FirstNet Hires TJ Kennedy as Deputy GM and Ed Parkinson for Government Affairs

The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) announced the hiring of TJ Kennedy as its Deputy General Manager. Kennedy is a seasoned public safety communications executive, joining FirstNet from Raytheon Co. where he served as Director, Public Safety and Security with responsibility for radio interoperability systems. Prior to joining Raytheon, Kennedy was a Vice President at Science Applications International Corp. (SAIC), where he oversaw deployment of large, integrated communication and security systems, including public safety systems for the 2004 Olympic Games. Kennedy previously served as past president of the International Association of Flight and Critical Care Paramedics. His first day as Deputy General Manager was July 29, 2013.

FirstNet also announced the hiring of Ed Parkinson as Director of Government Affairs. From 2008-2013, Parkinson was a staff member for the House Homeland Security Committee chaired by Rep. Peter T. King. Parkinson primarily worked on first responder telecommunications issues. In addition, his work involved border security, emergency preparedness, cybersecurity, and investigations into waste, fraud, and the abuse of government resources.