Leadership
Kimberly Clement
Position: Healthcare Preparedness Program Manager
Contact: [email protected]
Background:
Kimberly completed her bachelor’s in psychology at the University of North Carolina and her Master of Public Health from UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health. Kimberly’s career started as a Paramedic in Wake County, where she spent 12 years in EMS before transitioning to the NC Public Health Preparedness & Response Branch as part of their Planning, Training & Exercise Unit in 2016. Kimberly came to the NC Office of EMS in June 2018 to oversee the HPP program.
Responsibilities:
Currently Kimberly manages the NC Healthcare Preparedness Program as part of the NC Office of Emergency Medical Services. Part of her role includes providing strategic planning and direction for the Healthcare Preparedness Program, overseeing the eight Healthcare Preparedness Coalitions and serving as the ESF-8, Disaster Medical Services Lead during emergencies and disasters. Kimberly oversees all aspects of the HPP Program.
David Ezzell
Position: Operations Manager
Contact: [email protected]
Background:
David completed both his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science along with his Master’s in Public Administration from NC State University. David obtained his EMT in 2005 and began working at Eastern Wake EMS, where he would progress to become a Field Training Officer Paramedic. He joined the staff at the NC Office of EMS in 2014, where he was responsible for Community Paramedicine Programs, State Data Systems, EMS Protocols, and various other projects over the years.
Responsibilities:
David has served as the Operations Manager for the Healthcare Preparedness Program with oversight of the Operations Section and the State Medical Response System since February 2021. As Operations Manager, David is also responsible for the Preparedness (Plans, Training, and Exercise), Information Systems, and Response Units.
Joe Comello
Position: HPP Preparedness Unit Manager
Contact: [email protected]
Background:
MEPM Environmental Policy and Management from the University of Denver
RS (Registered Sanitarian) from the National Environmental Health Association
BS in Biology from the University of Cincinnati
Joe began his work in public health and emergency medical response programs in 1993, bring a plethora of experience to the Healthcare Preparedness Program.
Responsibilities:
Joe’s current responsibilities include managing the development, review, revision, and implementation of state-level emergency response plans and training that pertain to the delivery of emergency medical services to the citizens of North Carolina provided by State Medical Response System (SMRS) organizations through the Healthcare Preparedness Program (HPP).
Staff Profiles
Ed Browning
Position: Healthcare Preparedness Program Business Operations Manager
Contact: [email protected]
Background:
Ed holds a Master’s Degree in Education and Health Safety from Appalachian State University where he was also an instructor in EMS and Health Safety for 5 years. Ed has over 45 years of experience in EMS education and administration. He has worked for the Office of EMS since 1980.
Responsibilities:
Currently, Ed manages business operations for the Healthcare Preparedness Program grant.
Doug Bullins
Position: SMRS Operations Planner
Contact: [email protected]
Background:
Doug began his career in emergency services in 1987, where he began as a Paramedic. Doug’s career in EMS included 10 years in administration. Doug joined the HPP program after he retired from his career in EMS. Doug holds an A.A.S in EMS and Emergency Management.
Responsibilities:
Doug’s current responsibilities include assisting in coordination of the NC Mobile Disaster Hospital and operational planning for the State Medical Response System.
Mark Casey
Position: SMRS Training & Exercise Coordinator
Contact: [email protected]
Background:
Mark Casey has been working in emergency services for over 20 years. He began as a firefighter in 2003 and later started his career in emergency medical services in 2007. In 2013, he became an instructor for the local community college teaching continuing education and initial credentialing courses. Before joining the HPP program, he worked as an EMS administrator, fire investigator for the county’s fire marshal office, and an active component of the county’s emergency management team for nearly 7 years. He holds an associate degree in Emergency Medical Science and is actively completing his bachelor’s in Emergency & Disaster Management.
Responsibilities:
Mark’s current responsibilities include coordinating the training and exercise components for the State Medical Response System (SMRS) inclusive of the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) Unit Volunteers.
Repsi Castellow
Position: HPP Administrative Specialist
Contact: [email protected]
Background:
Repsi Castellow began her career as a bookkeeper and artist for an interior decorative painting company. She later shifted her direction to restaurant operations focused on operations training management. Twenty years later, she brushed the kitchen grease off her shoes to work as the HR/Payroll/AP manager for long term healthcare. Most recently she served as Operations Coordinator to an environmental emergency response company for hazardous waste spills.
Responsibilities:
To provide Administrative Support to the Business Office (tracking deliverables, reviewing reports, meeting support, etc.). Additionally, Repsi will be supporting the EMS for Children grant and providing support for the MRC grant deliverables.
Loretta Davis
Position: Grants Coordinator
Contact: [email protected]
Background:
Loretta holds a Master of Business Administration from Strayer University. She began her career in 1987, bringing more than 35 years of experience in business administration to the Healthcare Preparedness Program.
Responsibilities:
Loretta’s current responsibilities include coordinating and monitoring Healthcare Preparedness Program grants.
Greg Edwards
Position: EMS for Children Grant Coordinator
Contact: [email protected]
Background:
AAS in EMS from WTCC
Greg started working in EMS systems serving as a Field Training Officer and EMS Instructor in 1999. He joined HPP in 2018 coordinating grant activities.
Responsibilities:
Greg is focused on promoting the mission and performance measures of the EMS for Children grant to prehospital EMS agencies, hospitals and stakeholders.
Angela Hicks
Position: Accountant
Contact: [email protected]
Background:
Controller’s Office-Systems Coordinator
Social Services-Information Systems
OEMS-Data Manager
Angela began her government service in 1983.
Responsibilities:
Angela’s current responsibilities include monthly payment processing for Coalition/State Contracts, and managing the CFR Workbook. Her position tracks expenditures for Coalition, Trauma, and State Medical Director contracts.
Paul King
Position: MDH Logistics Specialist
Contact: [email protected]
Background:
Paul began his career in emergency services in 1978. Paul retired as a career fire fighter with the Charlotte Fire Department. He was also an EMS director for 20 years. Paul has deployed more than 20 times for disasters and National Security Events.
Responsibilities:
Paul’s current role is logistics specialist for the NC Mobile Disaster Hospital (MDH) developing and implementing systems supporting the MDH mission.
Tom Kubel
Position: SMRS Supply Chain Coordinator
Contact: [email protected]
Background:
After attending NC State University, Tom started his career in 2006 working in the concessions industry, specializing in logistics and operations. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Tom transitioned those skills to the NC Office of EMS, helping to establish the NC Healthcare Supply warehouse.
Responsibilities:
Tom’s current responsibilities include managing the day to day operations of the state PPE warehouse and stockpile. Additionally, he supports the response unit and mobile disaster hospital operations.
Billy Langston
Position: HPP Training and Exercise Coordinator
Contact: [email protected]
Background:
BS- Emergency Medical Care in Healthcare Management from Western Carolina University
Billy began his career in emergency services in 1986. His experiences include EMS, Fire/Rescue, and Emergency Management.
Responsibilities:
Billy’s current responsibilities are focused on the State’s Healthcare Preparedness Program and the Regional Healthcare Preparedness Coalition’s training programs and exercises activities.
Howard Mabry
Position: HPP Budget Officer
Contact: [email protected]
Background:
AS Degree in Business Administration
Certified Public Manager
Howard has over 30 years of experience as a Business Systems Analyst.
Responsibilities:
Howard’s current responsibilities include providing services for systems that include purchasing, budgeting, inventory and reporting for DHHS. Howard maintains security, training, and implementation of business systems that correlate with the North Carolina Financial Accounting System.
Ronnie Murtagh
Position: SMRS Logistics Lead
Contact: [email protected]
Background:
Ronnie came to the US from Ireland in 1989 to ride racehorses as a horse jockey. In 2001 he changed careers and became a law enforcement officer. Ronnie joined the MDH in June 2009 during its inception in Flat Rock NC with Dr. Lew Stringer. Ronnie has deployed with the MDH on multiple deployments, including Mississippi, Florida, St. Croix US Virgin Islands, and Kinston NC on multiple occasions.
Responsibilities:
Ronnie’s responsibilities include inventory control, medical equipment preventative maintenance, managing the medical supply chain, and MDH trailer management among other logistical duties.
Dale Sutphin
Position: Communications Director
Contact: [email protected]
Background:
Dale started his work in Communications in 1988, serving in technical, management and executive positions, moving to state government in 2011. Dale has deployed nationally as COMT and COML on federal type-1 and type-2 incidents. He is currently credentialed as an AHIMT COML and certified as COMC and COMT. He holds an FCC commercial license (GROL) with radar endorsement, as well as an extra class amateur radio license. Dale serves on the NC Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee (SIEC).
Responsibilities:
Dale functions as the communications section for both OEMS and the Healthcare Preparedness Program (HPP).
