The chief regulator for the telecommunications and cable industries William Kennard said on Thursday he has presided over his last open meeting of the Federal Communications Commission and would soon resign.

The chairman, at times misty-eyed and to a standing ovation, thanked his fellow commissioners, staff and friends at the agency who praised his efforts to help those who needed it most.

``I will always cherish the memories I've had from my tenure here at the agency,'' said Kennard, one of three Democrats on the panel. ``The strength of this organization is in its people.''