Fontes arrives at NENA

The National Emergency Number Association named Brian Fontes as its chief executive officer, a newly created position in the organization.
“Brian is known and respected throughout our industry,” said NENA President Jason Barbour. “His varied and unique skill sets make him the right man for this job. There is no question that with Brian as the CEO, NENA will move to the next level, and we could not be more pleased to have an individual of his caliber representing our association.”
Fontes most recently was VP for federal regulatory affairs at AT&T Inc. and held the same title at Cingular Wireless L.L.C. before the wireless carrier was fully acquired by AT&T. Fontes also served as the senior VP for policy and administration at the cellular association CTIA. Prior to that he was chief of staff for the Federal Communications Commission and senior advisor to former Commissioner James Quello.
“I am honored to join NENA and become part of the 911 community, which plays a vital role in aiding the safety of lives and property for so many,” Fontes said. “As we all know, in times of need, 911 telecommunicators are often the first voice of hope. This is why the 911 community must continue to have a strong and responsible voice in the development of public policy that affects the future of our service. I am confident that together we will advance NENA’s important work, and that of the 911 community at large, on behalf of the citizens who rely upon us to answer that important call.”
The mobile-phone industry and the public-safety community are currently entangled in litigation over a Federal Communications Communication ruling last year to improve location accuracy of wireless 911 calls.