Panelists

Darrin is responsible for Mission Critical Partners’ strategy development and execution, day-to-day operations, organic and inorganic growth initiatives, and client satisfaction. He is a client-focused leader that has a passion to serve those who provide safety and security services in the communities where we live, work, and play.

He joined Mission Critical Partners in 2018 as senior vice president of corporate development and was promoted to chief operating officer in 2019. In November 2020, Darrin was named president and in February 2021, added the role of chief executive officer.

A major focus of Darrin’s career has been spearheading the development of high-quality and innovative products and services to serve federal, state and local law enforcement, fire and EMS, and 911 public safety agencies. He has been responsible for delivering a superior customer experience by focusing on client relations and developing and delivering service and mission-critical solution enhancements.

Darrin has demonstrated passion and dedication for the public safety community throughout his 30+ year career. He has served as regional vice president of sales for NICE Systems. He also served as chief operating officer for TriTech Software Systems, which today is part of CentralSquare Technologies, president of Positron Public Safety Systems (now part of Intrado) and Airbus DS Communications (formerly PlantCML, now part of Motorola Solutions), in addition to holding various leadership positions at Motorola. Darrin also served as the chairperson of iCERT for three years.

Session: Key Note; 9/27 @ 11:00 a.m. ET

John Lenkart previously served for over 25 years combined in the military and in federal law enforcement with a broad strategic and operational background. As a senior FBI executive, he developed a new strategy and built an innovative team to counter national security threats in critical commercial sectors – with specific expertise in Chinese telecom equipment manufacturers and their threat to US Information Communications Technology infrastructure and related supply chains. Mr. Lenkart brings extensive experience regarding critical infrastructure supply chain risk management and insider threat programs.

Session: This Year's Cyber Landscape: What We've Learned; 9/26 @ 11 a.m. ET

Jason Nettles is the Executive Director at Central County Emergency 911, a Fire/EMS dispatch center serving approximately 720 square miles and nearly 1 million citizens in St. Louis and portions of Franklin and Jefferson counties in Missouri. Jason is a native Floridian, where he began his career in Public Safety at the Putnam County, Florida Sheriff’s Office.

Throughout his career, he has been on multiple deployments, including hurricanes and wildfires, with Interoperable Communications equipment. He has numerous certifications, including NENA ENP and CMCP. He also has COML, COMT, and INCM training, has previously taught NIMS/ICS courses, and has an interest in project management.

Jason has served on numerous boards, committees, and working groups related to training, technology, and 911. His formal education includes a BAS degree in Organizational Management - Public Service Administration and an MS degree in Critical Incident Management. He is the current NENA Missouri Chapter First Vice President.

Session: Leadership Development and Strategic Planning: A Path to Success; 9/26 @ 1:00 p.m. ET

Christy Williams is the Director of 9-1-1 for the North Central Texas Emergency Communications District (NCT9-1-1), overseeing 9-1-1 operations in fourteen counties around Dallas/Ft. Worth. With over thirty years in the industry, she served as President of the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) from 2014-2016 and received the IWCE Critical Communications Leader of the Year Award in 2020. In 2017, Christy co-initiated the annual Early Adopter Summit (EAS), bringing together innovators and public safety representatives to advance 9-1-1 technologies and strategies. Passionate about the industry and its professionals, she fervently advocates for leadership development and industry evolution.

Session: Leadership Development and Strategic Planning: A Path to Success; 9/26 @ 1:00 p.m. ET

Roger Strope served as a dedicated employee of the Missouri State Highway Patrol from 1986 to 2016, holding various critical roles during his tenure. His journey began as a Computer Operator, where he operated mainframe systems. Over the years, he evolved into a Radio Operator, demonstrating proficiency in communication technology and operations. His skill set expanded further when he assumed the role of Radio Installer, contributing to robust communication networks.

Roger's career found new challenges when he became the Communications Projects Manager, showcasing his leadership and project management abilities. In 2016, he embarked on a new chapter by joining the Missouri Department of Public Safety as a member of the Missouri Statewide Interoperability Network (MOSWIN) team. Presently, Roger serves as the Interoperability Program Manager, Director of MOSWIN, and the Missouri Statewide Interoperability Coordinator (SWIC).

