Dr. Jennifer Harder

Dr. Jennifer Harder is the Director of Mission Critical Services Planning with the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority). She leads a team focused on identifying and evaluating innovative opportunities to help enhance public safety communications. In addition, she works with public safety agencies and industry to foster innovation in the public safety communications and technology marketplace. Before her work at the FirstNet Authority, Jennifer spent 12 years with Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) and Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center (SPAWAR) Pacific supporting the Interoperable Communications Technical Assistance Program sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security’s then Office of Emergency Communication. They supported public safety interoperable communication operations, exercises, and events across the country. Jennifer served as the Administrative Sergeant for the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department Search and Rescue K9 Unit, training and deploying three of her own search and rescue dogs while leading the training and evaluation effort for numerous other volunteer teams. She has also served as a Communications Specialist for the Broomfield Police Department in Colorado.