Ryan Palmer

Ryan advises telecommunications providers, trade associations, infrastructure developers, government entities, and electric and water utilities on regulatory compliance, policymaking, and litigation support, with a particular focus on broadband and energy infrastructure deployment.

As a member of Verrill’s Energy, Telecommunications, and Natural Resources Group, Ryan helps clients navigate complex, cross-jurisdictional regulatory regimes and designs strategies that align legal and policy objectives with business goals.

Ryan brings extensive experience from senior roles in both government and the private sector. Before joining Verrill, he served as Commissioner of the West Virginia Public Service Commission, Chief of the FCC’s Telecommunications Access Policy Division, and U.S. Director of Microsoft’s Airband Initiative. He also served in the administration of West Virginia Governor Joseph Manchin III and as attorney advisor for Commissioner Charlotte R. Lane at the United States International Trade Commission (USITC). Through these roles, Ryan gained deep insight into a wide range of regulatory regimes and infrastructure programs, such as the Universal Service Fund, BEAD program, pole attachments, utility rate-setting for electric and water providers, spectrum policy, and broadband affordability measures, allowing him to build trust across federal, state, and local levels.

Based in Washington, D.C., Ryan leverages his regulatory background and network to advance client priorities through effective advocacy and engagement.

Outside of work, Ryan enjoys kayaking and white-water rafting on the New River in West Virginia, traveling to Brazil with his wife, and watching his daughter perform in theater productions.

Services/Industries

• Telecommunications

Education

• West Virginia University College of Law (J.D.)
• West Virginia University (B.A.)

Bar Admissions

• West Virginia
• District of Columbia

Court and Other Admissions

• Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal
• United States District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia
• United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia