Alan Davidson Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator | Official Website
U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo has announced the appointment of eleven new members to the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) Board, along with a new Board Chair. This brings the board to its full capacity, consisting of 12 non-permanent members appointed by the Department of Commerce and three permanent seats held by key government officials.
The board is tasked with overseeing the development and operation of a nationwide public safety broadband network in collaboration with AT&T, aimed at equipping first responders with essential communication tools.
“I am pleased to appoint these experienced and highly qualified members to the FirstNet Authority Board to ensure this program continues to enhance public safety response with a world-class communications network,” stated Secretary Raimondo. She emphasized their commitment to FirstNet's mission and vision, as well as their dedication to community safety.
Seven new members have been selected for three-year terms: Michael Adkinson from Florida, Keisha Lance Bottoms from Georgia, Damon Darsey from Mississippi, Erik Gaull from Maryland, Jeffrey Norman from Wisconsin, Rasheid Scarlett from Florida, and Trisha Wolford from Maryland.
Additionally, four existing board members were reappointed for another term: Alexandra Fernandez Navarro from Puerto Rico, Sean McDevitt from Massachusetts, Warren Mickens from Colorado, and Jocelyn Moore from New York.
Keisha Lance Bottoms has been appointed as Board Chair for a two-year term. Secretary Raimondo described her as "a visionary leader known for her impactful governance and focus on equity."
Alan Davidson, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator, welcomed the new appointments stating they reflect diverse viewpoints needed by FirstNet’s 6.1 million public safety users nationwide. He also expressed gratitude towards outgoing chair Fire Chief Richard Carrizzo for his dedicated service.
The FirstNet Authority operates under the National Telecommunications and Information Administration within the Department of Commerce. Established by Congress through the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012, it aims to provide first responders across the U.S. with reliable communication networks crucial for their operations.
