Emily Aubele, Vice President, PA 211
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As the Vice President of PA 211 at United Way of Pennsylvania, Emily oversees the strategic growth of the PA 211 service, manages customer and stakeholder relationships, and implements technology solutions and multilayered datasets to inform and improve the work of our statewide health and human services information and referral pathways systems.
John Banghoff, Senior Meteorologist, NOAA/National Weather Service State College, PA
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John is a Lead Forecaster at NWS State College. He got his Master’s Degree in Meteorology from Penn State University. Despite being in Happy Valley for 8+ years now, his allegiances remain with his alma mater, THE Ohio State University, where he got his undergraduate degree in 2015. During his time at Ohio State, John had the privilege of doing internships at multiple NWS offices, a local TV station in Columbus, OH, county emergency management, and for the Columbus Crew Soccer Club where he was their on-site meteorologist for a summer. He is passionate about on-site weather support, hazardous weather communication, and all things decision-support services. John enjoys eating ice cream, traveling, mowing grass, and cheering on the Buckeyes and Atlanta Braves.
William Bradfield, Floodplain Management and Insurance Specialist, FEMA Region 3
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William (Bill) Bradfield is a Flood Insurance Outreach Specialist with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region 3 Office in Philadelphia. In this role, Bill promotes the importance of flood insurance in building resiliency and its interconnection with floodplain regulations and mitigation. He also serves as a liaison between consumers, local/state/tribal governments, industry professionals and FEMA by providing technical assistance regarding flood insurance products and conducting outreach. Prior to joining FEMA, Bill worked as the State NFIP Coordinator at the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), where he served the Commonwealth’s more than 2,400 NFIP communities by providing technical assistance regarding floodplain management regulations, coordinating outreach and training for local officials and professionals, and collaborating with other agencies and organizations on floodplain management issues. He started his career in environmental consulting and spent over a decade in the civil engineering field working on numerous geotechnical and water resource (dam and levee) projects. Bill holds a B.S. in Geology from Bucknell University and is a Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM).
Eric Brewer, Director of Emergency Services, Beaver County Emergency Services
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Eric J. Brewer is currently the Director of Emergency Services for Beaver County. He is responsible for the Radiological Preparedness Program, Hazardous Materials Response, Emergency Management, and the 9-1-1 program. Eric started with Emergency Services in 1995 working his way through various roles within the department to his current position. He’s been on the Hazmat Team since 1999 and is certified as a Pro-Board level Haz-Mat Incident Commander as well as the Professional Certification for Emergency Managers through PEMA. Eric has been a firefighter and paramedic for over 25 years serving his departments in numerous roles. Additionally, he is a Pennsylvania EMS instructor, FEMA Instructor, and on staff for Penn State University’s Emergency Preparedness for Personal Care Homes. He recently retired as a medical specialist for the U.S. DHS DMAT. When not at work he is busy with a family business and officiating basketball and football at the high school and collegiate levels.
Jason Brown, Director of Health Care Emergency Management, Public Health Management Corp.
Justin Byers, PQS Administrator | Emergency Management Specialist, PEMA
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Justin Byers is the Pennsylvania Qualification System Administrator for PEMA. As an Emergency Management Specialist, Justin is dedicated to preparedness, collaboration, and effective communication within the emergency management field. He has a master’s degree in Homeland Security Administration and over six years of military experience conducting security operations for strategic assets and law enforcement services. Upon separating from military service, Justin began a career in emergency management working as a Catastrophic Event Planner and State Operations Officer in Washington State. He then moved back to the East Coast, originally from West Virginia, to continue his career with PEMA. In his spare time, Justin likes to run, hike, and float on the river.
Richard Deal, Deputy State Hazard Mitigation Officer, PA Emergency Management Agency
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Mr. Deal is an experienced EM professional, specializing in Mitigation and Recovery as the Deputy State Hazard Mitigation Officer at PEMA for the past 2 years. Skilled in Hazard Mitigation, he currently has over 250 Hazard Mitigation Assistance projects in progress funded by COVID-19 and Tropical Storm Ida Disaster funds and several non-disaster Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds. Rick and the project officers he directs, assists communities with project application development, project and grant management, and successful closeout and land-use/open space decisions upon completion of these projects. He also assists the National Hazard Mitigation Association with the delivery of their webinar series through Millersville University.
Additionally, he is skilled in EM recovery, EM operations, Physical Security, Team Building, Medical Training, Risk Assessment, and Safety Analysis. Strong safety professional with a Bachelor’s degree focused in Emergency Management from American Public University.
Additionally, he is skilled in EM recovery, EM operations, Physical Security, Team Building, Medical Training, Risk Assessment, and Safety Analysis. Strong safety professional with a Bachelor’s degree focused in Emergency Management from American Public University.
Jackie Deloplaine, Cyber Intelligence Engagement Manager, RH-ISAC
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As a dedicated Manager of Cyber Intelligence Engagement, I lead the charge in managing and executing cybersecurity collaboration initiatives across various working groups and special interest groups. My role involves the development of strategic content, facilitation of critical meetings, and the communication of essential post-meeting action items to ensure seamless operations and the achievement of our cybersecurity goals. In previous roles, I worked closely with private and public sector entities to bridge communication gaps and enhance information sharing. I established a Cybersecurity Incident Response Group to bring together federal, state, and local partners, which significantly bolstered our collective response capabilities. My commitment to the field extends beyond professional duties as I actively contribute to the education sector by teaching cybersecurity courses at local colleges and universities.
Jarod Douglas, Assistant U.S. Attorney, Northern District of West Virginia
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Since 2012, Jarod Douglas has served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of West Virginia, where he prosecutes crimes involving national security, civil rights, public corruption, and financial fraud. He has received several national recognitions as a prosecutor, including back-to-back Attorney General’s Awards for Distinguished Service in 2021 and 2022 for his work in the prosecutions of Reta Mays, a nursing assistant who killed several patients at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and Jonathan Toebbe, a Navy nuclear engineer who sought to sell classified information about Navy submarines to a foreign country.
Prior to serving as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, he served as a law clerk for two U.S. District Judges in the Northern District of West Virginia.
