U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick recently appointed four new members to the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) board.
The board ensures the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network has the capabilities and resources that first responders need and sets strategic priorities, establishes performance expectations and investment priorities.
“With the Board now at full strength, it has the expertise to provide strong strategic leadership for the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network,” Arielle Roth, assistant secretary of commerce for communications and information and National Telecommunications and Information Administration administrator said. “This marks a new era of investment and oversight for FirstNet, and I look forward to working with the Board to carry out the important responsibility Congress has entrusted to us.”
The four new members are Comanche, Texas, Mayor Mary Boyd; telecommunications expert Allen Proithis; 9-1-1 technology expert Jeff Robertson; and public safety expert Jeffrey Streeter.
The board has 12 nonpermanent members selected by the Department of Commerce and three permanent members. The permanent members are the U.S. attorney general, the homeland security secretary, and the Office of Management and Budget director.
In May, Lutnick appointed Walton County, Fla, Sheriff Michael A. Adkinson, Jr. to serve as First Responder Network Authority board chairman.