Throughout his career, Roger has been a driving force in enhancing communication systems and interoperability, leaving an indelible mark on public safety in Missouri.

Session: Managing the Modern LMR Network: Best Practices and Lessons Learned: A Path to Success; 9/26 @ 2:00 p.m. ET

Captain Nicholas A. Lennie began his law enforcement career in April 2006 with the Meskwaki Nation Police Department as a law enforcement officer. He attended the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy and graduated in July 2006. During the academy, he was awarded the “McCartney Award” and also recognized for his achievement and induction into the “300 Point Club.”

Capt. Lennie was hired by the Story County Sheriff’s Office in July 2008. During his tenure at the sheriff’s office, he served in various capacities, including time as a Patrol Deputy, Field Training Officer and Supervisor, Lead Firearms Instructor, Emergency Response Team member, Team Leader, and Commander. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2013 and later filled the role of Administrative Sgt. in the Field Services Division. Capt. Lennie was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in 2019 and subsequently appointed as Captain to the Chief Deputy Position in 2019. Capt. Lennie is the recipient of three Sheriff Commendations during his tenure with the Story County Sheriff’s Office.

He is a member of and involved in various local and national organizations and served as the past president of the Iowa Crime Prevention Association. He is a graduate of the F.BI. National Academy, Session 280.

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Session: Managing the Modern LMR Network: Best Practices and Lessons Learned: A Path to Success; 9/26 @ 2:00 p.m. ET

Kate Elkins works in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) office of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and the National 911 Program. She has a background spanning over two decades in EMS, disaster response, public health and injury prevention.

Kate has a Master of Public Health degree with a focus on epidemiology and injury prevention. Kate is currently a DrPH student with a focus on health policy and a Bloomberg American Health Initiative Fellow at Johns Hopkins. She is a paramedic, EMS captain, preceptor and teaches college-level public health and paramedic studies.

At NHTSA, Kate works with EMS and 911 stakeholders on projects related to pediatrics, GIS, education, rural/tribal issues, mental health, workforce wellness and emerging infectious disease. Kate helped establish and was the Deputy Team Lead for the Prehospital/EMS team of the Healthcare Resilience Working Group (HRWG), for the FEMA/HHS response to COVID-19. Kate collaborated with CDC and NIOSH on a study of suicide among first responders to be published in the Journal of Safety Research. Kate currently attends the federal working group on suicide prevention and the White House interagency policy committee for suicide prevention as an EMS and 911 subject matter expert.

Session: 988 Challenges; 9/26 @ 3:00p.m. ET

Session: NHTSA CAD Interoperability Study; 9/27 @ 2:00 p.m. ET

Maria Jacques has spent her entire career in public safety, the last 27 years in 911. In 1996, she was one of three people hired to implement a statewide Enhanced 911 (E911) system in Maine. Her task was to oversee the re-addressing of the state. By 2001, Maine had successfully implemented a statewide E911 system. In 2002, she earned her Emergency Number Professional certification.

In 2008, Maria was appointed Director of the Maine Emergency Services Communication Bureau and charged with planning for the migration of the E911 system to Next Generation 911 (NG911). By July 2014, Maine had implemented a statewide NG911 system, utilizing geospatial routing and delivering all 911 calls as IP to each of the state’s 26 PSAPs. Most recently, she has led Maine’s effort to integrate crisis services into 911 by working collaboratively with the Office of Behavioral Health and other stakeholders.

Maria served as President of the National Association of State 911 Administrators (NASNA) for four years. She also served on the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) Institute for seven years, as well as various NENA technical and operational working groups. Currently, she is the NASNA representative on the NG911 Interoperability Commission.