He earned undergraduate and law degrees from West Virginia University, where he was a four-year member of the WVU Football Team, including the 2006 Sugar Bowl champion team.
Prior to serving as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, he served as a law clerk for two U.S. District Judges in the Northern District of West Virginia.
He earned undergraduate and law degrees from West Virginia University, where he was a four-year member of the WVU Football Team, including the 2006 Sugar Bowl champion team.
Jeff Dyar, Adjunct Instructor, TEEX
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Jeff Dyar is in his 5th decade of public service as an emergency responder and has worked for TEEX since 2003. He has operated as a Paramedic, firefighter, emergency manager, and educator/author during that time. Jeff has responded to some of the largest and most high-profile incidents in American history such as both World Trade attacks, the Oklahoma City Bombing, the Flight 232 Sioux City Iowa Plane Crash, and Columbine High School Shootings to mention a few. He has also served at several large national security events, natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornados, floods, wildfires, riots, and large hazardous materials incidents. Jeff held a Program Chair position at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, MD for a decade and has worked as an instructor at four community colleges and two major Universities. As an author, he has authored or co-authored four major book titles, written dozens of news and magazine articles, and served on several Media Boards. Jeff currently resides in Southwest Colorado.
Tim Elbertson, Public Safety Education & Outreach Specialist, PA Emergency Management Agency
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Tim Elbertson is the Public Safety Education and Outreach Specialist for 9-1-1 at the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency.
He previously worked as the Community Outreach Coordinator for the Montgomery County (PA) Department of Public Safety, where he educated the public about 9-1-1 and emergency preparedness through various events and programs, expanded the department’s presence on social media, and played many key roles in emergency management including volunteer coordination, disaster recovery, and business continuity.
Prior to his work in the government sector, Tim had a successful career in journalism – starting out as an editor for a few magazines and newspapers before getting his big break and following his dream to become a TV meteorologist. Tim has worked at TV stations in Kansas, Texas, Minnesota, and Colorado. He is a certified storm spotter, has his amateur radio license, and is a two-time Emmy Award winner.
He previously worked as the Community Outreach Coordinator for the Montgomery County (PA) Department of Public Safety, where he educated the public about 9-1-1 and emergency preparedness through various events and programs, expanded the department’s presence on social media, and played many key roles in emergency management including volunteer coordination, disaster recovery, and business continuity.
Prior to his work in the government sector, Tim had a successful career in journalism – starting out as an editor for a few magazines and newspapers before getting his big break and following his dream to become a TV meteorologist. Tim has worked at TV stations in Kansas, Texas, Minnesota, and Colorado. He is a certified storm spotter, has his amateur radio license, and is a two-time Emmy Award winner.
Craig Evanego, Meteorologist/Acting Hydrology Program Manager, NOAA/National Weather Service State College, PA
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Craig Evanego is a meteorologist and the acting Hydrology Program Manager with the National Weather Service (NWS) in State College, Pennsylvania. Craig hails from Murrysville, Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh. After graduating from Millersville University of Pennsylvania with a B.S. in Meteorology in 1996, Craig worked with the National Ice Center in Washington D.C. for 10 years before moving to the NWS in State College in 2007.
Nick Falgiatore, Wireless Technical Group Leader, Mission Critical Partners
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Nick is a professional engineer and wireless specialist who has served more than 50 public safety clients ranging in size from small municipalities to state agencies. His experience encompasses all aspects of public safety communications systems implementation. Nick has supported P25 system implementations from all major equipment vendors. He is at the forefront of public safety broadband, contributing to expert panels and publications on the topic. His expertise includes radio systems design, system acceptance testing, FCC licensing, propagation modeling, interoperability planning, data gathering, P25 subscriber certification, coverage testing, and site assessments.
Laurin Fleming, Emergency Management Specialist, PA Emergency Management Agency
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Laurin Fleming is currently working as an Emergency Management Specialist with Pennsylvania Emergency Management. At PEMA he is a radiological planner, trainer, and specialist working primarily with off-site readiness for the Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station and with radiological training across the state. In addition, he has 30 years past experience in Fire, Rescue, and EMS. He is currently a municipal Emergency Management Coordinator with over 40 years of experience, a Community Emergency Response Team Leader / Trainer, and a Critical Incident Stress Management Team Leader. He has been leading/operating/training a CERT team for the past 20 years and has been a recognized state-level trainer and facilitator for other organizations wanting to start CERT teams of their own.
Joseph Geleta, Director, New Jersey Department of Human Services
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Joe Geleta currently serves as the Director of Emergency Management for the NJ Department of Human Services. He is directly responsible for emergency management activities associated with the Department’s 7 facilities and 10,000 employees. He serves as the State of New Jersey’s Mass Care (Sheltering/Feeding/ Reunification/ Distribution of Emergency Supplies) lead during disaster response operations. He retired from the NJ State Police after 30 years of service and was leading New Jersey’s Hurricane Sandy recovery effort along with our FEMA Colleagues. Upon his retirement, he served as the Executive Director of the NJ211 Partnership
R. Michael Greiser, Assistant Chief, Armstrong County Special Operations Team 330
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Mike served as the Public Safety Director for the Borough of Freeport from October 2021 to March 2024. Mike created, drafted, and had passed over a dozen new Codes and Ordinances for the Borough. Mike created an enforcement plan and brought in software that was designed to assist Code Enforcement and Emergency Responders in sharing data and information that is critical to their respective duties. Mike created the Office of the Fire Marshal and investigated numerous fires during his tenure. Mike has also spent over 16 years working full-time for the federal government in the intelligence and law enforcement fields. Mike currently volunteers as a Chief Officer and Radiological Officer for the Armstrong County Special Operations Team. Mike previously worked for the Town of Matthews Fire and Rescue Department and has been an instructor in various Public Safety fields since 2002. Mike has presented at the International Association of Fire Chief’s Hazardous Materials Conference.
