Derek Poarch serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Founder of Derek Poarch and Associates LLC, after serving more than twelve years as the Executive Director and CEO of APCO International, the world’s oldest and largest public safety communications association.
For more than forty years Derek has been a leader helping APCO, public safety agencies and the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau within the Federal Communications Commission achieve award winning levels of excellence and growth. Starting his career at the age of 18, just out of high school as a “dispatcher”; yes that is what they were called in 1977, Derek is excited to help the nation’s 9-1-1 community achieve organizational excellence, improve agency culture and develop the talent necessary for the future while partnering with friends and colleagues in Derek Poarch and Associates LLC.
At APCO, Derek led a team of talented professionals that grew membership from approximately 15,000 to over 40,000 persons in twelve years while at the same time developing the much- heralded APCO IntelliComm criteria based, digital Emergency Medical Dispatch system. During his tenure, the APCO annual conference and exhibition became the premiere, must attend public safety communications conference in America. APCO also developed the Certified Public Safety Executive Leadership Program (CPE) which has graduated more than 200 of the country’s future 9-1-1 leaders. CPE allowed Derek to reunite with his professor from the Southern Police Institute at the University of Louisville, Dr. Steven Edwards Ph.D., or “Dr. Steve” as he has become affectionately known among CPE graduates.
A retired Chief of Police, Derek previously served as the Chief of the Federal Communications Commission’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau. The first person in the nation to lead the Bureau, he was nominated by FCC Chairman Kevin J. Martin in 2007. There, Derek managed the bureau responsible for FCC activities pertaining to public safety, homeland security, emergency management and disaster preparedness, and represented the Commission on those issues before federal, state, and industry organizations. In his role at the Commission, he also served as the FCC Liaison to the White House Office of Homeland Security and was responsible for Continuity of Government (COG) and Continuity of Operations (COOP) within the FCC.
Previously serving as the Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Derek reorganized the agency and implemented a department-wide community oriented policing philosophy which led to the reduction of Part-One crimes by 33% over four years. The department was the recipient of the IACP/ITT Community Policing Award for populations of 20,000 to 50,000 in 2003. In the Chief’s capacity he commanded a department of approximately 300 full and part-time employees providing police, security, parking, transportation and emergency communications services to a university community of 45,000 persons that had more than a million visitors each year. As part of his portfolio, he also chaired a university committee that gained consensus on campus access that included funding for $85 million dollars in capital projects over five years.
Derek is a native of Lenoir NC and prior to becoming police chief at UNC – Chapel Hill; he worked 21 years at the Lenoir North Carolina Police Department. Beginning as a telecommunicator he ascended through the department ranks to become second in command holding the rank of Major over department operations. In Lenoir, Derek coordinated the day-to-day operations of a 64 employee police department that lowered the city’s crime rate by over 35% in three years from 1995 to 1997 resulting in the city’s lowest crime rate in fourteen years. During his tenure the police department received the first Governor’s Community Crime Prevention Award and won the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Community Oriented Policing two consecutive years.
Derek served as a commissioner with the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission where he served as Chair of the Education and Training Committee from 1999 until 2007. He is a life member of the North Carolina Police Executives Association and a life member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
He is a 1979 graduate of Western Piedmont Community College in Morganton, North Carolina with an associate degree in Police Science, a 1981 graduate of Gardner-Webb University with a bachelor’s degree in social science with a concentration in criminal justice, and a 1988 graduate of the University of South Carolina with a master’s degree in criminal justice. He attended numerous police leadership programs, graduating as a dean’s scholar from the Southern Police Institute at the University of Louisville in 1992 and graduating from the Police Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management Institute for Police in 2006.
Derek remains an avid student of all things Leadership and is excited to bring his success as a Public Safety Leader to help the first of the first responders, the dedicated professionals under the headset and their agencies achieve organizational excellence by improving culture, developing and promoting the best talent and hiring and retaining those dedicated to the noble profession of 9-1-1.
Jason E. Kern, CPE
As a 30+ year inspirational leader in public safety communications, Jason Kern continues to push himself and those he works alongside to create positive change in a rapidly evolving industry.
During his three decades of public service, he has bolstered extensive experience in Law Enforcement, Fire/EMS, Emergency Management, Legislative, Project Management and most notably 9-1-1 Public Safety Communications.
Recently, Kern has taken on the role of the founding Executive Director at Lake Consolidated Emergency Communications (LakeComm) in Libertyville, IL. LakeComm is a brand new regional consolidated emergency communications center (ECC) that will consolidate seven current ECCs to serve over 30 agencies with a residential population of 485,000 in an area over 400 square miles in Lake County, just north of Chicago, IL.
Prior to taking the position at LakeComm, Kern was the longest serving Executive Director at Southeast Emergency Communications (SEECOM) in Crystal Lake, Illinois. SEECOM is a regional consolidated emergency communications center (ECC) approximately 50 miles northwest of Chicago providing services to a dozen agencies in an area covering more than 100 square miles with over 200,000 residents. Since his arrival in 2015, SEECOM’s dedicated staff and management team have accredited their emergency medical dispatch program through the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) and certified their training program through the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) each three times. Through a robust mentoring, training, and quality assurance environment, SEECOM and its staff have changed its culture, improved performance, and prepared individuals for future leadership positions within the ECC and industry.
Holding Senior and Life Member designations with APCO International and Illinois APCO, Jason has spent over two decades advocating for public safety communications on local, state, national and international groups. Most recently he completed a term as the 86th President of APCO International in August 2022. During this time, he continued to champion for several issues including dispatcher reclassification, funding for Next Generation 9-1-1, health and wellness in our nation’s 9-1-1 centers, and the creation and inception of a Diversity, Inclusion, Civility and Equity (DICE) workshop through APCO.
His notable certifications include Certified Public Safety Executive (CPE) and Registered Public Safety Leader (RPL) through APCO; Emergency Number Professional (ENP) through the National Emergency Number Association (NENA); and Communications Unit Leader (COML).
Margie Moulin has worked in Public Safety Communications for over 30 years, serving as a Telecommunications Specialist, Communications Training Officer, Dispatch Supervisor, Operations Manager, and Director of Emergency Communications of Southern Oregon (ECSO).
Margie is passionate about public-safety communications and holds a strong belief in the continual pursuit of excellence in the profession, not only for the public, and responders we serve, but also in our dedication to the wellness of the professionals inside the ECC’s.
Margie served 16 years as director, during which time she led the successful consolidation of two multi-discipline ECC’s into a single regional communications center answering all 9-1-1 calls county-wide, and dispatching police, fire, and medical for more than two dozen agencies. This project included the design and building of a new facility followed by the relocation of both centers into one location, with zero downtime.
Margie’s experience with consolidation was expanded by chairing a statewide legislative consolidation study and providing testimony to the Oregon State Legislature on issues regarding consolidation. Margie’s legislative involvement includes state and national visits with members of the legislature, response to calls to action, and live and written legislative testimony. Her experience also includes chairing legislative committees and working diligently to protect and increase funding for ECC’s.
Margie also successfully spearheaded a campaign to pass a $28 million bond for new, countywide radio infrastructure serving all the public safety agencies during her tenure as a director.
In addition to her position as Director, Margie volunteered on committees for APCO International, and served her state APCO/NENA chapter as Vice President, President, and Immediate Past President. She has also served as the Oregon Representative to APCO International on the Executive Council, representing her state on issues impacting ECC’s nationwide.
In August of 2020, after being elected by the membership and serving as 2nd and 1st Vice President, Margie took the position as the 85th President of APCO International, the world’s oldest, and largest association serving public safety communications, with over 40,000 members. During her presidency, Margie proudly announced the creation of a health and wellness committee to work towards providing tools to improve wellness for ECC personnel.
Margie holds an associate in business management and is an APCO Certified Public-Safety Executive (CPE). She has been awarded Life Membership of the Oregon Chapter of APCO/NENA, and of APCO International. She has received the award of Director of the Year for the State of Oregon and has earned the honor of being elevated to the status of Fellow for the Radio Club of America (RCA).
In her spare time, Margie volunteers for a local non-profit providing help to animals in need and has spent years participating in fundraising events for cancer, and ALS research, and enjoys camping and spending time with her family.
Angela Batey is a results-driven, strategic, and authentic leader with more than 35 years of progressively responsible experience in public safety communications. She continues to drive change through tenacious adherence to one guiding principle, “Do the Next Right Thing.”
Angela started her career as a public safety telecommunicator in a medium-sized emergency communications center where she found a passion for training and operational management.
Currently serving as the Director of the Professional Standards and Special Projects for a multi-disciplinary state-wide public-safety training agency, Angela is responsible for policy development and implementation, internal investigations, administrative reviews, and leading special projects.
With a talent for observation and analysis, Angela is regularly called upon to evaluate processes, identify performance gaps, and develop and implement strategies to improve efficiency and increase both employee and client satisfaction. Having assisted in a number of state-wide efforts to enhance the safety of residents and visitors to the state, Angela is widely respected for her commitment to excellence in all she does.
As part of the senior leadership team, Angela serves as a special advisor to the agency’s Executive Director. Supporting continuous innovation efforts to reach new levels of organizational excellence, Angela is known for her open and honest communication, deliberative approach, and enthusiasm for tackling complex issues while remaining loyal to the agency’s mission and exceeding expectations.
Throughout her career, Angela has advocated for public safety communications at all levels, by serving in various capacities within her state NENA and APCO chapters, and on numerous APCO International committees. Whether using her experience in Occupational Analysis to help drive the development of national standards, her project-management skills to achieve aggressive goals, her extensive knowledge of governance and policy to improve accountability, or her empathic and insightful personal interactions, Angela is a proven and respected leader in public safety communications.
During her term, as the 87th President of APCO International, Angela successfully led the search for a new Executive Director/CEO, advocated for and secured the creation of a Student and Educator Membership Category, facilitated the first of its kind 9-1-1 Staffing Crisis Summit, and building on the success of the summit, established a Taskforce to find practical solutions to Emergency Communication Center staffing issues.
A life-long learner, Angela holds a Master’s degree in Post-Secondary Education with a concentration in Adult Education, a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, an Associate’s degree in Psychology and a college certificate of Paralegal Studies. She is also a Registered Public-Safety Leader (RPL), and is a proud graduate of APCO International’s inaugural Certified Public-Safety Executive (CPE) class.
Kelle Hall is a people-driven, influential professional whose passion for authentic leadership is unparalleled. As an accomplished Emergency Communications Manager for the Highland Park Department of Public Safety in Texas, she blends a robust background in crisis response, strategic communication, and team leadership to effectively navigate high pressure situations. With over 35 years of experience in the public safety communications industry, Kelle has emerged as a compassionate and forward-thinking leader, dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of all communities. Kelle has honed a unique skill set combining a tactical understanding of crisis scenarios with the gift of clear and impactful communication.
Recognizing the significance of mentorship in professional growth, Kelle has played a pivotal role in the professional development of numerous individuals within the emergency communications community. Throughout her career, she has organized initiatives which have significantly enhanced collaboration with industry colleagues. She understands the importance of fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment, where individuals feel valued and empowered. She invests time and effort into cultivating the skills and potential of those under her leadership and beyond. One of her standout qualities is her kindness and genuine care for others.
In response to the nationwide staffing crisis, Kelle created and implemented a three-day program in Texas called, “Let’s Dish!”, where industry professionals meet to discuss organizational challenges and create innovative solutions for building positive work cultures. Her dedication to continuous improvement and communication among the teams she leads drives her to stay abreast of the latest trends in emergency management and communications, thus ensuring her strategies remain cutting edge and adaptable.
Kelle is a graduate of the prestigious Leadership Command College, offered through the Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas at Sam Houston State University, and the APCO International Certified Public Safety Executive program. Kelle has honed her ability to be an inspirational and forward-thinking leader.
Kelle’s on-going involvement with the Texas chapters of APCO and NENA has fostered opportunities for working with diverse and unique personalities. She continues to serve the public safety communications community at the national level, chairing the APCO Institute Advisory Board and the newly created ECC Staffing Taskforce. Reliable, credible, and dedicated, Kelle embraces her role as a servant leader in everything she does.
Priya Robles is a seasoned professional with 15 years of dedicated service in law enforcement. Currently holding the position of Communications Operations Manager in California, Priya has consistently exhibited outstanding leadership and expertise across diverse roles within the field. In her role, Priya has been instrumental in fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment. Her proactive leadership in managing a communications peer support and mentor program has played a pivotal role in creating a cohesive team dynamic and promoting professional growth among colleagues.
Priya worked diligently in the consolidation of operations for a communications center, focusing on streamlining processes and enhancing efficiency. She was instrumental in developing comprehensive policies and procedures that ensured consistent and effective operations. As a supervisor, Priya led a strong team, fostering a collaborative environment and driving the team toward excellence. Priya's extensive skill set was further demonstrated in her role as a Communications Training Officer, where she imparted valuable knowledge and experience to the next generation of dispatch professionals. Additionally, as a tactical dispatcher assigned to a special response team, Priya consistently showcased her ability to navigate high-pressure situations with remarkable poise and precision.
In addition to her operational duties, Priya plays a proactive role in training and education. As a committed POST instructor, she leads courses on crisis intervention, de-escalation techniques, dispatch conflict management, and communication. Her steadfast dedication to ongoing learning and skill enhancement underscores her enthusiasm for advancing the field and upholding the utmost standards of public safety. Priya's commitment to enhancing the profession extends to a significant focus on health and wellness. She actively participates in committees dedicated to researching and advancing awareness of mental and physical well-being within the profession and currently serves as a vice chair for APCO’s Health and Wellness Committee.
Priya's educational background is equally impressive, holding a master's degree in Psychology and Business Administration. Additionally, she is recognized as a Certified Public-Safety Executive (CPE), Registered Public-Safety Leader (RPL), and an Emergency Number Professional (ENP).
Priya Robles
510-881-6458
Priya@dp-assoc.com
For over 23 years, Tangela T. Walker has dedicated her career to public safety emergency communications, beginning as a telecommunicator in Augusta, GA. What started as a job quickly evolved into a lifelong passion for enhancing emergency response, developing future leaders, and ensuring that both the public and professionals are equipped with the knowledge and resources they need when seconds matter most. Over the years, she has held multiple leadership roles, gaining deep expertise in operations, training, policy development, and strategic planning.
As the Assistant Director of Durham Emergency Communications (DECC), Durham NC, Tangela provides strategic oversight of training, business services and 911 operations, ensuring that the department runs efficiently and meets the evolving needs of modern emergency response. Tangela is a firm believer in collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. She has played a key role in expanding training initiatives, streamlining hiring processes, and strengthening and increasing professional development opportunities to build a more skilled, engaged, and resilient workforce.
Tangela is one of only 250 Certified Public Safety Executives (CPEs) in the nation, an achievement that reflects her commitment to leadership, continuous learning, and industry excellence. She actively contributes to organizations such as APCO, NENA, IPSA, NG9-1-1 Institute, and other industry-engaged organizations, leveraging her expertise to support policy advancements, workforce development, and the evolution of emergency communications technologies.
Tangela holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Southern Wesleyan University, a Municipal and County Administration Certification from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a Master of Public Administration Degree from North Carolina Central University.
Respect, integrity, servant leadership, diversity, inclusion, and equity are at the heart of Tangela's leadership philosophy. She believes in mentorship, empowerment, and leading with purpose, striving to inspire and cultivate the next generation of emergency communications professionals. Her ability to build strong relationships, foster collaboration, and drive meaningful change has established her as a respected leader in the field.