Session: 988 Challenges; 9/26 @ 3:00 p.m. ET

Jacob Saur began his career in 2001 as a Paramedic with the Manatee County, Florida Department of Public Safety, eventually rising through the ranks to District Chief of Operations. Committed to advancing the 9-1-1 industry, he collaborated with both the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials International (APCO) and the National Emergency Number Association (NENA), even serving as the President of NENA's Florida Chapter. His leadership earned his center the APCO International's 2020 Technology Leadership Award. Previously the Director of Public Safety in Manatee County, Florida, Jacob had oversight of various departments, including 9-1-1 and EMS. He now serves as the Administrator of Emergency Communications for Arlington County, Virginia. Throughout his career, he's garnered numerous accolades and holds certifications such as Certified Public Safety Executive and Registered Public-Safety Leader from APCO International, and the Emergency Number Professional designation from NENA.

Session:AI and the Public Sector: What Problems Can We Solve?; 9/27 @ 3:00 p.m. ET

Bob Cozzie serves as the Director of the Bureau of Emergency Communications (BOEC), bringing over two decades of experience in the public safety and 9-1-1 industry. His journey began as a 9-1-1 call taker in 1995, and he has since held various roles, including trainer, lead worker, assistant supervisor, Training coordinator, and public information officer (PIO). With a Bachelor of Science Degree in Organizational Management from Colorado Christian University, Bob's career took him to the Portland area in 2003, where he served as the Training Manager for BOEC and later as the Director of Clackamas County 911. In 2018, he returned to BOEC as its director. Bob is deeply committed to the 9-1-1 industry, actively participating in various committees, including Chair of the State Interoperability Executive Council and leadership roles within the Oregon Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials. He also serves on the board of Responder Life, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting public safety first responders. Bob, with a military background in the United States Air Force, is a dedicated family man with four grown children, nine grandchildren, and a passion for fitness activities like swimming and running.

Session:AI and the Public Sector: What Problems Can We Solve?; 9/27 @ 3:00 p.m. ET

Ashwini Jarral currently serves as the advisor to the IJIS Institute Executive Director.  Mr. Jarral also provides consulting services for non-profits and not-for-profit organizations to help advise them on the issues associated with business and digital transformation strategies. 

Prior to his current role, Jarral was the co-founder of an innovative healthcare technology company, IDYA4, serving as the Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Jarral grew this company from the startup stages to over 1000% in revenue over a period of 18 months. Jarral also provided oversight on business development and day-to-day administrative and operational functions before the acquisition of IDYA4 by CloudMD in 2021. 

Prior to IDYA4, Jarral served as the Executive Director (CEO) of the IJIS Institute, a nonprofit corporation formed by the U.S. Department of Justice, to help state and local governments develop ways to share information among disciplines engaged in homeland security, justice, and public safety. At the Institute, Mr. Jarral led the organization to the largest growth period in the history of the Institute, demonstrated by a 700% increase in funding through diversification to a market presence beyond justice. 

With more than 25 years of experience in IT consulting and operations management, acquired through various executive roles, Jarral has been recognized nationally, and internationally for his work in information sharing since the tragic event of 9/11. In addition to the Justice and Public Safety sector, he also worked in the private sector providing professional technology services and solutions in finance and telecommunications. 

Jarral served on the Department of Justice Global Federal Advisory Committee, an advisory group to the U.S. Attorney General, and currently serves on the FirstNet Authority’s Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC)s, the Identity, Credential and Access Management (ICAM) Task Force and the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP)s Computed Crime and Digital Evidence Committee. Jarral previously managed the Standards Coordination Council (SCC) under the White House Sub-Committee of the Information Sharing and Access Interagency Policy Committee (ISA IPC), has co-chaired the Object Management Group (OMG) Information Sharing Working Group, served on the Global Standards Council (GSC) and served on the Board of Directors of the American Probation and Parole Association (APPA). 

Mr. Jarral was named a recipient and member of the prestigious Federal 100 Award in 2014. This award is presented to leaders who have gone above and beyond to make a real difference in how technology is bought, managed, and used in the Federal IT community. Jarral received this award for his leadership role in conceiving and implementing a new standards-based interoperability program to help advance information sharing in the justice, public safety, and homeland security environments to directly support the President’s National Strategy for Information Sharing and Safeguarding. 

Jarral has published numerous articles, white papers, and reports on technology standards, interoperability, and information sharing. He has played a key role in developing various information-sharing standards within Justice, Public Safety, Homeland Security and Health. 