Jonathan Guseman, Warning Coordination Meteorologist, NOAA/National Weather Service State College, PA
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Jonathan Guseman has been a meteorologist with the NWS for 15 years, including serving as the Warning Coordination Meteorologist for central PA since September 2020. He began his NWS career in Morristown, Tennessee while earning his degree in meteorology from Valparaiso University, then transferred to the Melbourne, Florida office in 2010 as a full-time Meteorologist. Jonathan headed west to the Great Plains in September 2012 as a General Forecaster with NWS Lubbock, Texas, before moving back east toward his hometown of Cincinnati in January 2016 as a Lead Forecaster with NWS Jackson. He was then promoted to the WCM position in eastern KY, before coming to PA. In this role, he is in charge of forecast and warning services and is the primary liaison between the NWS and all partners and customers in central PA. Outside of promoting weather education and safety, Jonathan enjoys traveling and time with his wife and two young daughters, while remaining an avid Cincinnati sports fan.
Ryan Hay, Administrator, Emergency Operations & Public Safety, Lehigh Valley Health Network
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Ryan Hay is a certified Emergency Manager, Healthcare Protection Administrator, and Pre-Hospital Registered Nurse. He serves as the Administrator of Emergency Operations & Public Safety at Lehigh Valley Health Network.
Ryan holds a Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Emergency Management from Jacksonville State University in Alabama. He completed his undergraduate education at DeSales University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a concentration in National Security.
In addition to his role at LVHN, Ryan is an Assistant Chief and County Radiological Officer on the Lehigh County Special Operations Team and a Medical Specialist on PA Company 3, a regional in-state Urban Search and Rescue team in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Ryan holds a Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Emergency Management from Jacksonville State University in Alabama. He completed his undergraduate education at DeSales University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a concentration in National Security.
In addition to his role at LVHN, Ryan is an Assistant Chief and County Radiological Officer on the Lehigh County Special Operations Team and a Medical Specialist on PA Company 3, a regional in-state Urban Search and Rescue team in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Christine Heyser, Mass Care Coordinator, PA Department of Human Services
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Christine Heyser is the Commonwealth’s Mass Care Coordinator with the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (PADHS). She coordinates commonwealth-wide disaster Feeding and Sheltering Task Forces. Each engages hundreds of stakeholders. The Feeding Task Force coordinated 5.1 million meals in response to COVID-19-related food insecurity. Christine previously served as a Disaster Disability Integration Specialist for PADHS. She established the Disability Integration Task Force to engage disability and access and functional needs stakeholders in the emergency management lifecycle. Christine also established the Functional Assessment Service Team (FAST), a deployable asset that assists disaster survivors with access and functional needs. She has been a volunteer firefighter/EMT since 2002. Christine holds a B.S. in Health Sciences and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Gettysburg College.
Krista Hoffman, Exercise Program Manager, Governor’s Office of Homeland Security
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Krista Hoffman is the Homeland Security Exercise Program Manager for the Pennsylvania Office of Homeland Security. She is responsible for developing and facilitating tabletop exercises for multidisciplinary audiences to address the prevention, protection, and mitigation of adversarial and terrorist attacks on critical infrastructure in PA. She is also responsible for researching trends and commonalities of domestic violent extremism, and human trafficking to identify gaps and needs to better inform best practices and initiatives on countering these crimes in PA. She specializes in working with US and international law enforcement and military special forces on the nexus of human trafficking, terrorism, and violent extremist groups. She has presented to special operational forces and law enforcement in over twenty countries. She is a Senior Fellow for Joint Special Operations University, USSOCOM; and a fellow at the University of Birmingham, in Birmingham, UK working towards a PhD in psychology.
Josh Horneck, CEO, Foresight Dynamics
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Mr. Josh Horneck is a seasoned emergency preparedness professional with over eight years of designing and executing crisis simulations that rigorously stress test response capabilities. He has developed sophisticated emergency scenarios exploring threats like infrastructure attacks, biological events, and mass migrations that challenge readiness limits. Josh spearheads tabletop and functional exercises and major statewide and nationwide response evaluations.
He forges collaborations with leaders across government, military, academia, and private industry to shape simulations grounded in client objectives and adaptive learning principles. His scenarios induce friction through real-time injects that prompt critical thinking and reveal planning gaps. Josh instills a continuous improvement philosophy that leverages after-action findings and participants’ feedback to strengthen future crisis response plans and resourcing.
Mr. Horneck empowers communications leaders to navigate crises on their own terms through battle-tested crisis planning and muscle memory.
He forges collaborations with leaders across government, military, academia, and private industry to shape simulations grounded in client objectives and adaptive learning principles. His scenarios induce friction through real-time injects that prompt critical thinking and reveal planning gaps. Josh instills a continuous improvement philosophy that leverages after-action findings and participants’ feedback to strengthen future crisis response plans and resourcing.
Mr. Horneck empowers communications leaders to navigate crises on their own terms through battle-tested crisis planning and muscle memory.
Krista Houk, Manager of the State and Local Preparedness Programs, IEM International, Inc.
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Krista Houk earned her undergraduate degree from Juniata College in Huntingdon, PA, and has a master’s in public administration from Illinois State University. She has 22 years of emergency management experience, including more than eight years serving as an emergency manager at the local level. She started her career as the Director of Madison County Emergency Management Agency, Ohio, before taking the position as Emergency Services Manager for the City and County of San Francisco, California. Ms. Houk joined IEM as a senior planner in 2014 and now serves as the Manager of the State and Local Preparedness Programs for IEM. She has extensive emergency planning, risk assessment, training, and exercise experience and has led multiple project teams for diverse and complex projects across the country.
William Howard, Traffic Emergency Management Specialist, Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission
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With more than a decade of emergency management experience, Bill Howard is the Traffic Emergency Management Specialist for the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission. Bill oversees the Unmanned Aerial Systems program, the weather management program, and the hazardous materials response program. He is the lead planning chief for the Turnpike Command Center activations as well as the Lead Agency Representative to the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency for the PTC. He graduated from FEMA’s National Emergency Management Advanced Academy in August 2022. He is also a professionally certified emergency manager from the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency. Bill is also an emergency management coordinator for three townships in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. He enjoys spending time with his family, photography, and traveling.
