City Of Coppell: City Of Coppell Selects New Emergency Management Coordinator

Press release from the City of Coppell:

February 4, 2022

The City of Coppell is proud to announce Jennifer Bettis as the new Emergency Management Coordinator. An Army veteran and seasoned Emergency Management professional, Bettis brings 20 years of experience to the position, which helps to ensure the safety of the community by preparing for, preventing, and mitigating disasters and emergencies of all kinds.

Bettis earned her bachelor’s degree in Emergency Management from the University of North Texas and went on to work in the industry across the country including positions in Colorado and Georgia and the Director of Emergency Management and Business Continuity at Orange County Public Schools in Orlando, Florida as well as Texas Woman’s University (TWU). During her career, Bettis ran a disaster recovery center after a tornado, was involved in hurricane evacuations, responded to a school shooting, and led the Covid-19 response at TWU. She has also completed the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) National Emergency Management Advanced Academy, a rigorous application-based training series, and is starting the FEMA National Emergency Management Executive Academy. An Irving native, Bettis said she is excited to be back in North Texas working at the local level.

“I felt like it was my calling to be part of the system that helps and ultimately prevents loss of life and loss of structure,” she said. “I’m looking forward to building upon, strengthening and practicing Coppell’s emergency plan and protocols to make sure we’re as prepared and resilient as possible in the event of a disaster. I love being able to support a small community where I can really make a difference.”

Stationed at Coppell’s Life Safety Park, the Division of Emergency Management serves the community by coordinating disaster mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery activities through integrated planning and community outreach.

“Jennifer’s extensive training and background in Emergency Management planning and wide range of experience coordinating disaster mitigation and response will serve the organization and our community well,” said Fire Chief Kevin Richardson. “We’re happy to welcome her to the team and look forward to learning and benefiting from her expertise and the fresh perspective she brings to the Division of Emergency Management.”

For more information, please visit the City of Coppell’s Division of Emergency Management online. 

This press release was produced by the City of Coppell. The views expressed here are the author’s own.