KENNETH ALLEN, DIRECTOR
Kenneth Allen became the first dedicated emergency management position for the University of Florida in 2005. Since that time, the program has grown to become the Department of Emergency Management within the Division of Public Safety. The Department is charged with leading and maintaining a comprehensive, all-hazards approach to preparedness through prevention, protection, mitigation, response and recovery.
Kenneth has over twenty years of experience as an emergency management professional and holds the designation of Florida Professional Emergency Manager (FPEM). Prior to joining the University, he worked as an Emergency Management Coordinator with Alachua County (Florida) Emergency Management. The opportunity to serve at both the local and higher-education level has allowed exposure to nearly all areas of emergency management, including responses to state and federally declared disasters, planning, mitigation grants, public education, program development, recovery efforts, training, exercises, and more.
Kenneth is active in professional associations including Florida’s Domestic Security Coordinating Group, Florida Emergency Preparedness Association and the Southeastern Conference Police Chief and Emergency Managers meetings. He is a 2014 graduate of FEMA’s National Emergency Management Executive Academy. Additionally, he holds a Bachelor in Political Science and a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from the University of Alabama.
BRADY NETTINA, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Brady Nettina is the Assistant Director of Emergency Management. Brady is a UF alumnus, receiving a bachelor’s degree in Fire and Emergency Services in 2018. He initially began his career in emergency management as student intern for UFDEM, gaining experience early through activations for Hurricane Irma and other incidents on campus. Since graduation, Brady has served as a Program Coordinator for Alachua County Emergency Management and, most recently, as the Emergency Management Coordinator for Marion County Public Schools. He holds the designation of Florida Professional Emergency Manager (FPEM) and brings significant knowledge and experience to his new role and is excited to be back at UF.
HEIDI GIBSON, COORDINATOR
Heidi Gibson is the Emergency Management Coordinator. She received a Bachelor of Science from Saint Leo University in 2017, majoring in Health Care Management. She is currently serving in the United States Air National Guard since 2003. Heidi began her years of experience as an Emergency Management Coordinator in 2016 with the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners and, most recently, as an Emergency Management Coordinator with Marion County Public Schools. Having nine years of experience responding at the local, State, and federal levels, she has worked in several areas of Emergency Management. Since 2016, Heidi has been activated for many disasters that have significantly impacted Florida, whether it was with the Air National Guard or her civilian job. She is honored to be a part of UF ‘s Emergency Management Team.