Thomas Hughes, Director, EM Mitigation, Insurance & Resilient Communities Office, PA Emergency Management Agency
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Tom Hughes has been the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s State Hazard Mitigation Officer (SHMO) since 2009 and has been with the PA Emergency Management Agency since 1993. As the SHMO, he is responsible for the oversight of the revision of all 67 FEMA-required county Hazard Mitigation Plans and 14 PASSHE Disaster Resistant University Plans. Currently, his office has over 250 working FEMA/State/Locally funded disaster and non-disaster Hazard Mitigation projects. He also has oversight of the State National Flood Insurance Program State Floodplain Management and the Resilience Communities Offices at PEMA.
He is a past President of the National Hazard Mitigation Association (NHMA), is co-chair of the nationally recognized Pennsylvania Silver Jackets Team, completed his assignment with FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) External Stakeholder Working Group (ESWG), and fills a mentorship/alumni role and is the current Vice Chair of FEMA Region III’s Regional Advisory Council.
He is a past President of the National Hazard Mitigation Association (NHMA), is co-chair of the nationally recognized Pennsylvania Silver Jackets Team, completed his assignment with FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) External Stakeholder Working Group (ESWG), and fills a mentorship/alumni role and is the current Vice Chair of FEMA Region III’s Regional Advisory Council.
Karl Jones, Disaster Response Coordinator, PA Southeast Conference, United Church of Christ
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Rev. Karl Jones is retired from parish ministry in the United Church of Christ. He currently serves the United Church of Christ as the Conference Disaster Response Coordinator for southeastern Pennsylvania. He also serves as the Communications Coordinator and Eastern PA Board member for the PA Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster. He is a member of the Keystone Disaster Spiritual Care Network. Nationally he serves as the secretary for the Communication Committee of the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster. He has been active in some form of disaster ministry since the mid-1970s. His chief interests today are disaster emotional and spiritual care and long-term recovery. He served as the Operations Lead for the PA VALOR Pilot Project. He has been awarded the Shirley Norman Award by PA VOAD and the Volunteer of the Year by National VOAD. He lives in Douglassville, PA with his wife of more than 50 years, Cathy. He has 2 adult children and 5 grandchildren.
Bobby Kennedy, Battalion Chief, Philadelphia Fire Department
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Bobby Kennedy is a 17-year veteran of the Philadelphia (PA) Fire Department, currently serving as a Fire Battalion Chief. Throughout his career, Chief Kennedy has responded to all-hazard emergencies in diverse neighborhoods throughout the city and served in several administrative staff positions. Chief Kennedy has participated in the planning and operations for major events and NSSEs in the city, including The 2016 Democratic National Convention, the 2015 Papal Visit to Philadelphia, Army/Navy and Philadelphia Eagles football games at Lincoln Financial Field, U.S. Presidential visits and countless festivals, street fairs and professional concerts. He was the primary writer for the Philadelphia Fire Department’s After-Action Report for the Line of Duty Death of Lieutenant Matthew LeTourneau. Chief Kennedy has earned numerous professional certifications and has degrees in Fire Science (AAS), Emergency Planning and Management (BS), and Emergency Management (MS).
Todd Leiss, Traffic Incident Management Specialist, TIM Heroes Inc
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Todd Leiss is a Traffic Incident Management Specialist at Jacobs Engineering. He recently retired as the Traffic Incident & Emergency Management (TIM) Supervisor for the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) after serving as the PTC Traffic Incident Management Coordinator and Operations Center Duty Officer. Before that, Todd worked as an emergency dispatcher and has experience as a former volunteer firefighter, emergency medical technician, and hazardous material team member. Todd was named the 2018 ITS-Pennsylvania Person of the Year, the 2019 ITS-Pennsylvania Project of the Year, the 2019 CVVFA Highway Safety Award winner, the 2020 SCTF Mrs. Smith Award Winner for Highway Safety, the 2022 Pennsylvania Turnpike “Turnpiker” of the Year. and the 2024 Milton Hershey School Alumni Achievement for Community Service. Todd currently serves at the Deputy Director of Training for the Emergency Responder Safety Institute (ERSI) Respondersafety.com and is the Founder of TIM Heroes, Inc.
Briton Lewis, Response and Recovery Manager, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
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Briton Lewis, serves Commonwealth residents as the Department of Human Services, Response and Recovery Manager for Emergency Support Function 6: Mass Care and Emergency Assistance. He has responded to numerous incidents throughout the Commonwealth, including planning for the World Meeting of Families, coordinating Disaster Case Management efforts in the South East after Tropical Storm Ida in 2021, Persevere PA the behavioral health response to COVID, and most recently assisted with recovery efforts in Tioga County. Briton has been working in the Department since 2007. He resides in Richfield, PA with his wife Jennie, and daughter Kennedy.
Richard W. Lippert, Regional Manager, Healthcare Emergency Management
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Rick Lippert is a seasoned Consultant, Emergency Planning Specialist, and Regional Manager at PHMC, with over 25 years of experience in Emergency Preparedness and Safety across healthcare, oil & gas, and general industry sectors. He excels in strategic planning, program development, and critical incident management, particularly in healthcare emergency preparedness. Rick provides expert consultation, enhances response capabilities, ensures compliance with guidelines, and supports training for healthcare systems. Notably, he helped establish India’s first National Disaster Life Support Training Center and co-authored a program recognized by NHTSA for safe child transport in ambulances. Rick’s leadership extends to his roles as a past city councilman, nonprofit director, and active community member.
Beth McAteer, Director, Capture and Strategy, AG Witt, LLC
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Ms. Beth McAteer specializes in crisis management, training and exercises, mass casualty planning, continuity of operations planning, and response and recovery operations. As an emergency responder for more than 25 years, Ms. McAteer has collaborated, coordinated, and developed disaster response, crisis management, and emergency operations plans, policies, and procedures for every sector.
Ms. McAteer has collaborated, coordinated, and developed disaster response, crisis management, emergency operations plans, policies, and procedures for state and local government clients as well as companies in the private sector. Ms. McAteer has facilitated numerous workshops and educational sessions on crisis management and communications. Ms. McAteer has spent her career managing complex problems associated with emergency medical services, information technology, government relations, conflict resolution, continuity of government planning, and homeland security challenges.
