APCO International Announces Recipients of 2023 Leadership in Policy Awards

Alexandria, VA – The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International announces the recipients of its prestigious 2023 Public Safety Communications Leadership in Policy Awards, who will be honored during APCO’s annual Public Safety Communications Leadership Dinner in Arlington, VA on May 17, 2023.

The Awards Dinner is an opportunity to honor individuals who have contributed significantly to the field of public safety communications and reflect upon the successes of our community as a whole.

The award winners are:

Leadership in Advocacy Award
Keith Kelley
Deputy Chief of Police
Field Operations Bureau
Athens-Clarke County Police Department

Leadership in Regulatory Service Award
Umair Javed
Chief Counsel to Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel
Federal Communications Commission

Leadership in Legislative Service Award
Kate O’Connor
Chief Counsel (Majority)
Subcommittee on Communications and Technology
U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce

Leadership in Advancing Communications Policy Award
Richard Reed
Chief Network Management and Operations Officer
First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet)

Award recipients will be recognized by members of the public safety community, government and industry during the dinner held at the Hilton Arlington National Landing in Arlington, VA.

“We are proud to recognize this deserving group of individuals for their outstanding contributions to public safety,” said APCO President Angela Batey. “We appreciate their dedication and look forward to their continued contributions as we work together to improve emergency communications.”

For information about the Awards Dinner, visit leadersdinner.apcointl.org. A portion of the proceeds from this event goes to the continued support of the Public Safety Foundation of America, which focuses on improving public safety services to our communities.


APCO International® (www.apcointl.org)
APCO International is the world’s oldest and largest organization of public safety communications professionals and supports the largest U.S. membership base of any public safety association. It serves the needs of public safety communications practitioners worldwide – and the welfare of the general public as a whole – by providing complete expertise, professional development, technical assistance, advocacy and outreach.