Ryan Burchnell is the Director – Strategy & Development for AT&T. Based in Dallas, TX with an office in Washington D.C., Mr. Burchnell oversees AT&T’s strategy and strategic policy activities for all state,local, and federal public safety initiatives. He is the organization’s principal representative to public safety and industry trade associations and strategic business partners.
With over 32 years of public service experience, Mr. Burchnell has a substantial background in organizational leadership, public policy, public safety technology, first responder operations, and emergency preparedness and response. He joined AT&T from the public safety profession where he previously served as Executive Director of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (State Police) after retiring as Chief with the Florida Highway Patrol. Ryan led the State of Alabama’s FirstNet efforts as the state’s FirstNet Single Point of Contact and led FloridaNet, Florida’s FirstNet initiative. His broad public safety experience includes over 29 years of collaboration with public safety officials across all first responder disciplines and from all levels of government.
Mr. Burchnell serves as the organization’s chief strategist and is responsible for developing the strategic relationships necessary to deliver broad public safety technical innovation and meet the rapidly evolving communications needs of our Nation’s first responders.
Ryan is a graduate of the 255th Session of the FBI National Academy, holds a master’s degree in Homeland Security and Defense from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School, a bachelor’s degree in Criminology from Florida State University, and a certificate in Criminal Justice Education from the University of Virginia. Ryan is Secretary for the IJIS Institute’s Board of Directors and serves as a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police - Committee on Homeland Security. Ryan remains an active Reserve Deputy Sheriff and serves as President and CEO of the AT&T First Responder Employee Network. Ryan began his Public Service career as a United States Marine.