Ms. McAteer has collaborated, coordinated, and developed disaster response, crisis management, emergency operations plans, policies, and procedures for state and local government clients as well as companies in the private sector. Ms. McAteer has facilitated numerous workshops and educational sessions on crisis management and communications. Ms. McAteer has spent her career managing complex problems associated with emergency medical services, information technology, government relations, conflict resolution, continuity of government planning, and homeland security challenges.
Anne McCann, President, National Animal Rescue and Sheltering Coalition
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Anne McCann brings a wealth of emergency management experience to her position as President of the National Animal Rescue and Sheltering Coalition (NARSC), a coalition of leading animal protection organizations, funders, and animal welfare professional organizations with national and international animal response capabilities. Anne previously served as Director of Emergency Management, Safety and Occupational Health Programs for USDA APHIS Animal Care. At USDA, she served as a policy expert in animal emergency management, chaired the Federal Animal Emergency Management Working Group which provided interagency coordination and animal subject matter expertise to FEMA, and deployed to FEMA’s National Response Coordination Center to provide national-level animal response coordination and support. Before joining USDA, Anne served as an All-Hazards Planner with the Delaware Emergency Management Agency.
Robert S. McLafferty, 911 Coordinator, County of Butler
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Robert McLafferty is a highly experienced professional in the field of emergency services, currently serving as the 911 Coordinator for Butler County Emergency Services. With over three decades in public safety and crisis response, his career spans a range of critical roles, including County Response Team Medic, Flight Medic, Fire Chief, and Trauma Coordinator at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.
In addition to his current role, Robert is actively involved as a Paramedic with the Slippery Rock Rescue Team and as a Tactical Paramedic (TEMS Medic) with the County of Butler’s Emergency Services Unit. His contributions extend to shaping emergency response policies as a member of the 911 Advisory Board for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and as a participant in the First Responder Resource Group (FRRG) under the Department of Homeland Security.
Robert also plays a key role in training and education, developing curricula for first responders and medical professionals nationwide.
Residing in Butler, Pennsylvania, he enjoys a fulfilling personal life with his wonderful wife, two amazing adult children, a very smart German Shepherd, and a joyful Golden Retriever.
In addition to his current role, Robert is actively involved as a Paramedic with the Slippery Rock Rescue Team and as a Tactical Paramedic (TEMS Medic) with the County of Butler’s Emergency Services Unit. His contributions extend to shaping emergency response policies as a member of the 911 Advisory Board for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and as a participant in the First Responder Resource Group (FRRG) under the Department of Homeland Security.
Robert also plays a key role in training and education, developing curricula for first responders and medical professionals nationwide.
Residing in Butler, Pennsylvania, he enjoys a fulfilling personal life with his wonderful wife, two amazing adult children, a very smart German Shepherd, and a joyful Golden Retriever.
Fred McMullen, Warning Coordination Meteorologist, NOAA/National Weather Service Pittsburgh, PA
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Fred has been in the National Weather for 26 years. Fred started his career at the Weather Forecast Office in North Platte, NE in 1998. This was a marked change from where he grew up in western Pennsylvania. He then moved to the Forecast Office in Charleston, WV. After Charleston, Fred worked at the regional headquarters just outside New York City where he was the program leader for Aviation and Severe Weather. He transferred back to his hometown of Pittsburgh as a Warning Coordination Meteorologist in the fall of 2010.
Fred holds a B.S. in Meteorology from Penn State University and a M.S. in Information Systems from Marshall University.
Fred holds a B.S. in Meteorology from Penn State University and a M.S. in Information Systems from Marshall University.
Matthew Messich, Special Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation
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Special Agent Matthew Messich is assigned to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Pittsburgh Division’s Wheeling, West Virginia, Resident Agency in the Northern District of West Virginia. Special Agent Messich is presently assigned to work on a variety of criminal and national security matters, including the investigation of violent crimes and major offenses such as health care fraud, violent crimes against children, and other violent criminal matters within the area of responsibility of the Wheeling Resident Agency. Special Agent Messich was previously assigned to the FBI Baltimore Division working on national security matters as an Intelligence Analyst. Prior to joining the FBI, Special Agent Messich served as a Deputy Sheriff for 5 years with the Hawaii Sheriff’s Department.
Alicia Miller, Senior Service Hydrologist, NOAA/National Weather Service Pittsburgh, PA
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Alicia Miller is the Senior Service Hydrologist at the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh. She maintains relationships with federal, state, and local agencies with hydrologic interests along the headwaters of the Ohio River. This includes working with local communities to set and adjust flood stages on rivers and streams, and educating and informing various partners on flood risk. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Atmospheric Science from the University at Albany NY, and a Master of Business Administration from Ithaca College, NY. While a native of upstate New York, Alicia has been in the Pittsburgh area for 15 years and enjoys the variety of weather and activities that are available to her in the Upper Ohio Valley.
Vincent Mulray, Deputy Chief (Ret.), Philadelphia Fire Department
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Vincent Mulray is a 35-year veteran of the fire service and a retired (July 2023) Fire Deputy Chief with the Philadelphia (PA) Fire Department. His 35-year career commenced in 1988 and he held the ranks of Lieutenant, Captain, and Battalion Chief before his promotion to Fire Deputy Chief in January of 2017. He served as the department’s Health and Safety Officer from 2017 to 2019. Chief Mulray’s educational achievements include a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from Saint Joseph’s University. He is a 2010 graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program (EFOP) and holds certification as a Six Sigma Green Belt from Villanova University. He is certified in National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1021- Fire Officer IV as well as many others. Vince is an adjunct instructor at the National Fire Academy, has been a guest lecturer with Holy Family University’s Fire Science Program, and is a frequent presenter on fireground operations.
Katie Norris, Mitigation Planner, Witt O’Brien’s
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Katie is a Hazard Mitigation Planner with Witt O’Brien’s. Previously, she served for five years as the Deputy Chief of Recovery and Mitigation at the South Carolina Emergency Management Division, where she helped manage a $1.5 billion portfolio of recovery and mitigation grants, led the state Recovery Task Force, and supported the update of the State Hazard Mitigation Plan and Recovery Plan. Katie’s other experience includes leading planning for New York City’s Post-Emergency Canvassing Operation (PECO), serving as South Carolina’s SHMO and IAO, and on the NYC Emergency Management Human Services team during Hurricanes Sandy and Irene. Katie holds a B.A. from New York University and an M.A. from the Naval Postgraduate School Center for Homeland Defense and Security. She has been awarded the Mark Carr Esprit de Corps Award, the South Carolina State Honorable Service Ribbon, the State Commendation Ribbon, the State Merit Ribbon, and the Meritorious Service Medal.
