FirstNet Authority appoints new executive director

The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) Board has selected Edward Parkinson as the organization’s executive director.

“After conducting a comprehensive and thorough search, we are pleased to announce the selection of Ed Parkinson to be the Executive Director of the FirstNet Authority,” Edward Horowitz, FirstNet Authority Board chair, said. “Ed’s leadership has been instrumental to the success of FirstNet, and he brings a passion and vision for the job that will ensure the organization continues to deliver for our nation’s first responders. Speaking on behalf of the FirstNet Authority Board, I congratulate him on the selection and thank Jeff Bratcher for serving in key leadership duties during the search. We look forward to continuing our work together to fully realize the promise of FirstNet for all of public safety.”

Parkinson, one of the first employees to join the FirstNet Authority seven years ago, has served in a variety of leadership positions within the organization, including Executive Director of External Affairs.

He was named Acting Executive Director in October 2018, and under his leadership, the organization achieved several key milestones to advance the nationwide public safety broadband network.

“Ed has a deep understanding of FirstNet and public safety, as well as a commitment to driving innovation for our nation’s first responders,” FirstNet Authority Board Vice Chair Sheriff Richard Stanek said. “I look forward to continue working with Ed to advance public safety’s network.”

Parkinson said he is honored by the selection.

“I am proud of the work that we do every day to help public safety and am excited about the opportunity to continue leading the FirstNet Authority as we evolve the network to meet their communications needs,” he said.