Employee Spotlight: John Snapp, Intrado VP of Technology

Bridging Technology and Public Safety: A Conversation with John Snapp

At Intrado, we are committed to innovation in emergency communications, and John Snapp exemplifies that mission. With a career spanning technological advancements, regulatory collaboration, and strategic development, John ensures that Intrado remains a leader in public safety technology. We spoke with him to explore his journey, insights, and what keeps him pushing the boundaries of emergency communications.

A Career Built on Passion and Innovation

John sees himself as a connector—bringing together industry trends, customer needs, and regulatory requirements to shape Intrado’s technology.

“My role is about connecting the dots,” he says. “Technology is always evolving, and we have to stay ahead to support emergency responders.”

This ability to bridge different aspects of the industry has helped him navigate the fast-changing landscape of emergency response solutions. Whether it's working with carriers, regulators, or product teams, John's expertise ensures that Intrado remains at the cutting edge of public safety.

A Lifelong Commitment to Innovation

John’s expertise in telecommunications and 911 systems wasn’t built overnight. Over the years, his contributions have led to multiple patents in emergency communication technologies, including his favorite patent, which enhances real-time location tracking for emergency responders. This innovation allows emergency personnel to receive highly accurate, real-time data on caller locations, significantly reducing response times and improving situational awareness. John emphasized how this technology has already made a measurable impact in the field, helping dispatchers and first responders coordinate more effectively in life-threatening situations, reflecting his ability to think ahead and develop solutions that shape the industry. He’s always been drawn to creating and solving complex challenges.

“I like building things, finding solutions,” he says. “For me, this work isn’t just a career—it’s a passion.”

That passion extends beyond work. John is also an avid pilot, and his adventures in aviation mirror his problem-solving mindset. One memorable trip involved navigating restricted airspace during a presidential visit. “Flying in was easy,” he recalls. “The real challenge was those last 100 yards on the ground—completely locked down with Secret Service.”

John sees parallels between flying and emergency communications—both require precision, adaptability, and a deep understanding of systems working together. Just as a pilot must anticipate challenges in the air, John and his team at Intrado anticipate and resolve issues in emergency response networks, ensuring seamless communication when seconds matter most.

John’s love for precision and problem-solving also extends to his car. A self-proclaimed car enthusiast, he enjoys working on and fine-tuning his vehicle, seeing it as another way to apply his technical skills. “I like knowing how things work and making them perform better,” he says. Just like in his work at Intrado, he enjoys optimizing systems—whether it’s under the hood of a car or within emergency communication networks.

Advice for the Next Generation

For those entering emergency communications, John’s advice is simple: find what excites you.

“The people who do well in this industry aren’t just looking for a job—they’re problem solvers,” he says. “If you’re passionate about it, success will follow.”

He encourages continuous learning. “This field changes fast. Stay curious, and be ready to adapt.”

John believes hands-on experience is just as valuable as formal education. “Get involved. Talk to people in the industry, work on projects, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. The more you engage, the more opportunities you’ll uncover.”

The Drive to Keep Innovating

What keeps John motivated? The challenge of making emergency systems more effective.

“I get energized by finding new ways to connect systems,” he says. “If we can improve how information flows in a crisis, we’re making a real impact.”

For John, every challenge presents an opportunity to innovate. His work has contributed to patented advancements that streamline emergency response, improve location accuracy, and enhance system interoperability. One of his most notable patents has helped bridge communication gaps between different emergency networks, ensuring that critical information flows seamlessly across agencies. John takes pride in knowing that his innovations don’t just improve efficiency—they help save lives. Whether it’s improving 911 infrastructure, integrating new technology, or addressing emerging regulatory needs, his work ensures that emergency responders have the tools they need to save lives.

At Intrado, John’s expertise helps shape the future of emergency communications. His dedication and passion continue to drive innovation—ensuring that first responders have the tools they need when every second counts.