Jennifer Lindberg is the Exercise/Training Officer at HSEM. She previously worked as a Minneapolis Firefighter/EMT, a state inspector for the South Dakota Department of Public Safety, and as a Deputy State Fire Marshal for the South Dakota Fire Marshal Office. She is a Minnesota Certified Emergency Manager, a University of Minnesota alumna, and a graduate of EMI’s Master Exercise Practitioner Program.

Machelle “Micki” Klomp has worked for the State of Minnesota for over 30 years at the Department of Revenue and Department of Public Safety. Since 2017, she has been the LMS Administrator for Training and School Safety with HSEM. Micki assists learners with various LMS and training requests and co-teaches G-2300 Intermediate EOC Functions and PDS-241 Decision Making and Problem Solving. Micki has obtained the Basic Emergency Management and Director/Practitioner Qualification Certificates. Since March 2020, she has also been working in Logistics in the State EOC during the incidents of COVID-19, Civil Unrest and Line 3.

The Professional Development Committee is a group of emergency management professionals that work to further the development of those in the field specifically through training and exercise opportunities. The committee has hosted training opportunities in regions one and five focusing on gaps addressed through strategic planning initiatives.

Lisa Vollbrecht went to St. Cloud State University and never left. Lisa’s been with the Public Utilities Department for >21 years. St. Cloud Public Utilities includes Drinking Water, Wastewater, Stormwater and Hydroelectric & Energy Utilities.

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Cheryl Petersen-Kroeber is the Director of the Center for Emergency Preparedness and Response at the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). She has over 20 years of experience in governmental public health; and has worked in emergency preparedness since 2003. In addition to her leadership and policy development responsibilities at MDH, Cheryl also serves as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Minnesota, School of Public Health where she teaches several courses in the Regent’s Certificate in Emergency Preparedness program. Cheryl is the current Chair for the ASTHO Directors of Public Health Preparedness Executive Committee and serves on the NEMA-GSAC-ASTHO Policy Committee

Dr. Osterholm is Regents Professor, McKnight Presidential Endowed Chair in Public Health, the director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy CIDRAP, Distinguished Teaching Professor in the Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, a professor in the Technological Leadership Institute, College of Science and Engineering, and an adjunct professor in the Medical School, all at the University of Minnesota.

John Harrington, MN Commissioner of Public Safety Prior to his appointment, Harrington served as the Metro Transit Chief of Police for the Twin Cities area, overseeing significant growth of the agency and increasing diversity of the department from 5 to 50 percent. In 1977, Harrington began at the St. Paul Police Department as a patrol officer, working his way up the chain of command. He was selected chief of police in 2004 and served in that role until 2010. As chief, he addressed some of St. Paul’s most difficult problems. This resulted in numerous successes, including the development of innovative programs that have greatly reduced domestic violence and gang involvement. He served as a Minnesota state senator from the east side of St. Paul from 2010 to 2012. Harrington has been on the faculty at Metropolitan State University, Saint Mary’s University, and the University of St. Thomas, where he has taught Leadership, Demographics, Community Oriented Policing, and Gangs. Harrington is a founding member of the Asian-American and black police officer associations. He helped launch and currently chairs the board at Ujamaa Place, a non-profit agency that works with African-American men to transition them out of prison and gangs to become productive community members. Harrington was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. He received his bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth University and master’s degree from the University of St. Thomas. He is the father of five adult children and has 16 grandchildren, and currently resides in the Twin Cities.

Joe Kelly was named as the director of HSEM in January 2015. He has the overall responsibility to ensure coordination of state agency preparedness and emergency response to all types of natural and other emergencies and disasters in Minnesota. A native of Olivia, Minn., Joe served previously as the HSEM deputy director for the past four years. Before joining HSEM, he served 31 years in the United States Army and Minnesota National Guard and is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He achieved the rank of Brigadier General and his last military assignment was as the Assistant Adjutant General for the state of Minnesota. Joe was involved in planning, coordinating, and executing military operations in support of civil authorities for more than 17 years, including serving as the joint military task force commander during the 2008 Republican National Convention. He holds a bachelor's degree from Saint John’s University, a master’s degree from the United States Army War College and is a Minnesota certified emergency manager.

