(RESTON, VA) – The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) today announced that Chief Executive Officer Edward Parkinson will be leaving the organization to pursue an opportunity in the private sector. FirstNet Authority Deputy CEO Lisa Casias will assume the role of acting CEO, effective May 9, while a search to select the next CEO is conducted.

“It has been an honor and a privilege for me to serve the public safety community and deliver the communications network they’ve needed for so long,” said Parkinson. “It has been exciting to see FirstNet advance from concept to reality during my time at the FirstNet Authority. The network is transforming public safety operations and enabling first responders to save more lives and keep their communities safer.”

Mr. Parkinson was one of the first employees at the FirstNet Authority and has served in a number of leadership roles since joining the organization in 2013. He helped oversee the successful coordination of network buildout plans with the Governors in all 55 states and territories and Washington, D.C and FirstNet Authority’s first set of investments into the network, which set FirstNet on a path to offering 5G services and expanded the fleet of deployables to enhance coverage.

"With Ed’s leadership, the FirstNet Authority has overseen the growth and advancement of the network and built strong, trusted relationships with the public safety community,” said Stephen Benjamin, FirstNet Authority Board Chair. "We are grateful for the leadership and experience that Ed brought to the FirstNet Authority and wish him all the success in his future plans.”

About the First Responder Network Authority

The FirstNet Authority is an independent entity within the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). Created 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.