By: Laura Phillips
I’ve been meaning to ask Christi Barnhart to be featured here, ever since I saw that Christi had moved from Capitol Hill to head up federal and state advocacy for the video game industry as the Senior Vice President for Government Affairs at the Entertainment Software Association. As discussed below, Christi has worked in communications and technology fields in several organizations in D.C – she’s practiced in private law firms, and held significant, senior roles at the FCC, in-house, Capitol Hill, and now with ESA. She moved to ESA in September of 2023 and when we connected, she regaled me with some interesting facts about the innovative video game industry that she represents. For example, did you know that 3 in 5 people play video games, and that the industry has over a $100 billion economic impact in the U.S., more than music and movies combined? That ESA members have been using AI for decades, well before it became a hot topic on Capitol Hill? All in all, Christi has an important role in informing and shaping technology policies on a wide range of issues and I was happy we finally got this column going.
Q. What attracted you to the field of communications?
A. I was drawn to the field of communications because I believe that access to robust connectivity is a great equalizer that creates opportunities for people to come together, to learn, and to grow. Interestingly, my initial introduction to this concept was through my mother, who was a public-school teacher. Because of her job, our family was an early adopter of the internet through the state’s Instructional Intermediate Unit. As a result of that experience, I observed how connectivity could transform people’s lives, and especially its potential very positive impacts for learning.
Q. Tell us about the various places you’ve worked through the years.
A. I am thankful that my interest in communications law has allowed me to work in a variety of places in DC, and that I’ve been able to take some of the skills and knowledge I’ve acquired in each role to inform the next one. After working at the law firms of Steptoe and Finnegan, I focused my career on supporting educational technology and connectivity, mainly through the E-rate program. I then transitioned to the FCC, where I had the privilege of working in the Wireline Bureau and was an attorney advisor to then-Commissioner Rosenworcel. I subsequently moved in-house as a regulatory attorney Charter Communications, where I was able to focus on wireline deployment. Before moving to my current job at ESA, I was at the U.S. Senate, where I was Senior Counsel for the ranking member of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet, and then became Senior Counsel on the full committee.
Q. Have things unfolded in your career more or less the way you planned?
A. This is a challenging question to answer! My career planning has been constantly evolving based on my life circumstances at that moment, and sometimes new opportunities have prompted me to make a change I wasn’t expecting. For this reason, I tend not to think of the career trajectory as ladder, but rather more like a lattice. What I mean by that is that the path forward is not always straight up; sometimes a diagonal move makes the most sense to grow your career. So, while I have always had an idea of what I wanted to do next, my plans have continuously evolved based on the environment, available opportunities, and my family’s needs at the time. Luckily, whenever I’ve been confronted with a career choice to make, I have been fortunate to have excellent mentors and colleagues (many of whom are FCBA members) to consult with to help figure out what I should do next.
Q. What’s the most interesting or challenging thing that you’ve done in your current position?
A. Video games are at the crux of technology, communications, and intellectual property law, which is why I find my job at ESA is so interesting! It’s rewarding to have a front seat to see how new innovations and developments will roll out and impact public policy. I help our members understand the “why” of what may be happening in Washington D.C. and in statehouses across the country, and my team works with them to develop advocacy on their key issues.
Q. Is or was there something interesting or someone who surprised or impressed you during your career and why?
A. When I was younger, people often said that DC is like a small town, which at the time I found perplexing, coming from a rural community. Now, after living here for over two decades, I am continually surprised by how closely connected people are in this city, particularly within the communications field. As an FCBA member, it has been incredibly satisfying to see how willing our FCBA people are to help and engage, even if they don’t know you well. It is one of the things that I love most about being a part of this organization. I’ve been the beneficiary of great mentoring, especially by strong capable female leaders, which has helped me so much at developing skills and insight into every job I’ve held. I also continue to be impressed with them and forever grateful for their perspectives and good counsel. It’s part of what might be viewed as a virtuous circle or cycle; because of what others have done for me, I am able and happy to mentor others.
Q. What do you enjoy reading?
A. First, I wish that I read more books than I do, but life always seems to find a way to thwart my reading plans! Luckily, I am part of a book club, which helps me stay on track. To that end, I recently finished James, by Percival Everett, and The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride.
Q. Is there something (a hobby or other tidbit) people don’t know about you that you are willing to share?
A. I really enjoy being outdoors, and during COVID I made it my goal to hike every trail in Rock Creek Park. I would often hike a large loop around Rock Creek via the Western Ridge and Valley Trails, which is a pretty good workout! And when we were stuck at home, we would often “go to the beach,” which referred to some of the sandy shores and rock outcroppings around the water’s edge. Rock Creek Park is quite an amazing natural resource that is close at hand to many of us.
Q. Can you share your perspective on the pitfalls to avoid or other career advice for those who are just getting started in the communications field?
A. Have a clear sense of yourself and understand where you want to go in your career. While your plans may change, knowing the direction you want to go (or not go) will help keep you on your path. And say yes to new opportunities, even if you are nervous about doing them! There is a lot to be said for taking educated risks on career moves. I’d also make the plug for anyone (especially for people early in their careers) to raise their hand to help with FCBA events, like the annual charity auction, that depend upon the time and enthusiasm of many volunteers. It’s an easy way to meet people who work in the field of communications law and take on (fun) responsibilities outside the world of work assignments. It’s definitely worth some of your time and attention.
Q. How has your life changed as a result of COVID-19?
A. As it was for many, COVID was a challenging time for my family. And while it forced us to stay put so that everyone was safe, it also allowed us to expand our network at home and get to know our immediate neighborhood better. As a result, I now have a much stronger relationship with my neighbors and their children, which I love, and I feel much more connected to my immediate community.
Q. How long have you been an FCBA member, and what to you is the value of FCBA membership?
A. I became an FCBA member early in my career, and I am so glad I did. It is a great place to meet future colleagues and coworkers, give back to the community, and mentor new attorneys interested in communications law. Members of the FCBA have created a unique community that I haven’t seen replicated on anything like the scale in other fields of law, and I am grateful to have been a part of it for so long.