Home: Jacksonville, FL. Birthplace: Jacksonville, FL. Profession: Public administration and emergency management. Organization: Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD) / City of Jacksonville. Title: Former Director of Emergency Management and Chief of Emergency Preparedness. Alma mater: Liberty University, Helms School of Government (Ph.D., Public Administration, High Academic Distinction, 2025).
Current project: Continuing to lead emergency preparedness for Jacksonville while advancing evidence-based policy in the field. Recent recognition: IAEM-USA Emergency Manager of the Year (2023). Recent professional development: Completed a Ph.D. in Public Administration with High Academic Distinction in 2025. Latest accomplishment: Establishing the nation’s first drive-thru COVID-19 testing site, which became a model for other jurisdictions. Latest contribution to others: Supporting Life Outreach International’s Water for Life program, helping fund a freshwater well in Africa. What’s been your big (or biggest) leap? Leading emergency response efforts for Hurricanes Matthew, Irma and Dorian. Hobbies: Outdoor exploration and connecting with nature.
Personality profile: Decisive, calm under pressure, compassionate and mission-driven. Moral compass: The Golden Rule. How do you define a perfect friendship? Mutual trust, honest communication and showing up without conditions. How do you define an ideal business relationship? Shared purpose, clear expectations and mutual respect. What is your greatest joy? Knowing my work has helped protect the communities I serve. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? First responders and frontline healthcare workers. What is your favorite place (or way) to spend money? Outdoor experiences and meaningful travel. What is at the top of your bucket list? Completing original research that strengthens emergency management practice and education.
What was your favorite college course? Emergency management and public policy. What was your favorite childhood toy or game? Building and construction sets. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? Commendations and unit citations earned alongside fellow firefighters and emergency managers. Besides your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life? Mentors within the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department. What’s the best advice you received growing up? Work hard, stay humble and always be ready. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Prepare for the worst and plan for the best. What modern technology innovation do you most appreciate? Real-time communication and early warning technologies.
What is your big idea?
Building a nationally recognized proactive emergency management model that shifts communities from reactive crisis response to a culture of preparedness.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field? Professionalizing emergency management standards through education, certification and credentialed leadership. What change would you like to see in the world? Universal access to quality emergency preparedness planning and clean, safe drinking water. What message do you want to send out into the world? Preparedness is an act of love for your community. What widely held belief do you reject? That emergency management is only needed during disasters.
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? All Hands on Deck. Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? President John F. Kennedy. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A firefighter. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? Outdoors with family and close friends in a peaceful natural setting. What day in your life would you choose to re-live? The day I established the first nationwide drive-thru COVID-19 testing site.
Personal mission: To protect and serve my community with integrity, ensuring that when a crisis comes, no one faces it unprepared or alone. Personal motto: Prepare today, protect tomorrow. Favorite quote: "The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining" (John F. Kennedy). Desired epitaph: He prepared, he served and he left the community safer than he found it.
