Report: Margaret Peterlin Joins AT&T as Global External, Public Affairs VP

Margaret Peterlin, formerly chief of staff at the State Department, has been named vice president of global external and public affairs at AT&T, The Wall Street Journal reported Friday.

Peterlin directly reports to David McAtee, general counsel at AT&T, and her appointment comes following a reorganization at the telecommunications firm’s Washington, D.C.-based office.

“Peterlin brings both private-sector and government leadership experience to AT&T,” said a spokesman for the company.

The former congressional aide and U.S. Navy officer held senior leadership roles at the Commerce Department’s Patent and Trademark Office during the Bush administration.

Peterlin stepped down from her role at the State Department after Secretary of State Rex Tillerson left his post in March.