Michael Kevin Powell (born March 23, 1963) is an American attorney, policymaker, and business executive best known for serving as Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from 2001 to 2005. The son of former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell and Alma Powell, he grew up in a military family which influenced his early career. He graduated from the College of William & Mary with a Bachelor of Arts in Government in 1985 and earned a Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center in 1993. Powell served as a captain in the U.S. Army, including deployment during the Gulf War where he was injured by a landmine, earning him the Purple Heart. His government career began at the FCC in 1997 as a policy advisor, and he was appointed commissioner in 1997 by President Bill Clinton, later becoming chairman under President George W. Bush.

During his tenure as FCC Chairman, Powell was a strong advocate for deregulation in the telecommunications industry, promoting competition and innovation in broadband and media sectors. He oversaw significant policy changes including the relaxation of media ownership rules, which drew criticism from consumer advocates for potentially reducing media diversity. Notable actions included his response to the 2004 Super Bowl halftime show controversy, leading to stricter indecency regulations. After leaving the FCC in 2005, Powell transitioned to the private sector, serving as a senior advisor at Providence Equity Partners and later as a professor at the University of Virginia's Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy. In 2011, he became president and CEO of the National Cable & Telecommunications Association (NCTA), where he has advocated for cable and internet industry interests, including net neutrality debates and spectrum allocation.

Powell has been involved in various boards and advisory roles, reflecting his influence in media and technology policy. He is married to Jane Knott Powell, and the couple has two children. His career bridges government regulation and industry leadership, positioning him as a key figure in shaping U.S. communications policy amid the digital revolution.