The First Responder Network Authority said CEO Edward Parkinson will leave the organization for a position in the private sector. FirstNet Authority Deputy CEO Lisa Casias will become Acting CEO, effective May 10, while a search to select the next CEO is conducted.
Parkinson was one of the first employees at the broadband communications network for first responders and has held several leadership roles since joining the organization in 2013. He became Acting CEO in 2018, and permanent CEO in 2020.
He helped oversee the coordination of network buildout plans with the governors in all 55 states, territories and Washington, D.C. Parkinson helped lead the first investments into the network, which set FirstNet on a path to offering 5G services and expanded the fleet of deployables to enhance coverage, according to the organization.
“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.”
FirstNet Authority Board Chair Stephen Benjamin credited Parkinson with overseeing the network’s growth and advancement, who “built strong, trusted relationships with the public safety community.” Benjamin said the FirstNet Authority wished Parkinson success in his future plans.
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