FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 16, 2019
Harris County Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator Reappointed to FCC Council
(Houston, TX)— The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has reappointed Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (HCOHSEM) Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator, Francisco Sánchez, Jr. to the Communications Security, Reliability, and Interoperability Council (CSRIC). CSRIC is a federal advisory council that provides recommendations to the FCC to ensure, among other things, optimal security and reliability of communications systems, including telecommunications, media, and public safety.
“It is an honor to continue serving on this important council that works to develop solutions that harden our nation’s public safety communications network and improves public safety,” said Sánchez. “This term, I look forward to collaborating with the team on issues addressing 911 technology, emergency alerting, 5G security, broadcast services, and network reliability.”
CSRIC members represent a diverse and balanced mix of viewpoints from public safety organizations, federal, state and local government agencies, the communications industry, organizations representing internet users, utility companies, public interest organizations and other experts.
Sánchez has served on CSRIC since 2013, offering guidance on key issues such as Next Generation 911 technology, alerts and warnings, and cyber security. In 2015, he led a group of alert originators, wireless providers, social scientists, academics, and technology leaders making sweeping recommendations to improve Wireless Emergency Alerts. His current appointment runs through March 2021.
Sánchez currently serves as Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator in the nation’s third largest county. He joined the Harris County Judge’s Office in 2004. In 2005, he was lead public information officer during the response to both Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and spearheaded the region’s Joint Information Center during Hurricane Ike and several major flooding events between 2008 and 2016. Most recently, Sánchez helped lead response and recovery efforts for Hurricane Harvey in 2017 and the Intercontinental Terminals Company fire in 2019.
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Francisco Sánchez, Jr., Harris County Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator
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