NCS boss to leave

National Communications System

Brenton Greene, who has been managing the nation's emergency communications capabilities for the last three years, will resign effective July 2.

Greene, who will step down from his deputy manager post for the National Communications System (NCS), will return to the private sector. As deputy manager, he was responsible for the day-to-day policy, programmatic and technical oversight of all federal activities in national security and emergency preparedness communications.

"Running the day-to-day operations of NCS is the opportunity to make a difference and advance a number of national capabilities that really support our homeland security needs, protection of our society and all that's important," Greene said in an interview with Federal Computer Week in October 2002.

Formed more than 40 years ago, NCS is an interagency group with representatives from 23 federal departments and agencies. It coordinates and plans for national security and emergency communications for the federal government during crises. Oversight for NCS was transferred from the Defense Department to the Homeland Security Department's Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection Directorate last year, a move that was coordinated by Greene.

During his tenure, the NCS rolled out a nationwide Wireless Priority Service capability allowing key national security officials and first responders equipped with special phones to communicate with wireless phones during periods when wireless networks are saturated. He also helped with telecommunications coordination efforts following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the Pentagon and in New York City and Pennsylvania, which earned the agency a Joint Meritorious Unit Commendation from Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld.

Peter Fonash, chief of NCS' Technology and Programs Division, will fill in as acting deputy manager until a permanent replacement is named.