Summary
Experienced public safety and technology leader with a background spanning emergency communications, cybersecurity, continuity operations, crisis management, infrastructure administration, and strategic planning. Proven success leading 911 operations, implementing mission-critical systems, improving performance, and strengthening public safety capabilities through technical innovation and operational leadership.
Skills
Public Safety Skills
- Emergency Management
- Continuity Operations
- Public Safety Cybersecurity
- Crisis Management and Communication
- Leadership
- Problem Solving
- Adaptability
- Planning and Preparedness
- Resource Management
- Logistics Management
- Risk Assessment
- Public Relations
Technical Skills
- Linux Optimization
- Performance Management
- Windows Administration
- Domain Management
- Infrastructure Setup
- VMWare Management
- Resource Allocation
- Backup and Restoration
- Cybersecurity
Experience
Director of Emergency Communications
Bedford County, Bedford, Virginia | 2023 to Present
- Oversaw implementation of the Motorola P1 CAD system, including comprehensive training and development of provisioning plans.
- Reached an early 90-day goal by hiring four new team members, rewriting policies for the new CAD system, and setting an achievable go-live target.
- Improved operational efficiency and service delivery through strategic planning and execution of CAD implementation.
- Leads the 911 Communications Center in achieving strategic, operational, and business goals by prioritizing initiatives and maintaining organizational structure.
- Develops and analyzes operating policies and procedures for communications center employees in support of public safety needs.
- Analyzes individual and departmental performance and implements interventions for improvement.
- Supervises and develops all 911 center staff while ensuring compliance with policies and applicable laws.
- Analyzes staffing levels, prepares work schedules, and reviews timesheet accuracy to maintain proper staffing.
- Manages recruitment, evaluation, selection, retention, and promotion of employees.
- Investigates and resolves communication center concerns and complaints.
- Prepares and implements operating and capital budgets while managing expenditures within available resources.
Computer Aided Dispatch Administrator
Bedford County, Bedford, Virginia | 2018 to Present
- Oversaw the rollout of Text-to-911 and NG-911 in Bedford County, expanding emergency communication capabilities.
- Conducted in-depth performance assessments of communicators and the department and implemented targeted improvements.
- Developed, maintained, and refined operating policies and procedures to establish standardized protocols.
- Established and executed procedure data coding, entry, and analysis to support emergency services performance data requirements.
- Enforced quality assurance measures and adapted to evolving data needs for improved emergency response.
- Advocated for new technologies and secured grants before the Board of Supervisors.
- Directed database enhancements to RMS and CAD software, optimizing GIS and communications data integration to reduce first responder response times.
- Demonstrated composure and resilience during high-stress emergency service coordination with multiple public safety departments.
- Produced advanced statistical analyses and decision-support reports that strengthened interdepartmental collaboration.
- Collaborated with GIS teams to improve Emergency Communication Center maps for accuracy and usability.
- Managed payroll and maintained 24/7/365 schedules for a 25-member team.
Public Safety LAN Administrator
Bedford County, Bedford, Virginia | 2008 to 2018
- Implemented redundant mapping servers with Barracuda load balancing and VMWare ESXi on separate physical host servers to improve reliability and efficiency.
- Led implementation of panic button software in local schools to enable direct communication with the 911 dispatch center during critical incidents.
- Oversaw the VCIN VPN connectivity project, ensuring uninterrupted critical data communication with redundant Juniper VPN network implementation.
- Deployed a streamlined ChromeOS device management network that simplified public safety certification processes.
- Managed the 3M License Plate Recognition project, enhancing law enforcement capabilities with LPR-equipped vehicles and data collection.
- Established AlertBedford, an emergency notification system for the Town and County of Bedford, Virginia.
- Secured grant funding for a new 9-1-1 mapping server system and led the project from concept to completion.
- Improved cost efficiency through strategic technology selection and implementation.
- Communicated complex technical concepts in plain language for staff across all levels.
Support Specialist
Innovative Computer Solutions, Forest, Virginia | 2007 to 2008
- Analyzed and resolved technical challenges while minimizing disruptions and maintaining network functionality.
- Researched software and hardware options and delivered tailored hardware specifications aligned with requirements and anticipated growth.
- Configured, planned, and maintained data networks, including installations, upgrades, and troubleshooting of client servers.
Systems Administrator
Moore and Giles, Inc., Forest, Virginia | 2005 to 2007
- Provided technical administration to optimize hardware, software, operating systems, and user procedures.
- Installed and rebuilt servers while configuring hardware, software, and settings to meet operational requirements.
Systems Engineer
Lynchburg Computer Systems, Lynchburg, Virginia | 2003 to 2005
- Supervised staff to ensure prompt resolution of client incidents and requests.
- Designed, developed, and deployed technical solutions for project and operational needs.
- Managed a dial-up internet service provider and supported a cable internet service provider.
Training
- Emergency Number Professional (ENP), National Emergency Number Association
- Registered Public-Safety Leader (RPL), Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials
- Priority Dispatch Emergency Medical Dispatch Certification
- Priority Dispatch Emergency Fire Dispatch Certification
- VCIN/NCIC Level A
- Virginia Certified Public Safety Telecommunicator
- FEMA Emergency Management Institute IS-700B
- FEMA Emergency Management Institute IS-200B
- FEMA Emergency Management Institute IS-100C
- Microsoft Certified Professional
- Global Knowledge CCNA Training
- Smith Mountain Lake Leadership Academy
Affiliations
- Virginia 911 Regional Advisory Board, Region 6 Representative
- Virginia APCO Director-at-Large, 2023 to 2024
- APCO National Cybersecurity Committee, 2023 to 2025
- National Emergency Number Association, Member
- Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials, Member
Industry & Public Education
- Leveraging GIS and Geoguessr for Geography Education, Virginia APCO-NENA Fall Conference, October 2024
- Developing an ECC Operations Continuity Plan, Virginia APCO-NENA Fall Conference, September 2023
- Computer Aided Disaster, co-presented with Michael Miller II, Virginia NENA-APCO Spring Conference, May 2022
- Computer Aided Disaster, Kentucky Emergency Services Conference, September 2022
- Computer Aided Disaster, Virginia APCO-NENA Fall Conference, September 2022
- Computer Aided Disaster, IAED Navigator 2023 Conference, April 2023
- Computer Aided Disaster, NENA Webinar Wednesdays, June 2023
- Infosec and 911: When the Location of Your Emergency is Inside the Building, Shmoocon Information Security Conference Firetalks, January 2019
- Secure 911 and Protecting our First Responders, RVASec Information Security Conference, May 2019
- Security Vulnerabilities in a PSAP, APCO 2021 National Conference, August 2021
- Security Vulnerabilities in a PSAP, Virginia NENA-APCO Spring Conference, May 2021
- Security Vulnerabilities in a PSAP, IAED Navigator 2023 Conference, April 2023
- Using and Abusing the Freedom of Information Act, Shmoocon Information Security Conference Firetalks, February 2020
- Android Application: Practice 911 for Kids, Google Play Store, March 2022
- NextGen911 Public Education: Engaging Kids Today with Tools They Understand, 911 Training Institute Website, April 2022
Education
Radford University, Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders, 2000