Summary
Technical leader with more than 20 years of experience supporting mission-critical systems in 24/7 public safety environments, including Linux and Windows infrastructure, CAD, GIS, NG911, telephony, and high-traffic web platforms. Proven success maintaining 99%+ uptime for public safety systems, leading major technology implementations, improving staffing from 55% to 98% in under two years, and supporting operations for 28 directly dispatched agencies and 15 additional triaged agencies.
Skills
Technical Skills
- Linux
- Windows Server
- VMware ESXi
- Apache
- MySQL
- PHP
- Microsoft Exchange
- Juniper VPN
- Barracuda Load Balancing
- Domain Management
- Redundant Architecture Design
- Backup and Restoration
- Performance Tuning
Public Safety & Leadership Skills
- Motorola PremierOne CAD
- CAD Administration
- RMS Administration
- GIS Integration
- NG911
- Text-to-911
- Emergency Medical Dispatch / Emergency Fire Dispatch Applications
- Public Safety Cybersecurity
- Risk Identification
- Security Awareness and Training
- Continuity of Operations Planning
- Emergency Preparedness
- Budget Management
- Vendor Relations
- Policy Development
- Technical Training
- Grant Writing
Experience
Director of Emergency Communications
Bedford County, Bedford, Virginia | 2023 to Present
- Lead a 24/7 emergency communications center processing approximately 29,000 9-1-1 calls, 98,000 non-emergency calls, and 83,000 calls for service annually, with 96% of 9-1-1 calls answered within 10 seconds.
- Direct operations, staffing, policy, performance management, and technology strategy for 28 directly dispatched agencies and 15 additional triaged agencies.
- Manage a $3.5 million annual budget covering personnel, infrastructure, and mission-critical communications systems.
- Hired 11 new recruits in two years and retained 7, strengthening staffing stability and supporting near-full operational coverage.
- Developed the Headset to Badge program as a strategic workforce pipeline, recruiting 18-year-olds into 9-1-1 communications roles and creating a pathway to Sheriff’s Office interview opportunities at age 21.
- Led implementation of the Motorola PremierOne CAD system, including system provisioning, workflow design, agency training, and operational readiness.
- Secured support for critical technology initiatives by presenting technical needs and operational impact to county leadership and the Board of Supervisors.
- Retained hands-on CAD administration responsibilities, including workflow design, system support, and public safety technology improvement.
Computer Aided Dispatch Administrator
Bedford County, Bedford, Virginia | 2018 to 2023
- Served as lead administrator for CAD systems, workflows, data integrity, and process improvement supporting law enforcement, fire, and EMS operations.
- Oversaw rollout and implementation of CAD, NG911, Text-to-911, EMD, and EFD systems, expanding emergency communications capability and improving service delivery.
- Directed CAD, RMS, and GIS enhancements that improved mapping accuracy, reporting fidelity, and operational data integrity across public safety disciplines.
- Applied cybersecurity principles to 9-1-1 operations by identifying risks and educating staff and industry audiences on threats affecting public safety systems.
- Produced operational and statistical analyses used by leadership for staffing decisions, budget planning, and interagency coordination.
- Maintained hands-on administration of Windows and Linux servers, Exchange mail servers, and public-facing web infrastructure supporting mission-critical operations.
Public Safety LAN Administrator
Bedford County, Bedford, Virginia | 2008 to 2018
- Designed and maintained high-availability infrastructure including Windows and Linux servers, Exchange mail servers, and public-facing web systems supporting law enforcement, fire, and EMS.
- Maintained 99%+ uptime across mission-critical public safety servers, with only approximately 6 total hours of outage during tenure, caused by a lightning strike that damaged building infrastructure.
- Architected redundant mapping server infrastructure with Barracuda load balancing across separate VMware ESXi hosts to reduce single points of failure for 911 mapping services.
- Deployed redundant Juniper VPN infrastructure for VCIN connectivity, ensuring uninterrupted access to critical law enforcement data systems for both in-building and field users.
- Established AlertBedford and secured grant funding for a new 9-1-1 mapping server environment, managing the project from concept through deployment.
- Directed infrastructure initiatives that improved operational capability, system reliability, and cost efficiency across public safety operations.
Independent Web Platform Administrator
Independent | 2008 to 2024
- Built, administered, and maintained a high-traffic LAMP web platform using Linux, Apache, MySQL, and PHP.
- Supported a public-facing site averaging approximately 50,000 to 80,000 unique visitors per week.
- Optimized Apache and MySQL performance to improve availability, responsiveness, and scalability.
- Managed website design, hosting, maintenance, and full-stack administration over a 15-year period.
Support Specialist
Innovative Computer Solutions, Forest, Virginia | 2007 to 2008
- Resolved complex technical issues and supported client network and server environments across multiple industries.
- Planned, installed, and upgraded server and network systems with a focus on reliability and minimal disruption.
Systems Administrator
Moore and Giles, Inc., Forest, Virginia | 2005 to 2007
- Administered servers, hardware, software, and operating systems, and rebuilt systems to meet evolving operational requirements.
Systems Engineer
Lynchburg Computer Systems, Lynchburg, Virginia | 2003 to 2005
- Supported client incident resolution and managed ISP infrastructure in customer-facing environments.
Speaking & Leadership
- Frequent speaker since 2018 at national 9-1-1 and information security conferences, including ShmooCon, RVASec, APCO, NENA, and IAED events, presenting at least four times per year on public safety cybersecurity, continuity of operations, long-term CAD outage planning, swatting, threats to first responders, and leadership and culture in a 9-1-1 center.
- Developed and published Practice 911 for Kids, an Android application for child 9-1-1 education.
- Published “NextGen911 Public Education: Engaging Kids Today with Tools They Understand,” 911 Training Institute.
- APCO National Cybersecurity Committee, Member, 2023 to 2025
- Virginia APCO Director-at-Large, 2023 to 2024
- Virginia 911 Regional Advisory Board, Region 6 Representative
- National Emergency Number Association, Member
- Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials, Member
Training
- Emergency Number Professional (ENP)
- Registered Public-Safety Leader (RPL)
- Microsoft Certified Professional
- CCNA Training, Global Knowledge
- VCIN/NCIC Level A
- Priority Dispatch Emergency Medical Dispatch
- Priority Dispatch Emergency Fire Dispatch
- Virginia Certified Public Safety Telecommunicator
- Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services General Instructor
- FEMA IS-700, IS-200, IS-100
- American Heart Association CPR Instructor
Education
Bachelor of Science, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Radford University, 2000