Edward Parkinson serves as the President, Public Sector at RapidSOS, a pioneering technology company developing the world’s first intelligent emergency response data platform that brings life-saving data from millions of connected devices directly to 911 and first responders in an emergency. As President, Public Sector, Parkinson oversees the company’s engagement with the public safety industry, 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. The former Chief Executive Officer and founding member of the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet), Parkinson brings 10+ 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) and resides in Washington, D.C.

Keith Owens has over 25 years’ experience in Remote Sensing and Mapping. He builds 3D mapping solutions that meet the highly technical product specifications required for emergency management, coastal-zone monitoring and flood protection for Fugro – unlocking insights from Geo-data for a safe and livable world.

Sjors van den Dries is the CEO of PublicSonar and has been with the company for over 7 years. He has helped it grow from a small company with several clients in the Netherlands to an organization with eminent government clients in multiple European countries. Sjors van den Dries is based ub Utrecht, Netherlands and brings professional experience in managing large IT projects for different global companies including Nike, Dutch Post, and ABN Bank.

Michael Rodgers is the CEO of Critical Response Group, Inc. Michael is a 2008 graduate of the United States Military Academy and former officer from the United States Army’s Special Operations Command (USSAOC). Michael’s operational assignments include the 82nd Airborne, and the 75th Ranger Regiment where he served as a company Fire Support Officer. After completing five deployments, his final military assignment was to serve as the Assistant Professor of Military Science at Princeton University. Following his 9 years of service in the military, Michael worked at BAE Systems, Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company based in San Diego, CA.