Poth’s resignation was announced back in early September and the statement issued at the time said that he had accepted a position in the private sector and would assist with transition efforts before leaving his position at the end of September.
Parkinson joined the FirstNet Authority in 2013, after working on the House Homeland Security Committee for then Chairman Peter T. King. During his time with the committee, Parkinson drafted the initial bill that began the effort to create FirstNet. He was one of the first employees to join the FirstNet Authority, and served in a variety of leadership positions within the organisation, most recently as the executive director of External Affairs. Ed led the organisation’s outreach efforts that resulted in all 56 states and territories choosing to opt-into the FirstNet Network.
David Redl, assistant secretary for communications and information commented: “I look forward to working with Ed in his new role. His understanding of the history of the FirstNet project and his leadership roles throughout its maturation make him uniquely qualified to lead the FirstNet organisation into its operational phase.”
Edward Horowitz, FirstNet board chair added: “Mr. Parkinson is an excellent choice for Acting CEO. I have had the pleasure of getting to know and work with Ed in his role as executive director of external affairs, during the last three years and look forward to working closely with him as CEO.”
