Public Safety

Lutnick Appoints New Chairman of FirstNet Authority Board

Florida sheriff Michael Adkinson, Jr. brings extensive experience to FirstNet.

Lincoln Patience

May 26, 2026 — 1 min read

Photo from AT&T's Network Disaster Recovery Showcase in Washington, used with permission.

WASHINGTON, May 26, 2026 — Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has appointed Sheriff Michael A. Adkinson, Jr. to serve as Chairman of the Board of the First Responder Network Authority, or FirstNet.

Adkinson is the sheriff of Walton County, Fla., and has served as the Acting Chairman of the FirstNet Authority Board since September 2025.

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Public Safety FirstNet FirstNet Authority Howard Lutnick Michael Adkinson Arielle Roth AT&T

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