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Second Vice President Candidates
Kyle Thaggard
Serving the members of NC APCO and strengthening the association’s impact statewide is central to Kyle Thaggard’s leadership philosophy. With more than 24 years in public safety, he serves as Assistant Director of the City of High Point’s 911 Emergency Communications Center, where he works daily to support telecommunicators and advance emergency communications systems.
Elected in 2025 as Regional Ambassador for Region D, Kyle has prioritized consistent representation and engagement, showing up, participating, and advocating for his region at chapter and board meetings while supporting initiatives that directly benefit members across the state. He has contributed to fiscal stewardship through budget oversight, conference planning, and site selection for the 2027 NC Public Safety Conference, and serves on the education and food and beverage subcommittees for the 2026 conference.
Kyle has supported member-focused initiatives including free training opportunities and the “911 Goes to Raleigh” advocacy effort. He has also worked collaboratively with NC APCO and NC NENA leadership to ensure compliance with IRS requirements for joint funds and supported implementation of the nation’s first statewide 911 telecommunicator chaplaincy program.
Nationally, Kyle serves as APCO International Awards Working Group Chair for Line Supervisor nominations and co-chairs the NENA/APCO standards development group for the ECC Service Capability Criteria Rating Scale. He holds the CMCP credential, completed the APCO Certified Communications Manager course, and serves on the North Carolina 911 Board Standards Committee and Rules Subcommittee.
Kyle believes strong associations are built on transparency, fiscal responsibility, and member-driven priorities, and he is committed to ensuring NC APCO continues to grow as a strong, collaborative, and trusted voice for telecommunicators across North Carolina.
Chapter Treasurer
Jackie Ezzell
My name is Jackie Ezzell, I was born and raised in the small country town of Burgaw, in Pender County. I attended all levels of education in Pender County and have resided in the County my entire life.
I am employed with the Pender County Sheriff's Office 911 Center. I hold the title as Director for the 911 center; I was promoted to Director in 2018. I officially started my career in communications in 1991 with the Pender County Sheriff's office and have worked for all 35 years of my career with Pender. I had the privilege of experiencing the transition from going from the admin phone line to start receiving 911 calls with ANI/ALI information with the County in the early 90's.
However, in 1999 I felt I needed a change, so I made the hard decision to go part time and go to work for New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington NC. I was noted as the hospital's first telecommunicator for their Critical Care Transport Team. While at New Hanover Regional I helped establish the dispatch center then referred to as Regional Communications. While at New Hanover I trained all new telecommunicators, helped create and establish the Air/Flight dispatch program referred to today as Airlink.
Because my passion was in 911 and the hospital atmosphere was not the same, I had the opportunity to return to Pender full time in 2004, where I have witnessed so much growth and advances within 911 center. I currently hold the position of Region C Ambassador with NC APCO.
In 1992 I received my NC AEMT certification, and I have volunteered for 34 years with Union Rescue Squad in Willard NC. I currently serve as the Assistant Chief with the squad and for the past 4 years also have served as Treasurer. In my spare time away from 911 and Ems I love to travel and spend time with my family and friends.
Lisa Kociolek
Lisa Kociolek serves as a Training Supervisor at the Raleigh-Wake Emergency Communications Center in Raleigh, North Carolina. With more than 17 years in public safety communications, she has dedicated much of her career to training, mentorship, and supporting the development of new telecommunicators entering the profession.
In her current role, she oversees academy training for new hires and supports the ongoing development of experienced staff. Her work focuses on practical, scenario-based training programs and evaluation tools designed to strengthen call-handling skills, critical thinking, and decision-making in high-stress situations.
Lisa holds a Bachelor of Science in Law Enforcement and Justice Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She is an APCO Certified Training Officer Instructor (CTO-I) and an IAED Emergency Telecommunicator Course Instructor (ETC-I).
She has been a member of Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials since 2009 and previously served for two years on the APCO editorial committee, contributing to professional publications that support knowledge sharing across the public safety communications community.
