According to a press release from Anne Arundel County Fire Department, in a move that fortifies the leadership of the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority), U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo has announced the latest appointments to its Board, including Annapolis Fire Chief Trisha L. Wolford.
Today, Chief Wolford, who also serves as the first Vice President of the International Association of Fire Chiefs and Treasurer for their Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Section Executive Board, was officially sworn in as a board member. She joins other public safety, technology, and business leaders dedicated to ensuring that the FirstNet Authority and AT&T work efficaciously to roll out a nationwide broadband network built specifically for first responders, as Anne Arundel County news release details.
Wolford's appointment reflects her experience and dedication to fire and emergency services. She joins other knowledgeable new members on the board, including Sheriff Michael Adkinson from Florida, former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, and emergency medicine expert Damon Darsey. According to the Department of Commerce, they all started their three-year terms.
The board includes new members and reappointments, such as telecommunications attorney Alexandra Fernandez Navarro from Puerto Rico and Sean McDevitt, a partner at Arthur D. Little. They will work alongside three permanent members: the U.S. Attorney General, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Office of Management and Budget Director. The Department of Commerce selects all non-permanent members to oversee FirstNet Authority's operations, emphasizing the network's critical role in public safety and the commitment of its members.
