Humphries promoted, heads Microsoft team

Microsoft replaced Jack Krumholtz, the longtime head of its lobbying team, by promoting Fred Humphries, who has been with the tech giant since 2000.

Humphries will now lead its lobbying team as managing director of federal government affairs. A former aide to House Minority Leader Richard Gephardt (D-Mo.), Humphries will take over from Krumholtz, who founded the company’s lobbying shop in the mid-1990s. Krumholtz resigned to pursue other opportunities.   

{mosads}“I have some big shoes to fill. The good thing for me is I am going to be able to go into an office with a talented team,” Humphries said. “I am looking forward to a seamless transition.”

Humphries led the state government affairs team for Microsoft from the company’s Redmond, Wash., headquarters for the past eight years.

He will find his plate full in D.C. Microsoft has lobbied for immigration reform, especially for H-1B visas for skilled foreign workers, and more federal funding for broadband access.

Humphries also sees the company helping the new White House meet its transparency initiatives and expanding the use of information technology systems to drive down healthcare costs.

The changeover does not change the office leadership’s political party. Krumholtz is also a Democrat. But Humphries said his goal will be advising lawmakers of both parties about the company.

“I subscribe to that. I am not here to do Democratic politics or Republican politics,” Humphries said.