About Us

BEACON Executive Leadership

Daniel Anstandig - CEO, Futuri

Daniel Anstandig played a pivotal role in revolutionizing emergency communications by partnering with the University of Florida and the Florida Division of Emergency Management to create BEACON (Broadcast Emergency Alerts and Communications Operations Network). Recognizing the potential to transform public safety communication, Anstandig led Futuri in developing the complex AI technology that powers BEACON, resulting in patented innovations that enable unprecedented emergency message delivery and translation capabilities.

  • Under Anstandig's leadership, Futuri's expertise in AI and natural language processing became the cornerstone of BEACON's technological framework. His vision for integrating advanced AI capabilities with authoritative government data sources has created a first-of-its-kind emergency communication system that delivers critical information in multiple languages with unparalleled speed and accuracy.

    Anstandig's extensive background in media and technology, including advisory roles with The Wall Street Journal, CBS News, Clear Channel R&D, and The White House Commission on Remembrance, provided crucial insights during BEACON's development. His future-minded approach to solving complex communication challenges led to breakthrough innovations in how emergency management agencies deliver critical information to the public.

    Through this groundbreaking partnership, Anstandig and the Futuri team developed proprietary algorithms and architectures that enable BEACON to process and deliver authoritative emergency information in ways previously thought impossible. The resulting patented technology represents a new frontier in emergency communication, combining artificial intelligence with public safety in ways that help protect communities during crises. This achievement builds upon Futuri's broader mission of developing innovative SaaS-based solutions that bridge the gap between advanced technology and real-world applications in broadcasting and digital publishing

Tracy Gilliam - CSO, Futuri

Tracy Gilliam's strategic vision for innovation and her longstanding collaboration with Randy Wright of the University of Florida played a pivotal role in BEACON's creation. Through her leadership at Futuri, Gilliam worked closely with Wright to establish a groundbreaking 10-year R&D partnership between Futuri and UF's College of Journalism and Communications.

  • This decade-long collaboration created the foundation of trust and shared innovation that made Futuri the ideal technology partner for developing BEACON alongside UF and the Florida Division of Emergency Management.

    As Futuri's Chief Strategy Officer and a 16-year veteran of the company, Gilliam's deep understanding of both broadcasting and technology helped transform the UF partnership from a research initiative into the revolutionary BEACON system. Her entrepreneurial background, including founding TopLine Matters, Inc. (acquired by Futuri in 2015), brought valuable insights to the development process, ensuring BEACON would meet real-world emergency communication needs.

    Throughout her tenure at Futuri, Gilliam has overseen multiple departments, including sales, research and development, channel development, and customer experience. This comprehensive operational experience proved essential in managing the complex collaboration between Futuri, UF, and FDEM during BEACON's development. Now, as Chief Strategy Officer, she leads BEACON's strategic expansion efforts nationwide, building upon its successful Florida launch to create a new standard in emergency communication across America. The success of BEACON stands as a testament to the power of the long-term partnership she helped forge between Futuri and UF, demonstrating how academic expertise and private sector innovation can combine to enhance public safety nationwide.

Craig Bowman - SVP, Futuri

Craig Bowman's engineering brilliance and innovative spirit were instrumental in developing BEACON's groundbreaking AI technology, leading to its patented status as a revolutionary emergency communication system. With over 35 years of experience and a passion for leveraging technology to save lives, Bowman transformed the vision of BEACON from concept to reality through his exceptional technical expertise.

  • Since joining Futuri in 2009, Bowman has been the driving force behind the complex engineering that powers BEACON's ability to deliver multi-lingual emergency information in real-time. His work in developing BEACON's sophisticated AI architecture earned him not only a patent but also created an entirely new approach to emergency communication. The recipient of the prestigious Carl E. Lee Broadcast Engineering Excellence Award in 2017, Bowman's innovative solutions consistently push the boundaries of what's possible in public safety technology

    Drawing from his extensive background engineering complex media operations for companies like Liggett Media, Krol Communications, and Synergy Broadcasting, Bowman designed BEACON's infrastructure to be both robust and scalable. His unique approach integrates advanced AI and natural language processing capabilities with traditional broadcast technology, ensuring that critical safety information reaches the public even when modern communication infrastructure fails.