Kevin O’Connell, Northeast Territory Sales Manager, GeoComm
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Kevin O’Connell is a Northeastern Territory Manager specializing in the Public Safety & School Safety markets, with an emphasis on GIS. With over 10 years of experience in various GIS roles, Kevin has dedicated the last 7 years to the Public Safety GIS arena. Throughout his career, he has held positions such as GIS Specialist, CAD Map Implementer, and Project Manager. Kevin possesses extensive knowledge of Esri ArcGIS products, Public Safety GIS (NG9-1-1), and GIS indoor mapping technology. In 2014, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography & Environmental Studies from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. Additionally, Kevin obtained a GIS Certificate from Central Connecticut State University. With his expertise and experience, Kevin is committed to leveraging GIS technology to enhance public safety and school safety initiatives. He strives to provide innovative solutions that improve data accuracy, decision-making capabilities, and spatial awareness for his clients.
Richard Pietron, Special Event Planner, Valentis Group Inc.
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Richard is one of two Special Event Planners with Valentis Group, Inc. who is tasked with Incident Action Plan (IAP) development, auxiliary plan development, and liaising with emergency services personnel prior to, and during, special events. Richard has developed several special event plans for festivals, fairs, concerts, sporting events, and an obstacle course event.
Richard has municipal emergency management experience with Hempfield Township in Westmoreland County and eight years of experience as a volunteer Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator with Millcreek Township in Erie County.
Richard is a graduate of the Indiana University of Pennsylvania’s Safety Sciences Bachelor and Master of Science programs, as well as a Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Pennsylvania Department of Health certified EMT, and PEMA certified Emergency Manager at the Municipal Professional level.
Richard has municipal emergency management experience with Hempfield Township in Westmoreland County and eight years of experience as a volunteer Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator with Millcreek Township in Erie County.
Richard is a graduate of the Indiana University of Pennsylvania’s Safety Sciences Bachelor and Master of Science programs, as well as a Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Pennsylvania Department of Health certified EMT, and PEMA certified Emergency Manager at the Municipal Professional level.
Chris Ruch, Chief, Allegheny Mountain Rescue Group
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Chris Ruch has been involved in volunteer search and rescue for more than 25 years. He is currently the Chief of Allegheny Mountain Rescue Group, an all-volunteer SAR team based in Pittsburgh, and the volunteer search coordinator for the Allegheny County Child Abduction Response Team. He is also a national officer for the Mountain Rescue Association and an evaluator for the National Search and Rescue Association. an MRA National Evaluator. Chris frequently manages multi-agency searches throughout western Pennsylvania.
William Schlosser, Instructor, Emergency Management and Homeland Security, Pennsylvania College of Technology
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William Schlosser is an instructor in Emergency Management and Homeland Security at the Pennsylvania College of Technology. Additionally, Instructor Schlosser has worked as an Emergency Management Coordinator for the Southern Tioga School District in North Central Pennsylvania for the last 15 years. As a professional educator and emergency manager, Instructor Schlosser sees the need for connection and collaboration between the response and educational communities. Instructor Schlosser is also a Type 1 Incident Commander with the Civil Air Patrol, United States Air Force Auxiliary. Major missions include assistance with the logistics section of a mass Vaccination Clinic in Philadelphia during COVID-19, Hurricane Irma and Maria disaster recovery in Puerto Rico, and a multi-agency air defense mission named Operation Crosstell in New Jersey.
Justin Schlottman, Emergency Management Coordinator, Lower Heidelberg Township EMA
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Justin Schlottman has been involved with emergency services for over 20 years. Part of his emergency services career has been as a police officer for 15 years, with 6 of those being as a School Resource Officer. Justin was involved in the fire service for 16 years in both volunteer and combination departments. Justin started his emergency management career in 2013 as a volunteer staff member and law enforcement liaison with the West Side Regional Emergency Management Agency and is now a deputy coordinator and PIO for that agency. He also serves as the EMC for Lower & South Heidelberg Townships, Muhlenberg Township & Wernersville Borough.
Justin serves as the vice-chair of the Berks County EMC working group. He has assisted other municipalities with starting their Emergency Management Programs and providing input to school districts on school safety and security.
Justin has a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Kutztown University and is a graduate of the Reading Police Academy.
Justin serves as the vice-chair of the Berks County EMC working group. He has assisted other municipalities with starting their Emergency Management Programs and providing input to school districts on school safety and security.
Justin has a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Kutztown University and is a graduate of the Reading Police Academy.
George Schwartz, Associate Professor / Program Director, Immaculata University
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Dr. George Schwartz is the Director of the Undergraduate Program in Emergency Management at Immaculata University in Malvern, PA. His broad professional background includes military service, HR management, and higher education. He has developed and instructed courses in emergency management and leadership and has written and presented on such subjects as crisis leadership, cybersecurity, and training management. Before retiring from the PA Army National Guard, Dr. Schwartz served in a number of senior leadership positions including commanding troops and directing operations in Europe, Kosovo, and Afghanistan, as well as managing National Guard emergency response efforts during several natural disasters.
Gretchen Shanfeld, Health and Medical Program Manager, Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management
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Gretchen Shanfeld is a seasoned Program Management Leader with operational expertise across public health, wellness, humanitarian support, and emergency management sectors. Gretchen Shanfeld currently serves as the Health and Medical Program Manager for the City of Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management. Prior to her work in emergency management, Gretchen served in the non-profit sector in Philadelphia including serving as Senior Director of Program Operations and other roles at the leading immigrant services agency in Philadelphia, where she led efforts to welcome newcomers, advanced health and wellness programming, and secured funding to support needed programs and services. Ms. Shanfeld holds a Master’s in Public Health from Temple University and a Master’s in Emergency and Disaster Management from Thomas Jefferson University.
