Carolyn Shanoff
Carolyn Shanoff is Associate Director for Consumer and Business Education in the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection. Her Division, which includes very talented and creative attorneys, writers, marketing specialists, and graphic and web designers, is responsible for telling consumers what their rights are and helping businesses understand the “science of compliance.” She and her staff have developed information for consumers in English and Spanish on literally hundreds of topics, and award-winning campaigns on subjects as varied as identity theft, online security, the Do Not Call Registry, bogus weight loss advertisements, getting credit, Alaska Native art, and clothing care symbols. The Office has used a variety of interesting ways to reach consumers of all ages, from e-cards and online games to "teaser" websites and classified ads.
Ms. Shanoff has a master's degree in Journalism from Northwestern University and a bachelor's degree from the University of Vermont. She worked as both a reporter and public relations practitioner before she began her federal career as a public affairs specialist at the National Institute on Aging. She worked at the Health Resources and Services Administration and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration before joining the FTC in 1995.