She is passionate about helping telecommunicators build confidence and the skills needed to support their communities during critical moments
Executive Council Representative
Jeryl Anderson
Jeryl Anderson has devoted more than thirty years to public safety emergency communications. She retired from Orange County Emergency Services, where she served as the Recruitment and Outreach Coordinator, and now leads her training company, JBEST Training and Consultants, LLC.
A certified instructor since the 1990s, Jeryl brings extensive experience in classroom instruction, curriculum and test development, and online course design. She is especially proud of her role in launching the Telecommunicator Certification Course for North Carolina. During her eleven years as a Criminal Justice Instructor Coordinator with the NC Justice Academy, she taught, edited, and implemented this curriculum statewide.
Jeryl is an accomplished online instructor, conference speaker, and event coordinator. She holds the RPL (Registered Public-Safety Leader) and CPE (Certified Public-Safety Executive) credentials through National APCO, where she has been a member for thirty-one years, as well as the ENP (Emergency Number Professional) certification through National NENA. She also serves as an Adjunct Instructor for the APCO Institute.
Within the NC Chapter of APCO, Jeryl serves on the Board as the Educational Advisory Member and as the Executive Council Representative. She is recognized as a Life Member of the NC Chapter and a Senior Member of APCO International.
Outside of her professional work, Jeryl is deeply committed to community service. She is an active member of the Durham Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., where she chairs the Membership Services Committee and the Emergency Response Committee. She is also a dedicated Girl Scout volunteer of more than twenty years, serving as a troop leader, the Durham Central Service Unit 215 Area 11 Manager for the NC Coastal Pines Girl Scout Council, and the cookie booth coordinator for the Durham cookie campaign area.
Grayson Gusa
Grayson Gusa is a seasoned public safety professional with over 23 years of dedicated service in emergency communications. As the Training Supervisor for Davie County 911, Grayson maintains a unique "boots on the ground" perspective by balancing strategic oversight with active daily duties as a frontline telecommunicator. This ensures his leadership remains rooted in the real-time challenges - such as staffing and mental health - faced by those under the headset.
Grayson's commitment to North Carolina APCO dates back to 2007. His leadership journey includes:
- Chapter President (2019-2022): Navigated the association through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Current Service: Serves as the Chapter Historian and Public Information Officer.
- Honors: Recognized with Lifetime Membership in North Carolina APCO for his enduring contributions to the chapter.
At the APCO International level, Grayson serves as a vital link between local needs and global policy. He is uniquely prepared to serve as your Executive Council Representative through his current and past leadership roles:
- Chair of the APCO International Group Leaders: Acting as the primary liaison between 14 active APCO International Committees and the APCO International Executive Committee.
- Strategic Planning: Served on the APCO International Long Range Strategic Planning Committee (2023-2024), where he helped shape the future goals and long-term vision of the organization.
- Professional Standards: A Senior Member of APCO International and a Registered Public Safety Leader (RPL) since 2012.
Grayson provides a critical bridge between the headset and the boardroom. His vision to protect North Carolina APCO's rich history while aggressively pursuing the technological and professional advancements the future of the industry requires. By leveraging his international connections and current, lived experience, Grayson is dedicated to ensuring that North Carolina remains a primary architect of the future of public safety communications.
A resident of Salisbury, NC, Grayson remains a steadfast advocate for the growth, professional standards, and success of every public safety communications professional in the state.
Regional Ambassador - Region A
Ruth Barefoot
Ruth Barefoot has more than 26 years experience in public safety communications. She began her career in 2000 with the Williamsburg Police Department Communications Division in Williamsburg, Virginia. After relocating to North Carolina in 2005, she joined Currituck County Communications, where she later served as Training Officer.
In 2018, Ruth returned to her hometown of Elizabeth City to work with Pasquotank-Camden Central Communications, where she also served as Assistant Director. After a short stint in travel dispatch she returned to Pasquotank-Camden Central Communications working on the front line alongside her fellow telecommunicators and remains committed to supporting and advancing the 9-1-1 profession.
