Commission & Staff

Gabe joined the agency in 2023 as the Deputy Director. Gabe brings more than 6 years of public safety experience that includes emergency management, military, emergency communications, cyber security, and workplace safety.  Previously, he served as an emergency management specialist in Mills County and then being promoted to agency director as well as serving as the county safety director. During his time at Mills County, Gabe gained experienced during three (3) Presidential Major Disaster Declarations and Federal Emergency Declarations implementing various response and recovery activities. While working on different disasters, he also created multiple programs within the county that furthered emergency management efforts as well as renovating the county emergency operations center (EOC) which provided more working space and the integration of upgraded technology to support direction, control, and coordination efforts during emergencies and disasters. Gabe also serves as a commissioned officer in the Nebraska Army National Guard specializing in Cyber Operations. Gabe brings emergency communications and high-level operations experience to the agency.    

Michell joined the agency in 2012 after serving (4) years as a regional response manager with the American Red Cross. She brings valuable experience in human services as well as emergency medical services to the agency.  Michell focuses on administrative and techinal support to the Volunteer Fire and Rescue Departments by leading, coordinating and facilitating EMS System Development.  She assists with training and EMS program regulatory compliance. Michell also leads the efforts with area schools and nursing homes, assisting them with emergency preparedness activities and acts as a liaison between the Emergency Management Agency and other preparedness committees.  What Michell loves most about her job, is the ability to be able to assist county residents with preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery.  In her spare time, Michell enjoys spending time with her nephews and nieces, photography, and kayaking. 

Ben joined the agency in 2025.  An alum of Abraham Lincoln High School, Ben brings a passion for keeping the community and county he was raised in safe and prepared. Ben volunteers around the community and also coaches for his high school alma mater. As a 2024 graduate of Bellevue University with a bachelor’s degree in emergency management, Ben brings a fresh vision to the department with a logistics and community outreach emphasis. Outside of work, Ben enjoys spending time with family and friends, giving back to his community and high school, and participating in different recreational sports leagues.  Ben is passionate about emergency management and the benefits of maintaining and enhancing resilient communities through preparedness.

Jamie joined the agency in 2024. Prior to joining the agency, Jamie worked in public education for 26 years in various roles including teacher, assistant principal, principal, and technology director. He is also a member of his local volunteer fire department and is a nationally registered EMT. While working in the public-school systems, Jamie participated and lead the implementation of various emergency and security planning, procedures, and protocols for pre-school to 12th grade aged students. When Jamie is not working he spends the majority of his time with his wife, 4 children, and 3 dogs. He volunteers at his local community movie theatre to set up and run movies, coaches youth sports, and helps with his local school streaming service providing play-by-play broadcasts of school home events.

Doug is an Iowa Certified Emergency Manager and has served within the agency since 2003 bringing a combined 25 years of experience in emergency services that includes emergency management, fire/rescue, emergency medical services, emergency communications, and law enforcement. He is also a veteran of the U.S. Army. He has served the agency as the County EMS Coordinator, Emergency Management Specialist, and was appointed Director on October 1, 2012. Doug has actively participated in and supervised the implementation of disaster response and recovery operations for (15) Presidential Major Disaster Declarations and Federal Emergency Declarations in Pottawattamie County and has assisted in disaster and emergency response efforts throughout Iowa as a former Planning Section Chief and Incident Commander for the Iowa Type III Incident Management Team. Doug is past-president of the Iowa Emergency Management Association (IEMA). 

Doug received an appointment from Governor Kim Reynolds to the Iowa Flood Mitigation Board in 2024. He currently serves as a Vice President of IEMA, the IEMA Legislative Committee, and as an IEMA legislative representative to the Iowa State Association of Counties (ISAC). Doug is Chair of the FEMA Region VII Administrator’s Regional Advisory Council (RAC) and participates in several local, regional, and state committees and boards.