CISA Recognizes Mark Buchholz During Bi-Annual SAFECOM Meeting

SAFECOM and the National Council of Statewide Interoperability Coordinators (NCSWIC) would like to congratulate Mark Buchholz on his award. During the Spring SAFECOM Bi-Annual Meeting on May 10, 2023, in Pasadena, California, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) recognized SAFECOM member, Mark Buchholz, for his contributions to the 911 community. CISA Executive Assistant Director for Emergency Communications, Billy Bob Brown, Jr., presented Buchholz with a certificate of recognition for his contributions and leadership to the Joint SAFECOM/NCSWIC Next Generation 911 (NG911) Working Group’s mission to identify, document, and develop work products that will facilitate the transition to NG911, utilizing stakeholder feedback from multiple levels of government and associations.

Buchholz has served as the NG911 Working Group Chair since its inception in 2007. In this capacity, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership while also fulfilling his fulltime position as Executive Director of the Washington County Consolidated Communications Agency. He also serves as a member of the Joint SAFECOM/NCSWIC Technology Policy Committee and SAFECOM Cyber Working Group.

Brown highlighted Mark’s contributions to the development of best practices to enhance the interoperability, operability, security, and resiliency of NG911 systems across the nation. While serving as NG911 Working Group Chair, Mark has led the development of numerous publications to help the 911 community transition to NG911, such as the NG911 Self-Assessment Tool, Cyber Incident Response Case Studies for Emergency Communications Centers (ECCs)/Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs), Two Things Every 911 Center Should Do to Improve Cybersecurity, and Preparing for Technological Transformation in ECCs. He has also fostered collaboration among public safety organizations to support emergency communications.

Billy Bob Brown, Jr., presented Mark with this certificate of recognition and plaque for his dedication to public safety and tireless efforts in driving the mission of the Joint SAFECOM/NCSWIC NG911 Working Group. He also thanked the entire SAFECOM membership for their commitment and dedication to public safety and their efforts to enhance the nation’s emergency communications system.

For additional SAFECOM and NCSWIC 911 and NG911 resources, visit the SAFECOM 911/NG911 Webpage or email ng911wg@cisa.dhs.gov.