    As BEACON's chief engineer, Bowman continues to enhance the system's capabilities, focusing on his mission to save lives nationwide through more effective emergency communication. His work ensures that government agencies can deliver accurate, timely information to their communities during crises, while his ongoing innovations continue to expand BEACON's life-saving potential. Through his engineering leadership, Bowman has created a technological foundation that will protect communities across America for years to come.

Randy Wright - Executive Director
UF Division of Media Properties

Randy Wright is a pioneering force in emergency communications, most recently spearheading the development of BEACON (Broadcast Emergency Alerts and Communications Operations Network) through a groundbreaking partnership between the University of Florida, the Florida Division of Emergency Management, and Futuri.

  • As Executive Director of the University of Florida's Division of Media Properties, Wright's vision for revolutionizing emergency communications began with his founding of the Florida Public Radio Emergency Network (FPREN) in 2012, which laid the groundwork for BEACON's innovative approach to public safety communication.

    Under Wright's leadership, FPREN earned national recognition, including the prestigious "Community Lifeline" award from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting in 2019 for its exceptional hurricane Irma coverage. His commitment to advancing public safety communications has garnered multiple accolades, including the PRRO Award for radio innovation and the Madison Hodges Award for Innovation in Media from U:SA. The Florida Emergency Preparedness Association has twice recognized FPREN's impact with their Media Award (2015 and 2024), and the network received a Government Productivity Award from Florida TaxWatch in 2023.

    Wright oversees multiple commercial and public television and radio stations at UF, while FPREN, under his direction, provides critical emergency information to every public radio and television station in Florida and South Carolina. His expertise in emergency communications and broadcasting is further recognized through his service on the Board of Directors for the Florida Association of Broadcasters and his past roles as Chairman of Florida Public Media and the Missouri Broadcasters Association. Wright holds both undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Missouri School of Journalism.

Craig Fugate - Executive Consultant

Craig Fugate's extensive emergency management experience, including his roles as FEMA Administrator and Florida Emergency Management Director, provided the foundational expertise that helped shape BEACON (Broadcast Emergency Alerts and Communications Operations Network) from concept to reality.

  • Recognizing critical gaps in emergency communication during his tenure at FEMA, Fugate became a driving force behind the development of this revolutionary system, working directly with the University of Florida's Randy Wright, the Florida Division of Emergency Management, and Futuri to create a solution that would transform how emergency information reaches the American public.

    Drawing from his experience managing unprecedented challenges—including Florida's "Big 4" hurricanes of 2004 and coordinating recovery efforts for a record-breaking eighty-seven federal disasters in 2011—Fugate understood the vital need for a more resilient and comprehensive emergency communication system. His vision for BEACON emerged from firsthand knowledge of how existing systems fell short during major disasters, particularly in reaching vulnerable populations and those facing language barriers.


    Working closely with the development team, Fugate's strategic guidance ensured BEACON would address the real-world challenges he witnessed throughout his career. His deep understanding of emergency management at both state and federal levels was instrumental in creating a system that seamlessly integrates advanced AI technology with emergency management protocols. This unique combination allows government agencies to deliver critical safety information more effectively than ever before.


    As a key architect of BEACON's strategic direction, Fugate continues to champion its expansion nationwide, leveraging his extensive network and expertise to help protect American lives during emergencies. His leadership in developing this groundbreaking system represents the culmination of his lifelong commitment to improving emergency response and public safety across the nation. Through BEACON, Fugate's vision for more effective emergency communication is becoming a reality, setting new standards for how America responds to crises and protects its citizens.

Mary Scott Nabers - President and CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc.

As a nationally recognized expert in public-private partnerships and author of "Collaboration Nation," Mary Scott Nabers leads SPI's charge to bring BEACON's transformative emergency communication capabilities to every state.

  • Her extensive background in both public and private sectors, including service as Texas Workforce Commissioner and leadership roles in numerous national organizations, provides the strategic vision needed to navigate BEACON's expansion across diverse state governments.

    Nabers' deep understanding of infrastructure and government operations, coupled with her commitment to innovation in public safety, makes her uniquely qualified to champion BEACON's mission nationwide. Her influential voice in publications such as Forbes, CNBC.com, and The Hill helps build awareness of BEACON's potential to revolutionize emergency communication and save lives across America.

