(Reston, VA) – The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) and the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced today that Edward Parkinson will serve as Acting Chief Executive Officer, following the recent resignation of Mike Poth, who had served as CEO since 2015.
Mr. Parkinson joined the FirstNet Authority in 2013, after working on the House Homeland Security Committee for then Chairman Peter T. King. During his time with the committee, he drafted the initial bill that began the effort to create FirstNet. Ed was one of the first employees to join the FirstNet Authority, and served in a variety of leadership positions within the organization, most recently as the Executive Director of External Affairs. Ed led the organization’s outreach efforts that resulted in all 56 states and territories choosing to opt-into the FirstNet Network.
The below statements can be attributed to Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information David Redl, FirstNet Board Chair Edward Horowitz, and Acting CEO Edward Parkinson:
Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information David Redl: “I look forward to working with Ed in his new role. His understanding of the history of the FirstNet project and his leadership roles throughout its maturation make him uniquely qualified to lead the FirstNet organization into its operational phase.”
FirstNet Board Chair Edward Horowitz: “Mr. Parkinson is an excellent choice for Acting CEO. I have had the pleasure of getting to know and work with Ed in his role as Executive Director of External Affairs, during the last three years and look forward to working closely with him as CEO.”
Acting CEO Edward Parkinson: “I am honored being named to the position, to lead the incredible people that we have at FirstNet today, and to deliver the network that public safety can trust with their lives. I look forward to working with Chairman Horowitz, the FirstNet Board, and our colleagues at the Department of Commerce, especially Assistant Secretary Redl and NTIA, in achieving the high standards that public safety requires. Together with AT&T, FirstNet will succeed in delivering a world class service for public safety.”
For more information, visit FirstNet.gov.
###
About the First Responder Network Authority
The First Responder Network Authority is an independent authority within the U.S. Department of Commerce. Chartered in 2012, its mission is to ensure the building, deployment, and operation of the nationwide broadband network that equips first responders to save lives and protect U.S. communities. Learn more at FirstNet.gov/mediakit and follow the FirstNet Authority (@FirstNetGov) on Facebook and Twitter for updates.
About NTIA
NTIA, part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, is the Executive Branch agency that advises the President on telecommunications and information policy issues. NTIA’s programs and policymaking focus largely on expanding broadband Internet access and adoption in America, expanding the use of spectrum by all users, advancing public safety communications, and ensuring that the Internet remains an engine for innovation and economic growth. Learn more at ntia.doc.gov and follow @NTIAgov.
