Gerald Risner is a senior public safety advisor for the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority). Before joining the FirstNet Authority, Gerald spent over 20 years working in public safety communications. He was the wireless communications deputy director for the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security where he managed the state’s Project 25 7/800 MHz radio system. Known as the Tennessee Advanced Communications Network, the statewide system supports more than 40,000 users. Gerald also served as Tennessee’s statewide interoperability coordinator.