FirstNet was established by Congress to deploy a nationwide broadband network to improve communications for the nation’s emergency responders. Therefore, it goes without saying that communication is essential to everything we do. For instance, FirstNet has designed a nationwide outreach program to increase communications with our partners in the states and territories. And recently, we increased our online communication capabilities by launching the FirstNet.gov website and establishing a Twitter account – @FirstNetGov.
Both of these are part of our integrated communications strategy to increase information sharing about FirstNet's activities and progress. In fact, FirstNet has opened the lines of communication for everyone who is interested in our mission by doing something that is rather unique in today’s automated world – having an experienced person, instead of a computer, be the first point of entry. To that end, when you dial our main number, (202) 482-4646, you are likely to reach Avis Taylor-Ikeji within the first couple of rings.
Avis worked for nearly nine years at the National Science Foundation before joining FirstNet as the User Advocacy Executive Assistant. The public safety mission is close to home for her: Avis’ brother is a 9-1-1 dispatcher and her cousin is a firefighter. As she learned more about FirstNet and the opportunities here, she immediately identified herself with the mission and joined the team this past January.
Although Avis has many daily duties in addition to manning the FirstNet phones, she takes every call and email seriously. Courtesy, politeness, accountability, efficiency, competency, and responsiveness – those are just some of the character qualities that Avis says she is committed to with every call and email. In an age where it usually takes several minutes to navigate through a menu just to talk to someone, we hope our stakeholders and partners are pleased to hear a voice that is ready to accommodate their needs when they call FirstNet.
Today is also Administrative Professionals Day, and FirstNet would like to recognize all of its administrative professionals for the hard work they do to support our organization. Thank you to Avis, Windell McCloud Jr., Evelyn Woodson, and Ruthie Bowser for all that you do each day. As the FirstNet staff continues to grow, please check our blog for future profiles and updates on these and other staff members who are so important to our success.
