Ed Parkinson

Edward Parkinson serves as President, Public Sector, at RapidSOS, the world’s first intelligent safety platform that securely links life-saving data from over 500M connected devices, apps, and sensors directly to safety agents and over 15,000 911 and first responder agencies worldwide. As President, Public Sector, Parkinson oversees the company’s engagement with the public safety industry across the globe, deployment of innovative products with governmental agencies across the United States, and partnerships with key public and private stakeholders shaping the future of public safety communications.

As the former Chief Executive Officer and founding member of the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet), Parkinson brings 15+ years of leadership experience in politics, public-private partnerships, and government affairs. Prior to joining FirstNet, Parkinson was a Professional Staff Member with the U.S. House of Representatives’ Homeland Security Committee where he specialized in policy and legislation related to emergency communications, national security, intelligence, and cybersecurity. Parkinson’s prior private sector experience includes McKenna, Long, and Aldridge, LLC, a national law firm, and Kearsarge Global Advisors, an international political consultancy.

Parkinson holds degrees from Georgetown University (M.A.), and WITS University, South Africa (B.A., Hons).

Ed’s Expert Topics:

• Public Sector

  • Technology, communications, emergency infrastructure, public/private partnerships

• Government Affairs

  • Public Policy, selection processes, government agencies

• New Technology

  • Innovation, training, development, tech adoption