Helena Mitchell is a Regents’ Researcher, the highest status bestowed by the Board of Regents, which governs the University System of Georgia. In tandem, she is Executive Director of the Center for Advanced Communications Policy at the Georgia Institute of Technology which focuses on key issues that influence forming partnerships for the adoption of cutting-edge, advanced communications technologies both domestically and internationally. In tandem Helena serves as the Principal Investigator for the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center for Wireless Technologies to research and develop innovative and accessible wireless technologies and products. Dr. Mitchell’s areas of specialty include accessibility to advanced communications technologies, regulatory and legislative policy, emergency/public safety communications, and universal services. Helena has held senior positions at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and headed the telecommunications development programs for the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, of the U.S. Department of Commerce. In recognition of the success of her various projects and outstanding leadership in international cross-border activities, Helena received the prestigious U.S. Department of Commerce Silver Medal, twice. Mitchell has worked abroad in Canada and the Caribbean specializing in developing joint ventures and appropriate applications of technology for government, education and business. She has also held senior positions in universities, public broadcasting and the private sector. Dr. Mitchell received her doctorate and Master’s from Syracuse University, and her B.S. from SUNY Brockport College.
