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FirstNet Board Members Appointed by U.S. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker: Member Statements

Thursday, September 4
Today, Commerce Secretary Pritzker announced the appointment of six individuals to serve on the Board of the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet). The following Board members have provided statements on the appointments:

Sue Swenson
FirstNet Chair
“I want to thank the inaugural FirstNet Board members - those who are stepping down and those who are staying on - for joining the FirstNet Board at its inception. Their contributions to getting FirstNet stood up and on a path to realize the overall vision for the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network is sincerely appreciated. I welcome the new Board members and look forward to their contributions to move us along the path to success.”

Chris Burbank
Chief of Police, Salt Lake City Police Department
“I am honored and excited at the opportunity to serve on the FirstNet Board. I believe the significant cooperative effort represents a bright future for public safety throughout the nation.”

James H. Douglas
Former Governor, Vermont
“Through my 35 years serving the state of Vermont, I have come to understand first-hand the many challenges that our first responders face every day. It's critical that we equip them with the best technological tools and a seamless communications network to do their jobs and save lives. I look forward to serving on the FirstNet Board and helping make this nationwide public safety network a reality.”

Mayor Annise Parker
Mayor, City of Houston, Texas
“Our police and firefighters run toward the problem when everyone else is running away. They literally put their lives on the line every day for the safety of the rest of us. They deserve to have access to the most technologically advanced equipment available. I am honored to have been selected to help create the nationwide broadband network that will provide what they need to be able to better communicate with one another.”

Frank Plastina
Technology executive
"It will be an honor to serve as a member of the Board of FirstNet. Ensuring that our first responders communicate easily and effectively across all geographies and technologies is a reality that Americans expect and deserve. I look forward to applying my knowledge and expertise to making this happen."

Ed Reynolds
Retired telecommunications executive
“I’m honored to be reappointed to the FirstNet Board. We’re making real progress, and I look forward to working with the FirstNet team to accelerate our work towards achieving our mission of providing world class communications to all first responders across the country.”

Richard W. Stanek
Sheriff, Hennepin County, Minnesota
“I am extremely honored to be appointed to the First Responder Network Authority Board of Directors. I look forward to continued work with my colleagues to develop and maintain this new and innovative nationwide wireless service that will drastically improve communication for first responders. Access to a reliable broadband network during emergency situations is critical to public safety and I am thrilled at the opportunity to provide oversight into how this network should be used and mandated.”

About FirstNet
FirstNet will provide emergency responders with the first high-speed, nationwide network dedicated to public safety. The network will improve communications among local, state, regional, tribal and national emergency services personnel. FirstNet is an independent entity within the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration. FirstNet is governed by a 15-member Board appointed by the Secretary of Commerce that consists of representatives from public safety, government, and the wireless industry (www.firstnet.gov).

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