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Director to be named Monday
County interviews 5 for EMA post
Published Thursday, July 9, 2009
Commissioners hope to name the county’s new emergency management agency director Monday at the commission’s next meeting.
The announcement came after five candidates interviewed for the position Thursday. Commissioners took turns asking a series of 15 questions ranging from what type of qualifications and experience each candidate possessed for the job to why they wanted to be the county’s next EMA director.
Candidates possessed a wide variety of experience and education levels. Two other candidates were asked to interview — Will Jordan and former county Red Cross director Jeffery Biggs — but declined the opportunity.
The first candidate questioned was former Covington Center Arena manager Tony Wells, who cited his desire to “help serve the people of Covington County” as reasoning for applying for the director position.
Wells said to prepare for the position he talked extensively with the Coffee County EMA director about the particulars of the job.
“I think my work ethic is my greatest skill,” Wells said. “I have a broad knowledge of this community, this county. I’m someone (the commission) can depend on when they need it, someone who will help the people in need.”
Next to interview was current county employee Kiep Johnson, who has worked in the engineer’s office for the last eight years as head of the county’s bridge inspection program.
Johnson said he applied for the position because he saw a chance to advance his career with the county.
“I think my work experience with Mr. Capps in the engineer’s office, working through numerous floods, Hurricane George and Ivan and these most recent floods is a positive,” he said. As for formal training, Johnson said he has been trained in disaster preparedness and worked to coordinate efforts with local utility companies.
Johnson was the only candidate who stated he is trained in reading and understanding flood plain maps, which is a job duty of the EMA director. Additionally, Johnson stated he had grant writing experience.
When asked why he should be chosen for the position, he said, “I have a passion for this county. I’ve been a good employee for eight years and have spent the last six going to night school to get ready for an opportunity like this if it arose. It has, and I think I can do a good job.”
The third candidate was former EMA director Susan Carpenter, and when asked why she applied said, “I know all about (emergency management) and I love it. I think I can be an asset to the county.”
Carpenter worked as EMA director for 10 years before resigning in 2004. As part of her resumé, she presented the commissioners with a list of EMA courses, grants and accomplishments, including securing 21 outside warning sirens through grants and private donations and completing the requirements for the county to become one of the first “Storm Ready” counties in the state.
“EMA is so much more than just the weather,” Carpenter said. “The director needs to know what the situation is — whether it’s the weather or any kind of disaster — and know where to ask for help. I can do that.”
Laurel Hill, Fla., resident Shirley Sands was next to interview. Sands, like Carpenter, has extensive emergency response experience. She has served as disaster services director for both the Wiregrass and DeFuniak Springs, Fla., chapters of the American Red Cross, and is currently a volunteer with the Houston and Geneva County EMA offices. She has also completed numerous state and federal EMA certification courses ranging from emergency planning to bio-terrorism and is currently pursing a degree in emergency management.
“I’ve been in the field for disasters,” she said. “I’m well rounded in experience. My motivation (in wanting to be EMA director) is a desire to get the job done.”
The final applicant to interview was Pat Brammer, who holds a master’s degree in earth and environmental resources management, and has worked as an assistant EMA director in Dale County, and as the local emergency planning committee chair and EMA secretary for Henry County. She also holds a variety of EMA accreditations on both the state and federal levels.
“The thing about emergency management is that you can be the most educated person, but the degree, without working in the field, can’t stand alone,” Brammer said. “It’s just a basic foundation. (Being EMA director) is about helping the community through a bad situation. You have to have the drive to get out and work with people. I do.”
Commissioners made notes throughout the interview process and said they will inform Brenda Petty, who attended in her role as personnel director, by phone once they have made their decision.
That decision should be announced at Monday’s meeting, which begins at 9:30 a.m.
Comments
Posted by covingtoncountycitizen2008 (anonymous) on July 10, 2009 at 12:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
“I think my work ethic is my greatest skill,” Wells said. “I have a broad knowledge of this community, this county. I’m someone (the commission) can depend on when they need it, someone who will help the people in need.”
Tony, we needed you to make the arena work. You sure showed all of us that we could NOT depend on you for that job. If Wells gets the job as EMA Director, then we know that the minds of the commissioners have been made from the start and did not base the decision on qualifications and work experience. Hope the right choice is made.
Posted by sweetiepie (anonymous) on July 10, 2009 at 12:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Susan Carpenter needs to be our next EMA Director. Her resume and experience speak for themselves!
Posted by hdsd (anonymous) on July 10, 2009 at 5:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
With the public interviews, hopefully they will know make the right decision. But sadly look at some of the past decisons they have made. But looking at the article they do have an interesting field to choose from. But again please ,don't let us go to the side and fail again as in the arena. He should not have been allowed to interview, but should have been let go.
