SBC Board At-Large Candidate: Mark W Johnson

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Mark W Johnson
Director of Engineering
Commdex LLC

Mark W Johnson Resume

Position Sought:
At Large

Candidate Statement:
I am writing to seek your support for my nomination as an At-Large Director for the Safer Buildings Coalition. As a dedicated member since 2020 and an active participant in the Member Advocacy working committee since 2021, I am committed to advancing our organization's mission and bringing substantial value to our collective efforts. My candidacy offers several key benefits to the Coalition:

1. Three years of SBC-specific Advocacy: As a member of the Member Advocacy committee for the last three years, I have honed my ability to represent diverse interests effectively. I am well-equipped to advocate for policies and initiatives that benefit our entire membership. My background allows me to understand and represent the needs of various member companies within the SBC, ensuring that our decisions and actions are inclusive and beneficial to all.
2. 34 Years of Public Safety Telecom Experience: With 34 years in public safety telecommunications, I bring a wealth of knowledge across multiple disciplines, including technology leadership. Development engineering, strategic planning, and business development. This diverse background enables me to understand and address the complex challenges our industry faces. Having worked extensively with both public safety and commercial end-users, I possess a deep understanding of customer needs and regulatory requirements. This insight is crucial for shaping policies and initiatives that truly serve our stakeholders.
3. DAS Technology and Leadership Expertise: As the Director of Engineering at Commdex, I lead a team of Engineers and technicians that design and install DAS systems. My in-depth knowledge of distributed antenna systems (DAS) designs and requirements, gained through years of proposing, supporting, and managing DAS implementations, will be invaluable in guiding our technical discussions and decision- making processes.
4. Strategic Vision: Combining my technical knowledge with business acumen, I have been part of the Strategic Planning Leadership team at Commdex for growing the DAS business. Using my strategic thinking, I can contribute to developing long-term strategies that keep the Coalition at the forefront of "911 inside" initiatives. As a Board Member, I will focus on expanding SBC's influence by fostering strategic partnerships with key industry stakeholders and regulatory bodies, enhancing our role as the go-to authority on in-building public safety communications. Additionally, I will champion initiatives to increase member engagement and value, including developing comprehensive educational programs and creating more networking opportunities, thereby strengthening our community and attracting a broader range of members to our Coalition.
5. Deep knowledge of the Regulatory environment affecting SBC – As the leader of the team coordinating with various Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) nationwide, I possess a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory landscape affecting the industry. My familiarity with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards and International Fire Code/International Building Code (IFC/IBC) requirements on a national level, coupled with my experience navigating local AHJ regulations, provides a crucial perspective for addressing regulatory challenges and opportunities. This expertise would enable me to guide the organization in developing effective advocacy strategies, ensuring compliance, and potentially influencing future regulatory developments.
6. Broad Industry Network: I have deep experience and network from working with Telecom equipment OEMs, resellers, distributors, and integrators. This provides me with a comprehensive view of the Telecom industry ecosystem. This network can be leveraged to foster collaborations and drive innovation within the Coalition.

By electing me as an At-Large Director, you will gain a passionate advocate who understands the intricacies of our industry, can bridge diverse perspectives, and is dedicated to advancing the Safer Buildings Coalition's goals. I am committed to working tirelessly to ensure that our organization remains a leading voice in promoting safety, innovation, and excellence in in- building wireless communications.

I appreciate your consideration and look forward to the opportunity to serve you and our industry in this capacity.

Bio:
Mark Johnson was born and raised in Brooklyn New York. He attended Cornell University, having graduated with a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering in 1990. Mark also obtained a Masters in Business Administration Degree from the University of Miami in 1996.

With over 30 years of experience in the public safety telecommunications industry, Mark has a firm grasp on both wide area and in building public safety needs and requirements for communication and safety. Mark started his journey working as a product development engineer on two way radios for Motorola, which is now Motorola Solutions, in Plantation, FL, where he had been employed for 27 years. Throughout the years he held several positions within Motorola including a multitude of engineering management roles, a role as business manager for accessories, and eventually transitioning into sales and was a senior Sales Executive before leaving Motorola. Mark is now the Director of Engineering for Commdex LLC, a public safety systems integrator based out of Atlanta, GA, and has been with the company for seven years. Mark was previously a Sales Account Executive and a Presale Business Manager at Commdex before stepping into his current position. Mark’s roles within Motorola and Commdex has allowed him to stay at the forefront of telecommunications industry technology and trends, with a particular emphasis on Emergency Responder Communications Enhancement Systems.

Mark is an accomplished public speaker, having been an active member of Toastmasters International for 30 years, where he has won several speech contests and several other accolades. He is a charter member of the Plantation Pointe Toastmasters club in Plantation, FL where he is a current and active member and a past club president.

Since coming to South Florida in 1990, Mark has dedicated himself to serving the Broward County community selflessly in a multitude of community service activities, which he does so primarily through his 36 year active membership in Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc, having served as chapter president on both the collegiate and alumni levels, and many other executive board positions. He is currently a member of the State of Florida Executive Board for his fraternity. Mark is a 25 year member of the New Mount Olive Baptist Church in Fort Lauderdale, FL and serves on the Drama Ministry.

Mark is happily married to his better half, Veda Green Johnson, has three step children, and has two daughters and a grandson from a previous marriage.