NTIA Announces Changes to FirstNet Board

Today, the Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced that Renee Gordon departed the FirstNet Authority Board on September 8, 2025, following the conclusion of her three-year term.

"As a member of the public safety community and nationally recognized 9-1-1 leader, Director Gordon provided important insights and contributions to the FirstNet Authority," said Arielle Roth, Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator. "NTIA thanks Director Gordon for her service, leadership and dedication to the FirstNet Authority Board."

Gordon, the Director of Emergency and Customer Communications with the City of Alexandria, Va., was appointed to the FirstNet Authority Board in 2022. Since January 2025, Gordon served as the Acting Board Chair.

"On behalf of the FirstNet Authority, I would like to thank Renee Gordon for her commitment and service during her tenure on the Board," said Mike Cannon, CEO and Executive Director of the FirstNet Authority. "Renee served in leadership roles on the Board during a critical time for our organization. Her expertise and dedication to public safety have been invaluable in our efforts to enhance the FirstNet network for our nation's first responders."

Following Gordon's departure, Sheriff Michael A. Adkinson, Jr., the FirstNet Authority Board Acting Vice Chair, will perform the duties of the Acting Board Chair.

Background
The First Responder Network Authority is an independent entity within the Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The FirstNet Authority's mission is to ensure the building, deployment, and operation of the nationwide public safety broadband network that equips first responders to save lives and protect U.S. communities. In March 2017, the Department of Commerce and FirstNet announced a partnership with AT&T to build and operate the first responder network. It is delivering the technologies and infrastructure that public safety relies on for day-to-day operations, disaster response and recovery, and securing of large events.

In the Middle-Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012, Congress created the FirstNet Authority, and directed that it be governed by a 15-person Board, with the U.S. Attorney General, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget named as permanent Board members. Congress charged the Secretary of Commerce with selecting the remaining 12 non-permanent members and appointing a Board Chair.

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About the National Telecommunications and Information Administration
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, is the Executive Branch agency that advises the President on telecommunications and information policy issues. NTIA's programs and policymaking focus on expanding broadband Internet access in America, maximizing the use of spectrum by all users, advancing public safety communications, and ensuring that the Internet remains an engine for innovation and economic growth.