Posted by AndalusiaWatcher (anonymous) on July 10, 2009 at 11:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The "Emergency Management" Director could possibly be a crucial postion for decisions should a natural disaster strike Covington County, such as a hurricane, flooding, or extensive rains. Although there is quite a bit of idle time in this position, I prefer that the Commission hire the lady with the degrees and experience because there should be an element of trust with our lives and possesions in this persons decisions should a natural disaster strike, also this persons authority will outway any Commissioners in a case of a natural disaster on a federal level such as massive damage to property and lives. Trust that you pick the best cantidate, if you can't get Jeffrey Biggs.
Posted by lookeyhere (anonymous) on July 10, 2009 at 3:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Well I don't know this Tony Wells guy from Adam,but looks like he may get the job.My question is,how did this guy get the arena job? I mean ,does the guy family have political pull in the county or what.
Posted by ke4hie (anonymous) on July 10, 2009 at 10:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Susan Carpenter is the logical choice!
I have worked with the past (4) Covington County EMA Directors as an Amateur Radio emergency communicator at the EOC. This span includes the Elba and Geneva floods of the 90s, Hurricane Opal, the spring and fall floods of 1998, Hurricane Ivan, Hurricane Katrina along with numerous other exercises . Susan Carpenter got severe Weather sirens in Covington County near our schools and was able to get Covington County listed by the National Weather Service in Mobile as one of the first "stormready" counties in South Alabama. She also worked at obtaining grants for Covington County during her term as EMA Director.
I hope that "good ole boy" politics doesn't play in putting someone else in this very important job!
Posted by outlaw11 (anonymous) on July 10, 2009 at 10:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hi, ke4hie, your reasoning sounds good and makes perfect sense, but, she has some kind of political ties to someone and it is making waves...I don't know who, what, or where, but her resume reads well as does 2 others from out of town...here in CC, old school rules override common sense and we, the public, pay the price. I do not propose to understand the reasoning used in cases like this except that people are scared or affraid for their positions. Our new commission was elected to make changes(much like our President was "suppossed to make changes") but, they
hit a brick wall...no change will be seen...Lynn needs to either grow a set or quit and the rest need to go to H---!
Good ole boy politics still control CC and at this point in time, not one voter will come out pubilicly and speak with any authority...in case you wonder why I don't, it is only because I don't have a voice (asbestosis), so I write to the paper and I comment here and in the blog section. I just hope that the Commission's decision does not cost us a problem in the future. I am over 60yo, lived along the Gulf Coast most of my life, served w/Civil Defense, Army Reserve, and in the private sector during hurricanes,etc.,
and survived several years in VN, Central Am, and So America, so I can make a rational decision on the spur of the moment...I only hope that our new appointee can. Thank you for reading my view.
Posted by waterboy (anonymous) on July 11, 2009 at 1:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm going to agree with ke4hie on Susan Carpenter. Better to have someone in the hot seat who has knowledge of the county and it's people. She did a great job the first time around...should be a easy decision to make. I'm rootin' for you Susan!
Posted by roscopcoltrane (anonymous) on July 11, 2009 at 9:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Ms. Brammer and Ms. Sands are very good candidates with their experience, Tony Wells shouldnt even be considered unless the commission wants someone to do a pi** poor job like he did with the arena. Covington County needs someone who can handle a disaster not create one like the arena has turned out to be. As I stated before and still stand by my choice, Susan Carpenter is the best one for Covington County, We will know Monday and if Wells get it then all the interviewing they conducted was pure B.S.!!
Brenda, I still have faith in you and your professional work ethics and I know for a fact your worth the money you have earned up to over the years you have been with the county, there is not a person that comments on here that would have turned down the yearly raises you get if they had your job and the Goody Powders that are needed with it! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE see that the right and qualified person is chosen, you know you can lead our pitiful commissioners in the right direction.
Posted by gasman (anonymous) on July 11, 2009 at 1:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
As for the QUEEN being worth 100,000 then double that the 25 years state drop goes in effect for her no one would turn it down but she ain't worth it none of the white collar idots running this county are
Posted by roscopcoltrane (anonymous) on July 11, 2009 at 5:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
>>>gasman<<< Please proof read your post so everyone can fully understand what the hell it is your wanting to say. Simple commas and periods will help.
IMO.. I believe Brenda is worth what they pay her, If you want to bi**h about something, look at the job Tony Wells has done and all the money wasted on him?
Posted by countyconscience (anonymous) on July 12, 2009 at 12:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I would like to where Tony's work ethic was during the last eight years. If he h he really as a college degree. If he does it would interesting to know what his major was - maybe in something like underwater basket weaving?
