DENVER – First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) Board Chairman Sam Ginn announced that he has named Board member Sue Swenson as vice chairman. Ginn tasked Swenson with overseeing the Board’s extensive planning and oversight work.
“Sue has been a tremendous asset to this Board over the past year, leading our efforts to negotiate spectrum lease agreements in addition to myriad other duties,” said Ginn. “In the months ahead, I’ve asked Sue to take on additional responsibilities as vice chairman to assist us with our planning efforts and our oversight of FirstNet management. I’m grateful that she’s agreed to do that.”
Separately, the FirstNet Board announced that Ronald Davis has been named by U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder as his designee on the FirstNet Board, replacing Tony West. Davis joined the Department of Justice in November as director of the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS). Prior to that, he served as Chief of Police of the East Palo Alto Police Department in East Palo Alto, Calif.
Also, FirstNet General Manager Bill D’Agostino informed the Board at yesterday’s meeting that Frank Freeman III was hired as FirstNet’s Chief Administrative Officer. Freeman recently retired as a Colonel and senior leader in the U.S. Air Force. During his 25-year career, Freeman led large administrative organizations responsible for facility management, human resources, logistics, environmental protection, security and emergency management. He also led Air Force organizations responsible for law enforcement and fire emergency services.
“Frank brings to FirstNet a unique combination of management and public safety experience,” said D’Agostino. “We will greatly benefit from his expertise in managing large organizations, and we are happy to have him as part of the FirstNet team.”
About FirstNet
FirstNet will provide emergency responders with the first high-speed, nationwide network dedicated to public safety. FirstNet is designed to improve communication among local, state, regional, tribal and national emergency services personnel. The broadband data network will help save lives and protect the health and safety of all Americans. It will be built using LTE, the most advanced wireless technology available today. FirstNet fulfills a fundamental need of the public safety community for a single, mission-critical communications system enabling force multiplier effectiveness. Overseen by representatives of public safety, government and the wireless industry, FirstNet is an independent entity within the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration (www.firstnet.gov).