Lori Shenk, Emergency Management Coordinator, Rapho Township
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Lori Shenk is the Emergency Management Coordinator for Rapho Township, Lancaster County. She began her career in emergency services as a volunteer firefighter in 1989, later becoming an EMT. She has continued to serve the fire and EMS disciplines throughout her career in both paid and volunteer roles. Lori is currently an NREMT professionally employed as the Recruitment and Retention Specialist for the Pennsylvania Bureau of EMS.
Lori is passionate about the mission to raise awareness of and prevent, responder motor vehicle struck-by incidents and serves as co-chair of the Public Education and Outreach Committee for PennTIME (Pennsylvania Traffic Incident Management Enhancement), as well as the Executive Director for TIM Heroes, a newly created non-profit whose members consist of highway and traffic safety leaders from across the nation, working in support of responder roadside safety initiatives.
Lori is passionate about the mission to raise awareness of and prevent, responder motor vehicle struck-by incidents and serves as co-chair of the Public Education and Outreach Committee for PennTIME (Pennsylvania Traffic Incident Management Enhancement), as well as the Executive Director for TIM Heroes, a newly created non-profit whose members consist of highway and traffic safety leaders from across the nation, working in support of responder roadside safety initiatives.
John Sileski, Emergency Management Coordinator, Marion Township EMA
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John is Emergency Management Coordinator for Marion Township Berks County and Millcreek Township Lebanon County. Certified to the Local Professional Level with PEMA. John is also enrolled in the Emergency Management Program at Millersville University. John has 33 years in the fire service both in a volunteer and career capacity. John also serves as a local-level instructor for Bucks County Community College, National Auto Body Council Extrication Instructor, IFSTA Principals of Extrication Committee, 4th & 5th Edition Manual & 1st Edition Heavy Rescue Manual chairperson. John obtained his Basic EM Academy through EMI. John is a Rescue Specialist with Municipal Emergency Services.
Nicole Sturges, Assistant Director, Center for Survey Research, Inst of State & Regional Affairs, Penn State University – Middletown
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Nicole Sturges is the Assistant Director, of the Center for Research at the PSU Harrisburg Campus. She and others are working on a two-part project focusing on the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) activities within the Commonwealth of PA with the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) and the Pennsylvania Department of Insurance (PDI). Prior to working at Penn State University, she worked as a Staffing Specialist with Manpower Group and as a Research Assistant with the CRCC.
Recently, she and PSU colleagues presented their findings on Part 1 of the NFIP Tasking with PEMA to the Flood Insurance Premium Task Force in March 2024 funded by funds from the Community Disaster Block Grant – Disaster Recovery funding from the US HUD and PA Department of Community and Economic Development as part of the Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee event experience in 2011. She and others have embarked on the Part 2 report will be funded in its entirety by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and State funding from the Tropical Ida flooding event in August/September of 2021.
Recently, she and PSU colleagues presented their findings on Part 1 of the NFIP Tasking with PEMA to the Flood Insurance Premium Task Force in March 2024 funded by funds from the Community Disaster Block Grant – Disaster Recovery funding from the US HUD and PA Department of Community and Economic Development as part of the Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee event experience in 2011. She and others have embarked on the Part 2 report will be funded in its entirety by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and State funding from the Tropical Ida flooding event in August/September of 2021.
Tony Subbio, Emergency Management Discipline Leader, CDM Smith
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Tony Subbio is a community resilience consultant with over 20 years of experience helping municipalities, counties, regions, and states enhance their emergency management, hazard mitigation, and/or floodplain management programs. He has led more than 20 countywide hazard mitigation plan updates across New York and Pennsylvania; provided technical expertise on floodplain management and National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) compliance to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, including serving in the Commonwealth’s NFIP coordination role; and has worked with nearly 30 communities in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and California on entering and/or succeeding in the Community Rating System (CRS) Program. He has presented on emergency preparedness, floodplain management, and hazard mitigation topics at local, state, and national training sessions and conferences, and is a Certified Emergency Manager and Certified Floodplain Manager.
Steve Sutch, Director Planning and Project Advancement, Valentis Group Inc
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Steve oversees and coordinates the various functions of the Valentis Planning Section, which includes the project advance team, risk mitigation measures for clients and internal Valentis operations, its planning team to support Valentis clients, Valentis Incident Management Team (V-IMT), and the pre-advance and operational planning for the Protective Security Team operations.
Steve’s role also includes the Security Coordinator and Incident Commander for Tall Ships America and its TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE throughout the United States. Steve also directs and facilitates numerous training exercises for maritime law enforcement and emergency response agencies in response to active shooter/active threat scenarios on the water.
Steve’s role also includes the Security Coordinator and Incident Commander for Tall Ships America and its TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE throughout the United States. Steve also directs and facilitates numerous training exercises for maritime law enforcement and emergency response agencies in response to active shooter/active threat scenarios on the water.
Mark VanDyke, President & Visionary, transcendX
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For nearly two decades Mark led the Emergency Management, Business Continuity, and Operational Readiness team at Michigan’s largest healthcare provider. During this time he served as the Incident Commander for multiple large-scale incidents. Mark’s experience served as instrumental when he led the design, build, and day-to-day operations for one of the largest vaccine clinics in the country, vaccinating almost 13,000 people in a single, eleven-hour shift. Mark’s work is built on the foundation of ensuring people, healthcare organizations, and businesses don’t just make it through a disaster or normal business disruptions, but excel during them. He does this by working WITH people, rather than working FOR businesses. …And some way more fun statistics, Mark has flown the Good Year Blimp, met John Stamos, been on the sidelines of a Super Bowl Half Time show, and can play the bassoon.
Brian Weiss, Public Safety Team Lead – State & Local Government, ESRI
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Brian Weiss is ESRI’s Public Safety Team Lead for State and Local Government. In this role, he manages a team focused exclusively on helping customers use ArcGIS technology to support public safety needs throughout the United States.
Weiss joined Esri in 2013 after more than 20 years of experience in public safety and emergency services. He was a firefighter with Steele Creek Fire Department outside Charlotte, after over 15 years of service in Columbia County, New York, where he held positions including Deputy Director of Emergency Management, HazMat Specialist with the Columbia County Hazardous Materials Team, and Chief/EMT, Tri-Village Fire Company. He was a member of a Regional Emergency Medical Organization task force that responded to New York City after 9/11 and was awarded a certificate for “Excellence in Leadership” by New York State for setting up the state’s first Citizen Corps program. He continues to serve with Team Rubicon, where he has held various positions including Charlotte Metro Administrator and Operations Section Chief.
