engagement in their household.

The couple has built their family life in Denver, North Carolina, where they raise their three children: Cecilia Rose, Therese Anne, and Peregrine Callan. Their home serves as a base for both Giulia’s telecommunications policy work and Patrick’s congressional duties.

Coming from an Italian-American background, Cangiano McHenry balances her professional achievements with family life, embodying both her cultural heritage and her role in shaping modern telecommunications policy alongside her family commitments with Rep. Patrick McHenry.

Professional Expertise in Economics and Analytics

Giulia Cangiano McHenry’s expertise combines deep knowledge of regulatory economics with practical experience in telecommunications policy. Her analytical skills have proven essential in managing complex spectrum auctions and developing data-driven policy solutions.

At the FCC’s Office of Economics and Analytics, she oversees teams that analyze market competition, evaluate policy impacts, and design auction strategies. Her work involves translating complex economic theories into practical solutions for telecommunications challenges.

Her blend of academic background and hands-on experience makes Giulia Cangiano McHenry a respected voice in regulatory economics, particularly in areas where technology policy meets market dynamics.