Broadcast veteran Marc Jaromin joins Futuri to expand BEACON for public safety
Futuri announces the appointment of Marc Jaromin as Director of Public Safety Platforms. In this pivotal role, Jaromin will lead expansion of BEACON (The Broadcast Emergency Alerts and Communications Operations Network), a public safety communications system developed with the University of Florida and the Florida Division of Emergency Management.
Jaromin's appointment is the latest milestone in BEACON’s rapid expansion, alongside the continued leadership of renowned emergency management expert Craig Fugate, former FEMA Administrator and Florida Emergency Management Director, whose foundational expertise helped shape BEACON from concept to reality.
Jaromin brings extensive broadcast leadership experience to this critical position, having served as Vice President and General Manager of major network affiliates, including WKBW-DT (E.W. Scripps) in Buffalo, NY, and in Rochester, NY at WROC-DT (Nexstar) and WUHF-DT (Sinclair). His entrepreneurial success includes founding Roundtable Media and operating multiple television stations and shared services facilities across the United States.
As an Associate Dean of the National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation's Broadcast Leadership Training program and Dean of the New York State Broadcasters Association's Rising Leaders program, Jaromin brings valuable industry relationships and expertise in developing forward-thinking broadcast initiatives. His decades of expertise will also guide the broadcast adoption of BEACON across radio and television groups nationwide.
"I am honored to join Futuri and lead the expansion of BEACON. This innovative platform is revolutionizing public safety communications,” said Jaromin. “Simply put, BEACON saves lives. I am excited to work with our partners to enhance public safety preparedness across the nation."
Former FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate continues to provide strategic leadership in BEACON’s nationwide expansion. Recognizing critical gaps in emergency communication during his tenure at FEMA, Fugate became a driving force behind the development of the world’s first AI-powered Emergency Broadcast System, working directly Kevin Guthrie, Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, the University of Florida's Randy Wright, Executive Director of Media and College Operations, 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 understands the vital need for a more resilient and comprehensive emergency communication system. His vision for BEACON comes 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 Futuri’s technology team, Fugate's strategic guidance ensures BEACON addresses the harsh real-world challenges he witnessed throughout his career.
“Marc Jaromin and Craig Fugate’s leadership brings together highly specialized experience in state and federal level emergency management, disaster recovery, emergency communications, broadcasting, and service to local communities,” said Anstandig. “Futuri’s BEACON allows government agencies to deliver critical safety information to local communities in multiple languages 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 BEACON 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.
BEACON, launched in December 2024 in Florida, uses AI to capture, prioritize, translate, and distribute emergency communications from official government sources in multiple languages across multiple platforms. Through the leadership of both Jaromin and Fugate, BEACON ensures communities nationwide have access to vital safety information before, during, and after emergency events regardless of language barriers.
