Edward Parkinson was named acting chief executive officer of FirstNet Authority in October 2018. Previously he served as the Director of External Affairs, where he was responsible for all external communications and intergovernmental relations with local, state and federal organizations. Before joining FirstNet, Parkinson served for five years as a professional staff member for the House Homeland Security Committee, then chaired by Rep. Peter T. King of New York. During this period, Parkinson’s primary responsibility was in the field of first responder telecommunications. He also worked on issues including national security, emergency preparedness, and cybersecurity. Previously Mr. Parkinson served as an associate at Kearsage Global Advisors, an advocacy firm, and a research analyst at McKenna, Long and Aldridge, an international law firm specializing in public policy. Parkinson holds degrees from Georgetown University (M.A), and WITS University, (B.A., Hons).