The agency's staff consists of eight full-time employees: Director, Deputy Director, Planning Manager, Training/Grants Manager, Warning Manager, Operations Manager, Finance Manager and Administrative Assistant.
Mike Pannell, Director
Mike Pannell, a Colonel in the United States Marine Corps Reserve, brings local, national and international experience to Franklin County. In 1985, Pannell was appointed Acting Director of Port Columbus International Airport. For more than 20 years he was involved in emergency response planning and operations including more than 10 years experience in real-world Homeland Security operations in America and abroad. Pannell also previously managed one of the largest Hazardous Response Companies in the Midwest and acted as Incident Commander for numerous hazardous and non-hazardous spills and events.
Additionally, Colonel Pannell has twenty-nine years experience in the Marine Corps having served in various roles, including Chief of Staff of the Marine Corp's Anti-Terrorism Brigade, Commanding Officer of Camp Lemonier in Djibouti, Africa, and Commanding Officer of the first Border Transition Teams in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. His most recent assignment was Deputy Division Commander of the 4th Marine Division.
Darrel Koerber, Deputy Director
Darrel Koerber joins FCEM&HS bringing years of leadership experience to the staff. Receiving training and practical experience through the military, Darrel has honed his crisis action planning and leadership skills through countless deployments, to include Operation Desert Shield/Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. While an activated reservist, Darrel successfully evacuated the staff of the 4th Marine Division, out of the path of Hurricane Katrina, and set up a continuity of operation site in Fort Worth, Texas. After 2 and a half months, the Division moved back to their headquarters in New Orleans and resumed normal operations. During that trying time, the Division maintained its command and control over 108 different sites throughout the country. Now a Colonel, Darrel looks forward to continuing his leadership role through scheduled drill and annual training periods. With over 22 years in the Marine Corps, active and reserve, Darrel has held command and staff billets through every level of the Ground Combat Element. His most recent assignment was the assistant chief of staff/G-3 for 4th Marine Division.
Darrel has also served as an operations officer for the second largest propane supplier in the country, responsible for safety and compliance inspections and training to over 15 locations spread over three states. He attended the University of Missouri – Columbia on a Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps scholarship and graduated in 1984 with a degree in secondary social studies education and a commission as a second lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps.
Art Baker, Warning Manager
Art Baker joined the agency in 1999. He is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He spent four years in the service and after his discharge he enrolled in the Ohio State University (OSU) in 1972. After graduating in December of 1976 Baker applied to the Columbus, Ohio Police Department. He began his career as a police officer on September 18, 1977. He worked in the patrol division for 18 years before becoming the first Sergeant assigned to the Emergency Operations Center located in Police Headquarters. He held that position until his retirement in April 1999. Art then began working for the agency as the Public Education Manager. In September 2001 Baker changed jobs within the agency. He is now the Warning Manager in charge of the outdoor warning system.
Jan Bartel, Finance Manager
Jan Bartel has been with the agency since May 2000. Before joining the agency Jan was a long time bookkeeper and office manager in a small business. After 20 years of working she left to pursue her educational goals. She received her AAS in Accounting from Columbus State Community College and her BS in Business Administration from Franklin University. Along with her daily responsibilities, Jan also serves as finance administrator for CEPAC.
Susan Johnson, Administrative Assistant
Susan joined the FCEM&HS staff in August 2007. The former Pentagon contractor supervisor and Army Office Manager worked in the Washington, DC area for three years. As a Pentagon site security and office manager, Susan conceived and implemented a database to streamline and secure temporary visitor access. While working with the US Army Community & Family Support Center, she conducted a review of personnel files to meet Army record retention regulations. Susan handles general administration for the agency, website administration and is the Recording Secretary for many committees.
Matt Keefe, Operations Manager
Matthew Keefe joined the Franklin County Emergency Management and Homeland Security office as the new Operations Manager on September 15, 2008. Matt brings with him extensive experience in emergency planning, operations, and management. He graduated from the University of Akron with an Associate’s of Applied Science Degree in Fire Protection Technology (with honors) and a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Emergency Management (cum laude). He has also received his FEMA Professional Development Series Certificate, holds a 36 hour Volunteer Firefighter Certification, and is a Hazardous Materials Technician. Matt began his career with the Fairfield County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security where he began as the Planner and was subsequently promoted to Deputy Director and then Director. His most recent position was Operations Officer for the Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management.
Jamie Stout, Planning/Recovery Manager
Jamie began working at FCEM&HS in May 2007. The University of Akron graduate earned an Associate’s in Applied Science in Criminal Justice Technology and a Bachelor’s Degree in Emergency Management (summa cum laude). Stout served as Licking County Medical Reserve Corps Volunteer Coordinator and Health Department Emergency Preparedness Coordinator. She wrote plans for mass vaccinations, smallpox outbreaks and incidents of bioterrorism. She also conducted independent training on bioterrorism for first responders and college students and received her Professional Development Series Certificate through FEMA in 2004. In addition to her planning and recovery duties, Jamie also manages damage assessment, SARA Title III and chemical related emergency notifications.
Pam Tickle, Training/Grants Manager
Pamela has been with the agency since November 2004. With over thirty years experience in the secretarial/administrative field, she left the position of Administrative Assistant to the publisher of a Gannett owned newspaper to join the staff at FCEM&HS as their Administrative Assistant. In May 2007, Pam was promoted to the position of Training/Grants Manager which also incorporates exercises.
Updated 12/17/2008
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