Dr. Jeffrey L. Buchanan

Associate Director of Strategy and Development

FirstNet, Built with AT&T

Candidate for At-Large [Odd Year Term]

Candidate Statement:

Dear Members of the Safer Buildings Coalition,

It is with genuine enthusiasm and a strong sense of purpose that I respectfully submit my candidacy for the position of At-Large Director. I currently serve as Associate Director of Strategy and Development with FirstNet, Built with AT&T, and I bring the perspective of a retired fire chief and public sector executive with extensive experience leading complex public safety and communications systems and initiatives. Throughout my career, I have remained committed to protecting lives, strengthening partnerships, and advancing practical innovation in support of those who serve our communities.

My professional journey has been shaped by the realities of emergency response and the importance of reliable, interoperable communications. I have worked through challenging environments where success depended on clear strategies, trusted relationships, and the ability to bring diverse stakeholders together around a common mission. Whether improving communication processes, supporting large-scale systems, or helping teams navigate change, I have consistently focused on turning challenges into opportunities for meaningful progress.

A guiding principle in my leadership has always been the importance of understanding the needs, constraints, and experiences of the people working on the front lines. Effective solutions must be informed by those realities. Technical expertise matters, but it is most valuable when combined with listening, engagement, and a willingness to learn from the professionals who live the mission every day.

Collaboration has been central to my work and remains one of the values I would bring to the Safer Buildings Coalition. Although I would be new to the role within the SBC, I would approach the opportunity with humility, energy, and a sincere desire to contribute. If elected as your At-Large Director, I will work to strengthen collaboration, encourage innovation, and ensure that the voices of members are heard and valued as we address the challenges ahead.

Thank you for your consideration and for the opportunity to be part of this important work. I would be honored to serve and contribute to the continued success and impact of the Safer Buildings Coalition.

Respectfully,
Jeff Buchanan

Bio:

Dr. Jeffrey L. Buchanan is a retired fire chief and public-sector executive who currently serves as Associate Director of Strategy and Development at FirstNet, Built with AT&T, where he builds and leads market and strategy development for the Fire & EMS, Healthcare, and City Government verticals and advocates for the National Public Safety Broadband Network.

Over a distinguished public-safety career he served as Fire Chief and Director of Las Vegas Fire & Rescue — overseeing an organization of 750+ personnel and a budget exceeding $200 million — as Deputy Fire Chief of Clark County Fire Department, and as Interim City Manager and Fire Chief for the City of North Las Vegas. He chaired the Southern Nevada Area Communications Council (SNACC), overseeing a regional radio system of more than 10,000 radios and consoles serving over 60 agencies, and served as a NIMS Incident Commander for large-scale regional events, including the EMS Branch during the Route 91 mass-casualty incident.

He holds a Doctorate in Public Policy, a Master of Public Administration, and a Graduate Certificate in Public Management from UNLV; an MBA (Summa Cum Laude) from Touro University International; and a B.S. from Michigan State University. He is an Executive Fire Officer (National Fire Academy), a credentialed Chief Fire Officer (CFO), a Professor of Practice at UNLV, and a longtime member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs.