Staff Biographies

Tim came to DEM in February 2004 to serve as the Metropolitan Medical Response System (MMRS) Coordinator. The MMRS is an ongoing effort by the health, medical and public safety community to plan for serious health and medical catastrophes in the Central Kentucky region, to develop systems for coordinating and providing critical care when and where it’s needed, and to procure medicines and equipment. As Tim’s duties have evolved, he’s taken on more general planning duties for emergency response and recovery. Prior to joining DEM, Tim served in the U.S. Navy for 20 years as an Intelligence Analyst and Special Operations Officer.

Hazel assists the Director with office administration, the budget, and grant management. Hazel has been with DEM since 2000.

Shelley started working for DEM in 2003. Her first week was the record-breaking ice storm that year! She is a graduate of Berea College and earned her Masters in Public Administration from UK’s Martin School. Shelley provides disaster preparedness education and training to Lexington residents and businesses. She coordinates the CERT program, education campaigns, and is always looking for ways to encourage people to be prepared for disasters. Shelley also coordinates Lexington’s Safe Communities Coalition, a program of the National Safety Council. She enjoys gardening, hiking, and chasing after her two children.

Emergency System Specialist
Phone: (859) 280-8053
Email: dbirkhol@lexingtonky.gov

Doreen joined us in June 2003. She has a degree in Computer Information Systems and assists the staff with software and hardware issues, and serves as the WebEOC Administrator. Before joining DEM, she worked as the senior case manager for a forensic economist. Doreen enjoys camping, fishing, and loves all animals.

Tammy began working for DEM in February 2005. She is the Fayette County Planner for the Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program (CSEPP). As the CSEPP Manager, Tammy helps Fayette County prepare to assist Madison County in the event of a chemical accident at the Blue Grass Army Depot in Richmond. Fayette County is considered a host county in the CSEPP program and would receive, shelter, and provide medical treatment for evacuees from Madison County. Prior to joining DEM, Tammy worked for the University of Kentucky’s Small Business Development Center providing environmental consulting services to small businesses. She is a graduate of Centre College and earned her MS in Occupational Health from the Medical College of Ohio.

John began working with emergency management when he joined LFUCG as a public information officer in 1993. With 40 years of experience in journalism, public relations, photography, social media, research methods and analysis, management consulting and electrical/broadcast/Internet engineering, John brings extensive knowledge, strategies and tactical abilities to the division’s benefit. John is also an instructor for FEMA, teaching courses for first responders and public affairs personnel in the areas of media relations, use of social media, stakeholder administration and rumor mitigation. John now works full time in the Division of Emergency Management, splitting his time between DEM and CSEPP projects.

Candy began working for DEM in June 2016 as the Administrative Specialist for the Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program (CSEPP). Candy’s primary task is to coordinate Fayette County’s participation in the annual 10-county CSEPP exercise in September. Throughout the year, she assists medical personnel in obtaining necessary training and supplies to respond to a chemical incident or any mass casualty event. Candy’s public health career began in the U.S. Air Force, where she trained medical personnel in chemical, nuclea,r and biological decontamination. Candy holds a BS in Public Health, minor in Biology, from Eastern KY University. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Public Health with a concentration in Biostatistics from the University of Kentucky.