Jenny’s responsibilities are to coordinate with Ramsey County and the City of Saint Paul to plan and respond to natural disaster, man-made disasters, and technological accidents that occur on the State Capitol Complex. Jenny worked as the All Hazard Planning Coordinator at Minnesota Homeland Security and Emergency Management HSEM. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Corrections and Sociology, and a Master of Arts Degree in Sociology from the University of Minnesota-Mankato. Jenny is a Certified Emergency Manager in the state of Minnesota.

Paul has been a trooper for 25 years. In addition to patrol operations, Paul serves as a liaison in the State Emergency Operations Center, Liaison to Nuclear Power Generating Plant Emergency Response, and other special projects. Paul has extensive experience with civil disobedience preparedness, large scale response, and Incident Command Structure ICS systems.

Kelly Haffield is currently an employee of Paramount Planning where she works on Human Rights issues and is a Human Trafficking advisor. Kelly’s background includes Sex Trafficking Investigator for the Fond du Lac Tribal Police Department where she worked for 6 years. Kelly was also Commander of the statewide TRUST (Tribes United against Sex Trafficking) Sex Trafficking Task Force.

Matt Goodman has been a Public Safety GIS professional since 2008. His experience includes private sector work at GeoComm, Inc., supporting customers across the country, and his current position in the public sector as a dedicated GIS Specialist for the Sheriff’s Office in St. Louis County. Matt has recently worked with the Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan team to identify and validate pertinent GIS datasets.

Stacey Stark is the Associate Director of U-Spatial at UMN. Her team has developed Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan updates for counties and tribal governments across Minnesota, in addition to various Hazus flood hazard analyses. U-Spatial serves a fast-growing need for expertise in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, and spatial computing across the University System

Saint Paul fire captain assigned to Rescue Squad 3 on the A shift. 20 year paramedic, 15 year firefighter, and MART team member since 2011. I am the MART coordinator and the representative for SPFD for the program management group for Minnesota Task Force 1.

Catrina Covino is the FEMA Region 5 National Flood Insurance Program Manager with AECOM. She works with the FEMA Regional office on insurance outreach and policyholder assistance. She held previous positions in banking, at FEMA Region V and in local government as a planner and floodplain manager. Ms. Covino holds a Masters in Urban Planning, Design and Development from Cleveland State University and is a Certified Floodplain Manager.

James G. Sink is the Regional Flood Insurance Liaison for FEMA Region 5. James works with NFIP partners and stakeholders to build resilient communities by increasing understanding of the NFIP, conducting insurance outreach, and assisting policyholders. Previously, James was a FEMA reservist in the Planning Cadre where he severed as the Customer Care Group Supervisor in the Hurricane Sandy [NFIP] Claims Review Division. James holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Emergency Management from North Dakota State University.

Tom Crossmon owner of Crossmon Consulting, LLC. Tom along with others pioneered the use of Side Scan Sonar and Remotely Operated Vehicles together to conduct safe underwater searches for evidence and drowning victims. Tom now teaches public safety personnel on these techniques worldwide and is a speaker and public safety conferences. He also conducts searches for families and public safety agencies. Tom has now recovered just over 100 victims in the past 15 years and has been doing this work for over 35 years.

Jenny’s responsibilities are to coordinate with Ramsey County and the City of Saint Paul to plan and respond to natural disaster, man-made disasters, and technological accidents that occur on the State Capitol Complex. Jenny worked as the All Hazard Planning Coordinator at Minnesota Homeland Security and Emergency Management HSEM. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Corrections and Sociology, and a Master of Arts Degree in Sociology from the University of Minnesota-Mankato. Jenny is a Certified Emergency Manager in the state of Minnesota.

Paul has been a trooper for 25 years. In addition to patrol operations, Paul serves as a liaison in the State Emergency Operations Center, Liaison to Nuclear Power Generating Plant Emergency Response, and other special projects. Paul has extensive experience with civil disobedience preparedness, large scale response, and Incident Command Structure ICS systems.

Kelly Haffield is currently an employee of Paramount Planning where she works on Human Rights issues and is a Human Trafficking advisor. Kelly’s background includes Sex Trafficking Investigator for the Fond du Lac Tribal Police Department where she worked for 6 years. Kelly was also Commander of the statewide TRUST (Tribes United against Sex Trafficking) Sex Trafficking Task Force.

Matt Goodman has been a Public Safety GIS professional since 2008. His experience includes private sector work at GeoComm, Inc., supporting customers across the country, and his current position in the public sector as a dedicated GIS Specialist for the Sheriff’s Office in St. Louis County. Matt has recently worked with the Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan team to identify and validate pertinent GIS datasets.

Stacey Stark is the Associate Director of U-Spatial at UMN. Her team has developed Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan updates for counties and tribal governments across Minnesota, in addition to various Hazus flood hazard analyses. U-Spatial serves a fast-growing need for expertise in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, and spatial computing across the University System

Saint Paul fire captain assigned to Rescue Squad 3 on the A shift. 20 year paramedic, 15 year firefighter, and MART team member since 2011. I am the MART coordinator and the representative for SPFD for the program management group for Minnesota Task Force 1.

Catrina Covino is the FEMA Region 5 National Flood Insurance Program Manager with AECOM. She works with the FEMA Regional office on insurance outreach and policyholder assistance. She held previous positions in banking, at FEMA Region V and in local government as a planner and floodplain manager. Ms. Covino holds a Masters in Urban Planning, Design and Development from Cleveland State University and is a Certified Floodplain Manager.

James G. Sink is the Regional Flood Insurance Liaison for FEMA Region 5. James works with NFIP partners and stakeholders to build resilient communities by increasing understanding of the NFIP, conducting insurance outreach, and assisting policyholders. Previously, James was a FEMA reservist in the Planning Cadre where he severed as the Customer Care Group Supervisor in the Hurricane Sandy [NFIP] Claims Review Division. James holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Emergency Management from North Dakota State University.

Tom Crossmon owner of Crossmon Consulting, LLC. Tom along with others pioneered the use of Side Scan Sonar and Remotely Operated Vehicles together to conduct safe underwater searches for evidence and drowning victims. Tom now teaches public safety personnel on these techniques worldwide and is a speaker and public safety conferences. He also conducts searches for families and public safety agencies. Tom has now recovered just over 100 victims in the past 15 years and has been doing this work for over 35 years.

Ryc Lyden is the current President of MNVOAD and represents the Amateur Radio Relay League/Amateur Radio Emergency Services as the ASEC (Assistant Section Emergency Coordinator) Liaison. He has been involved in disaster services since 1972 with the American Red Cross where he currently serves in External Relations – Community Partnerships, Disaster Services Technology. In addition, he works with Minnesota Canine Search Rescue & Tracking, and Bloomington AuxComm – Deputy Director for Training and Compliance. Ryc is a former Senior Planner for Minnesota Division of Emergency Management where he worked with the REP program and Hazardous Materials. He has over 25 years in public safety and is a veteran of the USAF.

Trainer, speaker, conference facilitator… Jody Janati has a Doctoral degree in Organizational Leadership, and a Masters degree in Speech Communication. She has taught in higher education for over 20 years and offers a variety of public and professional workshops on conflict reduction tactics and effective communication skills. During her academic career she worked in various leadership roles, taught for over a decade at both the University of Minnesota and the MN state prison system. She currently trains for numerous organizations throughout the US. Dr. Janati is also the author of six books and DailyOm’s best-selling class, Protect Yourself from Control Dramas. Create Your MasterPeace with Dr. Janati!

Nick Stewart joined CBS 2 in December 2017. Originally from Chicago, Nick graduated with a degree in meteorology and emergency management from Western Illinois University in 2015 with a focus on severe weather. Stewart is the evening meteorologist at Iowa’s News Now as well as the station’s storm chaser.

Rebecca Kopelman, Meteorologist for CBS2 and Fox 28. You can get her forecasts on CBS2 This Morning from 5-7 am and Fox 28 Morning Live from 7-8 am. Rebecca joined the Weather First team in January 2016. Before moving to Cedar Rapids, Rebecca was a forecaster for WRUF and WUFT in Gainesville, Florida.

Brian Hubbard serves as a Deputy Police Chief for the Crystal Police Department. Brian also serves as the President of the Minnesota Law Enforcement Memorial Association for two years and eight years as a Board member. Brian has directed and/or assisted in the coordination of over 20 law enforcement funerals.

