Tom spent 32 years with the Iowa State patrol, including time as the Bureau Chief of the Iowa Department of Public safety Communication Bureau. During his service, he oversaw all State Patrol 911 Centers in the state, as well as the new Iowa Statewide Interoperability Communications System.

Tom served as the Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for Iowa for 8 years, keeping government officials appraised of the status of FirstNet. He was chairman of Iowa Statewide Interoperability Communications Systems Board for 8 years.

Macon Bibb County, Georgia is redefining they way it prepares for disasters and major events each day. Spencer Hawkins, Emergency Management Director for the Macon-Bibb County government discusses the county’s plans for facing all types of issues including hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding, and other major weather events. The Emergency Management team also works tirelessly to ensure all stakeholders in the area work on integrated communications when they approach disasters including local law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services, and secondary users like public works.