Commissioners pick new county EMA director
NEW PHILADELPHIA (WJER) (Feb. 8, 2024) – Tuscarawas County leaders didn’t have to look far to find the next local EMA director.
Current interim director Jennifer James will shed the first part of that title on Monday when she starts leading the agency on a permanent basis. James grew up in Tuscarawas County and believes that makes the opportunity even more meaningful.
“It does, and my daughter also goes to school in Tuscarawas County, so it’s just a great feeling to be able to have a hand in how the safety of the county goes.”
The commissioners approved the promotion Wednesday and praised James, who will be the county’s third EMA director in less than a year.
“We are so pleased that you have decided to take this on for us,” said Board President Kristen Zemis. “We have a lot of faith in you and your abilities, and we’re probably almost as excited as you are.”
James started working for the county in 2022 as an emergency planner and previously worked as an EMT, medical assistant, and police dispatcher. She replaces Noah Porter, who left after eight months in the role for a job with the state. The director before that was Alex McCarthy, who’s now the EMA Director for Delaware County.