NENA Names John Provenzano as New CEO

NENA: The 9-1-1 Association announced the appointment of John Provenzano as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective July 14. The announcement came at the start of the NENA 2025 Conference & Expo in Long Beach, California.

Provenzano brings to NENA more than 25 years of professional experience in corporate and association management in industries as diverse as retail, travel, aviation, public finance, and manufacturing.  

“We are thrilled to welcome John to the NENA team,” said NENA President Melanie Jones, ENP. “At a time of tremendous change and opportunity in our industry – from the rollout of Next Generation 9-1-1 to the growing demands on emergency communications personnel – John’s management experience and passion for public affairs will guide NENA into its next era of impact.” 

Prior to joining NENA, Provenzano served most recently as Vice President of Public Affairs with Publix Super Markets, where he was responsible for a number of functions including government relations and communications. He also previously served as  Executive Director of the National Association of State Treasurers; and held leadership roles at Delta Air Lines; Rockwell Collins; and the Aerospace Industries Association. He started his career as a legislative assistant and operations director in the U.S. Senate. 

“I am honored to join NENA at such a pivotal time,” said Provenzano. “I look forward to working alongside our members, partners, and stakeholders to support 9-1-1 professionals and ensure our nation’s emergency communications systems are strong, resilient, and future-ready.”

As CEO, Provenzano will drive NENA’s mission forward — managing daily operations, shaping public policy efforts, and partnering with the board and staff to support the association’s 23,000 members who power 9-1-1 across the U.S. and beyond. 

NENA Past President Charles Cullen, ENP, who headed the search committee, said, “Our community will benefit in so many ways from having John at the helm.”   

Provenzano has big shoes to fill. Outgoing NENA CEO Brian Fontes has led the association since 2008, growing the membership by nearly 400%; expanding its training offerings and professional certifications; and securing the American National Standards Institute’s (ANSI) approval of its “i3” Next Generation 9-1-1 standard. Fontes will be honored for his service at a special event later this year.