Marc Jaromin - Director of Public Safety Platforms, Futuri

Marc Jaromin brings a unique combination of broadcast expertise and public safety commitment to his role leading the nationwide expansion of BEACON (Broadcast Emergency Alerts and Communications Operations Network). With more than three decades of media operations experience, Jaromin understands firsthand that broadcast technology remains the most resilient communication platform during disasters – a critical factor that makes BEACON's integration with the broadcast industry essential for saving lives.

  • As Director of Public Safety Platforms, Jaromin leads the charge in implementing Futuri's patented AI-powered technology across America's broadcast infrastructure. His extensive background as a station owner and operator, including leadership roles with EW Scripps and Nexstar Media Group, provides crucial insights into integrating BEACON's life-saving capabilities into existing broadcast operations. Through his company Roundtable Broadcasting and ventures like Stratus Broadcasting's 27-station network, Jaromin has consistently demonstrated his ability to scale complex broadcast technologies across diverse markets.

    Jaromin's role as Dean of the New York State Broadcasters Association's "Rising Leaders" program and Associate Dean of the National Association of Broadcasters "Broadcast Leadership Training" program positions him uniquely to educate the industry about BEACON's revolutionary approach to emergency communications. His experience in building award-winning local news operations and community engagement initiatives aligns perfectly with BEACON's mission to deliver critical safety information when communities need it most.

    Drawing on his expertise as a transformation specialist and his proven track record of implementing cutting-edge technologies, Jaromin is focused on expanding BEACON's reach through America's broadcast infrastructure. His leadership ensures that BEACON's AI-powered emergency communications will be available through the most stable and reliable medium – broadcast – especially crucial when power and internet connectivity fail during disasters.

Kent Caperton - Senior Advisor, Strategic Partnerships, Inc.

Kent Caperton is a former State Senator, attorney, and an experienced consultant. Mr. Caperton brings a unique perspective to the BEACON team. His father and brother both served as County Judges in rural Texas. During his Senate tenure, Mr. Caperton represented 19 counties, both urban and rural, and established close relationships with county and local officials.

  • His legal experience of 4 decades will be invaluable to the BEACON team, especially in identifying legal issues that may arise.

    Previously, Mr. Caperton was a principal and senior member of the Ben Barnes Group and the Gemini Global Group. Mr. Caperton has dealt with issues at international, national, and state levels of government. Additionally, he worked with law firms on numerous complex litigation matters. Prior to joining the Barnes group, Mr. Caperton was a Managing Director at Public Strategies, focusing primarily on legislative, regulatory, and political policy for that firm’s national telecommunications client. He managed a large team of professionals in thirteen states embedded with the client.

    Mr. Caperton served as a State Senator from 1981-1991. His Senate service included a variety of assignments as Chairman of the Finance, Jurisprudence and Criminal Justice committees. Additionally, he served as a member of the Texas Judicial Council, the Legislative Budget Board, and the Legislative Audit Committee. Texas Monthly consistently ranked Caperton on its Best Legislator list and in 1989 described him as “the consensus choice for the Best Legislator of the Year.” In 1987, he was described as “the dominant member of the Senate.”

    Prior to his Senate service, Mr. Caperton served as Municipal Judge in Bryan, Texas; Visiting Lecturer at Texas A&M University College of Business; Assistant Attorney General at the Office of the Attorney General for the State of Texas; and Assistant to the President of Texas A&M University. Mr. Caperton holds a JD from the University of Texas School of Law and earned his B.B.A., cum laude, from Texas A&M University in 1971. He is admitted to practice in State and Federal Courts in Texas and the Fifth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals.

    Mr. Caperton has been recognized for his contributions in the community and legal profession. He received the James Madison Award from the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas in 1988; the Mary Polk Leadership Award from the Texas Council on Family Violence in 1987; Outstanding Legislator from the Alliance for Judicial Funding in 1989; and as Lutheran of the Year in 1989. Caperton has also served on the Board of Advisors for the Freedom of Information Foundation, the Dean’s Roundtable at the University of Texas School of Law, The Board of Lutheran Social Services of the South, the Executive Committee of the University of Texas Law School Alumni Association, the Advisory Committee to the Texas A&M University Press, and on the Executive Committee of the Capital Area Boy Scouts.