Regional Ambassadors - Region C
Hope Downs
Hope Downs has more than 20 years of experience in public safety communications and serves as the 911 Director for New Hanover County. She began her career as a telecommunicator and progressed through the ranks, serving as a telecommunicator, training coordinator, quality assurance officer, and director. Her experience across multiple roles has shaped her passion for supporting telecommunicators and advancing the emergency communications profession.
Since coming to North Carolina, Hope has worked to strengthen the role of 911 within the broader public safety system. She helped lead efforts to embed mental health clinicians inside the 911 center to support crisis calls and provide additional wellness resources for 911 professionals. She has also worked to expand language access by establishing an interpreter program to better serve diverse communities calling for help.
Hope has been actively involved with APCO International for over a decade and has contributed her expertise through service on several national committees, including the Agency Training Program Committee, Member & Chapter Services Committee, Professional Development Events Committee, Editorial Committee, and multiple terms on the Awards Committee. Through these roles, she has supported initiatives that promote professional development, strengthen training standards, and enhance engagement within the emergency communications profession.
Hope holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Services (2010) from Troy University with a minor in Communication with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. She is a Certified Public-Safety Executive (CPE) through APCO International and was part of the program’s inaugural graduating class (2017). She also holds the APCO Public Safety Telecommunication International Virtual College Certification through Jacksonville State University (2012).
Heather Reist
Heather L. Reist has faithfully served the citizens of Robeson County as a Telecommunicator with the Robeson County 911 Emergency Operations Center since August 2015. Over the course of her tenure, she has consistently demonstrated exceptional professionalism, composure under pressure, and an unwavering commitment to public safety.
As a 911 Telecommunicator, Heather serves as the vital first point of contact for individuals experiencing emergencies often during the most critical and life-altering moments of their lives. Her ability to remain calm, focused, and compassionate while managing high-stress situations has directly contributed to the safety and well-being of countless citizens and first responders. She skillfully coordinates law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services, ensuring accurate information is relayed quickly and efficiently to facilitate rapid response.
Heather exemplifies the highest standards of integrity, accountability, and dedication. She consistently demonstrates sound judgment, attention to detail, and mastery of emergency communication protocols. Her steady demeanor and clear communication skills instill confidence in both callers and responding units, reinforcing the critical role the communications center plays in public safety operations.
Beyond her daily responsibilities, Heather is recognized by her peers as dependable, supportive, and team-oriented. She contributes to a positive and professional work environment, understanding that effective emergency response depends on strong collaboration and trust. Her work ethic, reliability, and willingness to step up when needed reflect her deep sense of duty to both her coworkers and the community she serves.
Heather’s nearly decade-long commitment to Robeson County 911 reflects not only her professional excellence but also her genuine passion for service. She embodies the qualities of dedication, resilience, and compassion that define outstanding public safety professionals. For her continued excellence and steadfast service to the citizens of Robeson County, Heather L. Reist is most deserving of this recognition.
Regional Ambassadors - Region E
Samantha Peaks
Samantha Peaks has worked in public safety communications since 2015 and currently serves as the Training Coordinator for Richmond County Emergency Communications, a role she has held since 2021. She began her career with Union County for a brief time before an opportunity became available in Richmond County, where she lived, and she accepted the position. Samantha started on night shift as a telecommunicator and later promoted to supervisor before transitioning into her current training role.
Throughout her career, Samantha has developed a strong passion for training, professional development, and supporting the next generation of telecommunicators. She is committed to building confident, capable communications professionals and strengthening the overall quality of service provided to the community.
As the current Region E Representative for North Carolina APCO, Samantha has focused on strengthening communication between PSAPs, sharing updates across agencies, and encouraging participation in meetings and training opportunities. She believes strongly in getting involved and staying connected, knowing that collaboration across centers helps strengthen the profession as a whole.
Samantha would be honored to continue serving the PSAPs of Region E and supporting the professionals who make up this region while helping foster engagement, development, and connection across North Carolina’s public safety communications community.