Posted by covingtoncountycitizen2008 (anonymous) on July 12, 2009 at 12:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
roscopcoltrane, I am not one to try and argue about peoples opinions but you say Brenda can make right decisions and lead our commissioners in the right direction. Then where has she been the past few years? Is she not responsible for managing the county's money and budgeting? Then it seems to me that the shape the county is in is just as much her fault as the commissioners. If she was worth the money being earned, then she should have noticed that the county would be in more debt than it could handle.
Posted by roscopcoltrane (anonymous) on July 12, 2009 at 12:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The county has been headed in this direction for several years, looking at it in a small positive way, at least we are in better shape than Jefferson Co. and just look at all the revenue they have coming in. I didnt say she is a miracle worker but from my experience working with her in some capacity she is very good at what she does and worth her pay. In my opinion a good bit of the blame can be placed at the Sheriff's feet for not making sure the county jail was secure enough to keep inmates inside the fences, especially a federal inmate that lost the county a ton of money. There have been several mistakes made i agree, but noone can blame the lack of revenue coming in to pay the bills on Brenda and the ammount she is paid. Now if you want to comment about someone's salary being too much that doesnt do a damn thing, Tony Wells is a good start. I will be behind you all the way!!
Posted by lookeyhere (anonymous) on July 12, 2009 at 1:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
roscopcoltrane wrote" noone can blame the lack of revenue coming in to pay the bills on Brenda and the amount she is paid." I will agree with that somewhat, but IF and I am saying IF,she is making 100,000 dollars a year,or anywhere close to that.Well, I would have to say that is 70,000 dollars to much.I have NEVER seen concrete proof what her salary is.I have seen all kinds of figures.
Posted by roscopcoltrane (anonymous) on July 12, 2009 at 4:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I dont know either, thats why i never stated or assumed how much she makes, all i am saying is that she's very professional and on top of what goes on. She has been the county administrator around 20 years i believe, she gets a raise every year so that adds up, who wouldnt take what they give her. I will stand up for Brenda, no matter what some of these jack a**es assume.
Posted by biscuitsandhoovergravy (anonymous) on July 12, 2009 at 7:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I guess everyone that does'nt bow down and kiss Brenda's ass is a jackass...is that what you are implying?
Posted by admin23 (anonymous) on July 12, 2009 at 7:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I will say this, as most of you know, I am NO fan of the county administrator or the position period. I feel it was a position created by a former chairman to employ his really good "friend" at the time. With that said, I am sure there is plenty to deal with, being the chief financial officer for the county with that said is it not up to her how the money is spent? And I am not also correct in that she allocates/budgets what money goes where and that she could have given the money to have had the jail repaired properly??
Posted by roscopcoltrane (anonymous) on July 13, 2009 at 10:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
biscuit&gravy I dont kiss anyones ass, I have worked around Brenda for a few years in the past, thats the difference between knowing and assuming. Thats who I refer to as jackasses the ones who assume and talk sh** like they know the truth.
admin23, im sure the commission would have allotted the money for the jail to make sure nothing happened to break the federal contract and lose the money. Who is responcible for making sure its secure... the sheriff. That should have been a no brainer to triple re-inforce the fencing if needed to secure all inmates, especially the federal ones that pay so much money.
Posted by proud_us_citizen (anonymous) on July 13, 2009 at 11:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The *unofficial* word at this time is that Susan Carpenter is our new EMA director.
Posted by drpepper (anonymous) on July 13, 2009 at 1:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
'' The *unofficial* word at this time is that Susan Carpenter is our new EMA director. ''
Does anyone know yet for a fact?
Posted by digitalogic8 (anonymous) on July 17, 2009 at 9:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You faceless cowards really get your jollies making. I would like to give the general populous some facts.
Tony Wells went only a handful if any weeks without unpaid overtime at his job at the Covington Center Arena, pretty much any weekend you could find him there. If you want to talk ##$# about his work ethic, why don’t you just attempt to out work him… on anything. His intensity is unparallel by anyone I have ever met, and I work with CEOs of some of the largest companies in our country (GE, Google, NBC, Blue Cross Blue Shield)
Tony Wells worked his @## off to make the Covington Arena a great place for people of the Covington County, to make the Covington Center Arena profitable at the gate AND though tax impact of visitors. Money was by far an ancillary concern. None of you (that have the mental capacity to do his job) would have settled for the salary he was making there ..Guaranteed.. All those who oppose stand and be counted.
If you allow the comments of faceless cowards to discredit people who are working hard to make this community a better place, it will never achieve greatness. I’d really like for someone to tell me this crafty and nefarious goal he had in mind when running the Arena.
If you want your county, the place you live, to be something great, stand behind the people who are working hard in that direction.
Thanks,
Mike Wells
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