JODY HITT, MLEM, CLEM

EMA/911 Director

Jody Hitt is a native of Northwest Alabama and has spent over 25 years serving his surrounding communities through local fire departments, emergency medical services, and the Emergency Management Agency. Currently, he serves as the Director of EMA/911 for Colbert County, Alabama. Prior to this position, he served as EMA Director for Franklin County, Alabama, for four years and EMA Deputy Director for Colbert County, Alabama for 5 years. His love for his community and emergency preparedness is deeply rooted in his character. He serves on the AAEM board for area 5, Jody helped establish a statewide mass notification system which is in place today. He has participated in ongoing research for the Vortex Southeast Project by Oklahoma University. Additionally, he has help written numerous grants for homeland security and hazard mitigation that have been granted federal funding.

KEITH REAVES, ALEM

Colbert County EMA Grant Manger/ Special Projects Manager

Keith Reaves is a native of Colbert County, Graduating from Colbert County High School in 2008. He is currently the Grant Manager/ Special Projects Manager for Colbert County EMA. He has over 15 years of experience in emergency response and management at a volunteer fire department and EMA. He has also served as chief of a volunteer fire department for over 10 years. He has several certifications through Alabama Fire College and Emergency Medical Technician Basic training through Northwest Shoals Community College. He is currently enrolled at Southern New Hampshire University to obtain an Associate Degree in Business Administration. After obtaining an associate degree at Southern New Hampshire University he plans to transfer to Jacksonville State University to further his knowledge with a bachelor's degree in emergency management with a minor in Telecommunication. He has the heart and knowledge to serve the community, county, and state when situations arise. He has written and managed numerous grants for entities throughout the county including Mitigation Grants through FEMA for Colbert County to add more community storm shelters for the citizens. During his time at Colbert County EMA he has been part of several disasters for the county and assisted counties such as Baldwin County when Hurricane Sally destroyed several parts of their county. He has a vast knowledge of emergency response in several management aspects.