Agnew succeeds Bugel as AT&T’s President of FirstNet

By James Careless

AT&T has appointed Scott Agnew as its new President of FirstNet, AT&T. Agnew is succeeding Jim Bugel, who retired from this position [as of September 1, 2024] after a 31-year career with the company. According to his LinkedIn profile, Agnew has been serving as AT&T’s VP of FirstNet and Public Sector Mobility since April 2024. He was the company’s Area VP FirstNet/Public Sector Sales and Operations prior to that, having assumed that position in February 2023.

In his new position, Scott Agnew will lead all areas of AT&T’s FirstNet program, drawing on his 25+ years of experience in the telecommunications industry. According to AT&T, Agnew has extensive experience managing mobility and wireline corporate initiatives, supporting public sector clients, and transforming AT&T operations guided by a “public safety first” mindset.

Agnew is no newcomer to FirstNet. In fact, he has been a “critical FirstNet team member,” said an AT&T advisory announcing his appointment.

During his time with FirstNet, Agnew “has pioneered numerous innovations that have expanded the realm of possibilities for public safety communications,” the AT&T advisory explained. “Under his leadership, the integration of Mission Critical Push-to-Talk (MCPTT) with Land Mobile Radio (LMR) systems has revolutionized interoperability, ensuring seamless communication in critical situations. Additionally, Scott has spearheaded the development of coverage expansion solutions such as FirstNet MegaRange, a suite of High-Power User Equipment (HPUE) solutions, and agency-owned deployable solutions, including the Compact Rapid Deployable (CRD) and miniCRD.  These advancements have significantly enhanced connectivity and coverage for first responders, empowering them to perform their duties more effectively and safely.”

“As America’s Public Safety Network, FirstNet is leading the way for first responder communications,” Scott Agnew is quoted as saying in the AT&T advisory. “I am proud to lead this team as we continue to support first responders during disasters and everyday emergencies. From being selected by the federal government to deliver public safety’s own network to developing mission-centric tools and solutions, it has been an honor to be a part of the FirstNet journey every step of the way.”

In announcing Agnew’s elevation to the position of AT&T’s President of FirstNet, the company advisory took pains to recognize the accomplishments of Jim Bugel, his retiring predecessor.

“Jim has been a renowned leader in FirstNet from the beginning and was one of the rare industry leaders who recognized the profound importance of FirstNet when others could not see its potential,” said the AT&T advisory. “His visionary insight set him apart and paved the way for groundbreaking advancements in public safety communications that are now leveraged by more than 28,500 public safety agencies and organizations on FirstNet. His passion and unwavering dedication to the first responder community have left an indelible mark on public safety communications.”

AT&T’s words of praise for Jim Bugel were echoed by Scott Agnew in his own official statement. “Jim Bugel’s legacy of commitment to the public safety community will continue to drive our work in the years to come,” he is quoted as saying. “We look forward to carrying on his work as we transform the network and help keep our first responders mission-ready.”

Similar accolades for Bugel and Agnew were offered by the FirstNet Public Safety Advisory Committee in this same AT&T advisory.

“Jim Bugel’s extraordinary vision and dedication to the first responder community has transformed public safety communications, impacting countless lives,” said Chris Lombard, Chair of the FirstNet Public Safety Advisory Committee. “Under Jim’s leadership, FirstNet has grown to become the network of choice for the first responder community. I have come to consider Jim a good friend and wish him all the best as he begins this next chapter. 

[With] Scott Agnew’s wealth of experience and unwavering commitment to mission-centric innovation, FirstNet is poised to propel public safety communications to new heights that will help save the lives of first responders on the front lines and the people they tirelessly protect and serve.”

The bottom line: Scott Agnew has some pretty big shoes to fill as he succeeds Jim Bugel as AT&T’s President of FirstNet. By all accounts, Agnew has what it takes to fill them.