08/19/2026
Why I’m an Emergency Manager
I didn’t set out to become an Emergency Manager at first — I grew into it because of the leaders who mentored me and showed me what this work can truly do. From my start as a volunteer firefighter in Grafton in 2004 to roles in EMS, dispatch, hazmat, and now county emergency management, I’ve learned that preparedness isn’t just about plans and equipment — it’s about people.
In the spring of 2018, severe flooding swept across southeastern Wisconsin. I saw how neighbors, churches, and organizations came together to help, and I knew I wanted to be part of that kind of response. With a small group from my church, we formed the Lutheran Emergency Response Team (LERT), a network of trained volunteers ready to assist during disasters. Today, in my role as Taylor County’s Emergency Management Director, I’m building another team — the Taylor County Medical Reserve Corps — to provide trained support during both blue-sky days and times of crisis.
I’m an Emergency Manager because I believe in building resilience before the storm clouds gather. I’ve seen how a single moment of preparation can save lives, and how coordinated teamwork can turn fear into action. Every plan I design, every drill I run, and every outreach program I lead is a step toward making my community safer.
I do this work because in an emergency, seconds matter, information matters, and people matter most. My role means being the calm in the middle of the storm — guiding, coordinating, and supporting so others can focus on staying safe.
Ultimately, I believe hope is something you can operationalize — in the evacuation plan that works, the shelter that’s ready before it’s needed, and the communities that rebuild stronger than before. Someone once invested in me, and now I get to pay it forward by helping my community stay ready, resilient, and strong.