He is a member of the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs, the National Association of EMTs, the National Emergency Number Association, and the National Emergency Management Association.
Weiss joined Esri in 2013 after more than 20 years of experience in public safety and emergency services. He was a firefighter with Steele Creek Fire Department outside Charlotte, after over 15 years of service in Columbia County, New York, where he held positions including Deputy Director of Emergency Management, HazMat Specialist with the Columbia County Hazardous Materials Team, and Chief/EMT, Tri-Village Fire Company. He was a member of a Regional Emergency Medical Organization task force that responded to New York City after 9/11 and was awarded a certificate for “Excellence in Leadership” by New York State for setting up the state’s first Citizen Corps program. He continues to serve with Team Rubicon, where he has held various positions including Charlotte Metro Administrator and Operations Section Chief.
He is a member of the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs, the National Association of EMTs, the National Emergency Number Association, and the National Emergency Management Association.
Lawrence West, Deputy Director for Recovery, PA Emergency Management Agency
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Larry West was appointed Deputy Director for Recovery in May of 2023. He leads a dedicated team of emergency management specialists and professionals. Under his leadership, their primary focus is collaborating with counties, local municipalities, and federal emergency management partners to secure vital resources essential for recovering from disasters and also for mitigating future impacts and enhancing community resilience.
With experience in disaster recovery and business administration, he brings a unique perspective to his role. Larry served as the Business Administrator for Scranton, Pennsylvania. While in this role, he gained invaluable insights into the challenges associated with the business aspects of recovery efforts. His experience with municipal management equipped them with a deep understanding of the intricacies involved with navigating the financial and logistical hurdles of rebuilding communities post-disaster.
Additionally, Larry served for over a decade as a staff member for a PA State Senator, where he gained further insight into the multifaceted community and economic recovery, it provided Larry with a broader understanding of the various factors including policy, maximizing funding opportunities, and leveraging other state and federal agencies that support community redevelopment.
With experience in disaster recovery and business administration, he brings a unique perspective to his role. Larry served as the Business Administrator for Scranton, Pennsylvania. While in this role, he gained invaluable insights into the challenges associated with the business aspects of recovery efforts. His experience with municipal management equipped them with a deep understanding of the intricacies involved with navigating the financial and logistical hurdles of rebuilding communities post-disaster.
Additionally, Larry served for over a decade as a staff member for a PA State Senator, where he gained further insight into the multifaceted community and economic recovery, it provided Larry with a broader understanding of the various factors including policy, maximizing funding opportunities, and leveraging other state and federal agencies that support community redevelopment.
Bob Winters, Protective Security Advisor, CISA
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Bob Winters has been the DHS Cyber Security and Infrastructure Security Agency Protective Security Advisor assigned to Pittsburgh since the inception of the position in 2005. As the Pittsburgh PSA, he helps facilitate and coordinate the protection and resilience of critical infrastructure with owners, operators, and public safety partners in 32 counties of Western Pennsylvania. Originally from Pittsburgh, Bob had a 23-year training and security career in the US Air Force. He has a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Colorado and a master’s degree in public administration from Eastern Washington University. He is a 2001 graduate of the FBI National Academy and has been an ASIS Certified Protection Professional since 2010.
Dave Wolfe, Director of Traffic Operations & Incident Management, Drive Engineering
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Dave Wolfe is currently the Director of Traffic Operations and Incident Management for Philadelphia-based Drive Engineering. Before joining Drive, he spent 14 years in Traffic Operations & Traffic Incident Management with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation District 6 Regional Traffic Management Center. In a career spanning over 27 years, Dave has developed an extensive background and subject matter expertise in Traffic Management Center Operations, Intelligent Transportation Systems, and Traffic Incident Management. Dave currently manages projects throughout the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions and is proud of the 20 years he spent as a volunteer firefighter in Montgomery County, PA.
David Wood, Protective Security Advisor, CISA
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David Wood is the Harrisburg District Protective Security Advisor within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). He is responsible for the coordination of critical infrastructure protection in 27 counties in Central and Northeast Pennsylvania. Mr. Wood has over 35 years of experience with sensitive security operations including the private sector, the Department of Defense, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Lee Zelewicz, Continuous Improvement Technical Assistance Program Manager, FEMA
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As FEMA’s Continuous Improvement Technical Assistance Program Manager, Mr. Zelewicz focuses on providing external emergency management stakeholders resources to help build and manage their continuous improvement capabilities. Lee has 12+ years of emergency management and disaster research experience. He led or supported 20+ projects, including nine after-action reviews for federal, state, and local organizations. Since joining FEMA in 2022, he led the release of the National Continuous Improvement Guidance and regularly presents on research methods and continuous improvement topics at virtual and in-person presentations. Prior to joining FEMA, Lee served as a State and Local Preparedness Supervisor and Operations Planner for IEM and the Operations Coordinator for Chester County’s (PA) Department of Emergency Services. Lee holds a master’s degree in anthropology from Arizona State University and supported research at the University of Delaware’s Disaster Research Center.
Tracy Zents, Director, Jefferson County Department of Emergency Services
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Tracy W. Zents enlisted in the United States Army National Guard in 1985 and received his initial training at Ft. Leonard Wood Missouri. Upon returning back to Pennsylvania, Tracy was hired as an emergency services dispatcher prior to the implementation of 9-1-1. In 1997, he was hired as a Police Communications Operator for the Pennsylvania State Police where he also served as an instructor at the State Police Academy in Hersey, receiving several letters of commendation from PSP command staff. In 2005, he returned to Jefferson County as the Director of Emergency Services overseeing Emergency Management and 9-1-1. Tracy has received recognition from the Department of Defense for his military service during the end of the Cold War as well as being awarded the Dr. Walter Dick Memorial Award by the Brookville Area Chamber of Commerce. He spent 31 years in the fire service and was awarded the top responder award for five years straight.