Joe Neuberger serves as the Operations & Training Bureau Director – MN Department of Public Safety Homeland Security and Emergency Management. He also served as a Senior Commander ret. – St. Paul Police Department and a Board Member – MN Law Enforcement Memorial Association.

John Elder is a Director of Public Information/Public Information Officer for the Minneapolis Police Department. He reports directly to the Chief and Assistant Chief. The PIO is responsible for the public dissemination of MPD related information to residents and members of the media. The goal of the Minneapolis Office of Public Information is to provide timely and accurate information surrounding the public safety initiatives and operations conducted by the men and women employed by the Minneapolis Police Department.

Ryc Lyden is the current President of MNVOAD and represents the Amateur Radio Relay League/Amateur Radio Emergency Services as the ASEC (Assistant Section Emergency Coordinator) Liaison. He has been involved in disaster services since 1972 with the American Red Cross where he currently serves in External Relations – Community Partnerships, Disaster Services Technology. In addition, he works with Minnesota Canine Search Rescue & Tracking, and Bloomington AuxComm – Deputy Director for Training and Compliance. Ryc is a former Senior Planner for Minnesota Division of Emergency Management where he worked with the REP program and Hazardous Materials. He has over 25 years in public safety and is a veteran of the USAF.

Trainer, speaker, conference facilitator… Jody Janati has a Doctoral degree in Organizational Leadership, and a Masters degree in Speech Communication. She has taught in higher education for over 20 years and offers a variety of public and professional workshops on conflict reduction tactics and effective communication skills. During her academic career she worked in various leadership roles, taught for over a decade at both the University of Minnesota and the MN state prison system. She currently trains for numerous organizations throughout the US. Dr. Janati is also the author of six books and DailyOm’s best-selling class, Protect Yourself from Control Dramas. Create Your MasterPeace with Dr. Janati!

Nick Stewart joined CBS 2 in December 2017. Originally from Chicago, Nick graduated with a degree in meteorology and emergency management from Western Illinois University in 2015 with a focus on severe weather. Stewart is the evening meteorologist at Iowa’s News Now as well as the station’s storm chaser.

Rebecca Kopelman, Meteorologist for CBS2 and Fox 28. You can get her forecasts on CBS2 This Morning from 5-7 am and Fox 28 Morning Live from 7-8 am. Rebecca joined the Weather First team in January 2016. Before moving to Cedar Rapids, Rebecca was a forecaster for WRUF and WUFT in Gainesville, Florida.

Brian Hubbard serves as a Deputy Police Chief for the Crystal Police Department. Brian also serves as the President of the Minnesota Law Enforcement Memorial Association for two years and eight years as a Board member. Brian has directed and/or assisted in the coordination of over 20 law enforcement funerals.

Joe Neuberger serves as the Operations & Training Bureau Director – MN Department of Public Safety Homeland Security and Emergency Management. He also served as a Senior Commander ret. – St. Paul Police Department and a Board Member – MN Law Enforcement Memorial Association.

John Elder is a Director of Public Information/Public Information Officer for the Minneapolis Police Department. He reports directly to the Chief and Assistant Chief. The PIO is responsible for the public dissemination of MPD related information to residents and members of the media. The goal of the Minneapolis Office of Public Information is to provide timely and accurate information surrounding the public safety initiatives and operations conducted by the men and women employed by the Minneapolis Police Department.

Matt Treichler earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice in 2000 from St. Cloud State University and has been a licensed peace officer for 20 years. His career with the Wright County Sheriff’s Office began in 2001 as a patrol deputy. In 2004, Matt was transferred to the narcotics unit where he worked drug crimes for two years before transferring back to patrol. In 2012, Matt was promoted to sergeant where he supervised the Special Investigations Unit. In 2017, Matt was promoted to lieutenant within the Operations Division. Beginning in 2019, Matt was appointed to Chief Deputy, where he is currently serving under Sheriff Sean Deringer. Throughout his career Matt has also served as a field training officer, use of force instructor, emergency response team member, tactical team leader, and later as tactical commander.

Seth Hansen – Wright County Emergency Management Director, Big Lake Fire Chief, Member of the Minnesota All Hazards Incident Management Team (AHIMT), Concordia University Graduate. Has been involved in many large-scale events over my years as a firefighter and emergency manager.

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