Michael Varney is the senior director of field operations at the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority). He joined FirstNet in 2015 after nearly 30 years serving in information technology and public safety communications positions with the State of Connecticut, including as the statewide interoperability coordinator. Prior to his work at the FirstNet Authority, he served as the chairman of the National Council of Statewide Interoperability Coordinators and as an initial representative on the FirstNet Authority’s Public Safety Advisory Committee. Michael also has a strong public safety background, having served for more than 35 years in the fire and emergency medical services, including 14 years as a fire chief. He participated in numerous statewide and national working groups that worked to address mutual aid and communication issues. In 2007, he was awarded the International Association of Fire Chiefs’ Volunteer Fire Chief of the Year.