Jarral holds a B.S. in Decision Science and Management Information Systems (DMIS) and a M.S. in Management Information Systems. He is a Project Management Institute (PMI) Project Management Professional (PMP) and Six Sigma Green Belt Certified Professional

Session: NHTSA CAD Interoperability Study: A Path to Success; 9/27 @ 2:00 p.m. ET

Jennelle Keith is an experienced Organizational Change Manager with a demonstrated 22-plus-year work history in the government public sector industry. Her skill set includes expertise in engagement, communication, training strategy, business leadership, organizational change management, employee engagement, organizational development, and human-centered leadership. In her current role, she operates under administrative direction from the Director and Administrator of Research and Project Management (RPM) and is responsible for overseeing, coordinating, and managing organizational change initiatives related to the implementation of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) for the State of Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Transformation Effort project. Her responsibilities encompass instilling organizational change management principles and practices across all projects and structured work efforts to achieve desired business outcomes. Additionally, she leads, coordinates, and provides visibility for the State's or DMV's change management endeavors, which include internal communications. She also serves as the chief happiness officer, facilitating morale-boosting efforts at the Nevada DMV.

Session: Change Management and Its Role in the Public Sector; 9/27 @ 3:00 p.m. ET

Richard is a high-impact IT and cybersecurity professional with a proven record of elevating service delivery and achieving high technical performance through leading diverse teams. He is an expert in designing, implementing and maintaining cybersecurity software. He provides troubleshooting methods, keen analytical skills, and excellent communication abilities to assess client issues and develop effective solutions. Richard is a knowledgeable problem solver with more than two decades of experience in IT, resolving network performance issues and mitigating security breaches in many different industries. Richard's project management expertise includes assessing resources, managing finances, and generating revenue through effective business models. He ensures to always provide audits in compliance with regulatory guidelines. 

Session: This Year's Cyber Landscape: What We've Learned; 9/26 @ 11 a.m. ET

Jason Franks is a high-impact cybersecurity and IT professional with a proven track record of achieving high technical performance through technical expertise and leading teams. He has demonstrated expertise in the design, implementation and maintenance of the cybersecurity stack.

Session: This Year's Cyber Landscape: What We've Learned; 9/26 @ 11 a.m. ET

Bonnie Maney is an executive-level leader who understands and represents clients to ensure that services are pertinent to their exact needs. She serves as a Project Manager and Communications Consultant with extensive PSAP operations, leadership communications, project management, emergency management, information sharing, and technology experience throughout the U.S. at all levels of government. At MCP, Bonnie applies her experience to facilitate assessments and strategic planning, manage program budgets, coordinate contracts, and prepare deliverables. Bonnie is skilled in organizing and facilitating diverse workgroups to define user needs and requirements, as well as interoperability planning and investment justifications. In addition, she has delivered technical services under what was previously known as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office of Emergency Communications Interoperable Communications Technical Assistance Program (ICTAP).

Session: 988 Challenges; 9/26 @ 3:00 p.m. ET

David is a Co-founder and Senior Vice President with Mission Critical Partners and is based in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. David provides executive-level consultative services and expertise on matters related to government affairs, public policy, and legislation. He is a nationally known subject matter expert on 911 emergency services. David has more than 25 years of experience in the public sector, having administered, directed, managed, and operated emergency service agencies and 911 departments. David is a proven communicator who maintains direct contact with public safety clients to ensure project success and client satisfaction. David will ensure MCP meets all of the client's expectations for a successful project.

Session: Leadership Development and Strategic Planning: A Path to Success; 9/26 @ 1:00 p.m. ET

Nick Falgiatore is a Senior Technology Specialist for Mission Critical Partners and is a licensed Professional Engineer in the states of Florida, Tennessee, and North Carolina. As a public safety radio and wireless specialist, Nick has served more than 50 public safety clients ranging in size from small municipalities to state agencies. His experience encompasses all aspects associated with the implementation of public safety communications systems, including needs assessments, system procurements, and implementation engineering support. His expertise also includes FCC licensing, and he will provide any required licensing support. Nick holds a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering.

Session: Managing the Modern LMR Network: Best Practices and Lessons Learned: A Path to Success; 9/26 @ 2:00 p.m. ET

Chris Kelly is a senior leader with nearly two decades of telecommunications consulting experience. He provides leadership and guidance to the technology, operations and facility project teams at MCP. Chris is an additional resource to project managers to ensure the client’s satisfaction and overall project success. Chris has worked on a variety of public safety communication systems, completing user needs assessments, requirements definition to project implementation, testing and acceptance. His public safety and project management background are accentuated by his strong organizational, communication, risk assessment and methodical traits.

Session:AI and the Public Sector: What Problems Can We Solve?; 9/27 @ 3:00 p.m. ET

Jim Pingel's background as a practitioner at the Milwaukee Police Department and the Wisconsin Office of Justice Assistance has shaped his tenure as a project manager, lead analyst, and director. Jim has managed multi-year statewide projects in Iowa and Georgia, spanning dozens of criminal justice agencies and vendors. He has also led NIBRS implementation work for the Illinois State Police, DuPage County Illinois, and for the IJIS Institute’s CJIS Advisory Committee.

Session:AI and the Public Sector: What Problems Can We Solve?; 9/27 @ 3:00 p.m. ET

Robert Horne is a Senior Technology Specialist, ENP and GIS SME for Mission Critical Partners. Robert brings more than 30 years of program management experience in GIS, focusing on 911 operations, public safety, law enforcement, and intelligence. He led and managed multi-million-dollar implementations of GIS technology at the federal, state and local levels and is familiar with the process of integrating these systems and data into 911 centers, emergency operations centers, fire and police command centers, and fusion centers. Robert has supported multiple states with GIS components of nationwide public-safety broadband and NG-911 planning efforts.

Session: GIS Basics for the 911 Director – What You Absolutely Need to Know; 9/27 @ 1:00 p.m. ET

Bob Scott is a Project Manager and Public Safety Consultant at Mission Critical Partners. He brings more than 36 years of emergency communications experience, serving the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) for 26 years. In that capacity, he had the opportunity to serve as a project manager for many large public safety technology projects and was privileged to leverage that experience into a successful career as a public safety consultant/project manager. Now nine years in the private sector, Bob led and had been a senior technical resource for many public safety CAD/mobile data and records management system projects, including lead technical resource for the cities of Chicago, Philadelphia and Atlanta for their CAD/RMS replacement projects. Bob has also served as project manager for public safety radio projects and PSAP operational and technical assessments.

Session: NHTSA CAD Interoperability Study: A Path to Success; 9/27 @ 2:00 p.m. ET

Jackie Mines brings a unique blend of public safety expertise in technical knowledge, strategic planning, operations coordination, and establishing and leveraging existing partnerships, focusing on interoperable emergency communications. As the former director of a state-level department of public safety, Ms. Mines is a change agent with outstanding strategic vision, leadership, communication, and organizational skills that resulted in one of the first national deployments of an NG911 system backbone. She was responsible for overseeing the statewide deployments of the radio system, NG911, the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) services, and led the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) consultation efforts for the commissioner of public safety. Jackie has served the National 911 Program, the State of Arizona 9-1-1 Program, New Jersey FirstNet, Michigan FirstNet, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and the Association of Central Oklahoma Governments in her role at MCP. Leveraging her three decades of experience and team leadership to support mission-critical infrastructure and public safety initiatives.

Session: NHTSA CAD Interoperability Study: A Path to Success; 9/27 @ 2:00 p.m. ET

Jim King has a passion for organizational excellence and years of operations and program management experience, which includes leadership, strategic planning, customer focus, systems integration and operational excellence. His areas of expertise include organizational change, the Baldrige Excellence Framework, as well as human resources learning and development.

Session: Change Management and Its Role in the Public Sector; 9/27 @ 3:00 p.m. ET

John is president of Mission Critical Partners’ consulting business where he leads more than 80 dedicated and specialized public safety professionals in improving our clients’ emergency response outcomes. An emergency communication, 911 and NG911 SME and executive leader, John brings three decades of experience in mission-critical industries.

Session: Beyond Traditional Tactics: Fresh Ideas for Tackling Today's Staffing Shortages; 9/26 @ 12 p.m. ET