Melanie Jones | 911 Career, NENA Leadership, and Modernizing Emergency Communications

Melanie Jones | 911 Career, NENA Leadership, and Modernizing Emergency Communications

In this episode of The Wilmac Wire, hosts Emily McNulty and Steve McDonnell sit down with Melanie Jones, Executive Director of Guilford Metro 911 and Immediate Past President of NENA, for a conversation on leadership, emergency communications, and the future of 911. With nearly four decades in public safety, Melanie shares her journey from deputy sheriff to leading one of North Carolina’s largest consolidated 911 centers. Along the way, she reflects on the mentors, experiences, and leadership lessons that shaped her career, including the importance of taking the high road, serving your team, and staying focused on the mission of helping people. The conversation explores Melanie’s time on NENA’s executive board and her work advocating for telecommunicator recognition and Next Generation 911 funding. She discusses the progress of the 911 SAVES Act, why sustainable funding remains critical for the future of emergency communications, and how building relationships with legislators can help move the industry forward. Emily, Steve, and Melanie also dive into the realities of staffing and retention in modern PSAPs, the challenges of onboarding new telecommunicators, and the importance of wellness programs that support employees through the emotional demands of the profession. The episode closes with a discussion on technology modernization, AI, and the transition to Next Generation 911, including how agencies are evaluating new tools while balancing mission-critical operations and long-term transformation. Here’s what you’ll hear about: • Melanie’s path from deputy sheriff to 911 leadership • Leadership lessons from a 36-year public safety career • NENA, APCO, and national advocacy efforts • The latest developments around the 911 SAVES Act • Why Next Generation 911 funding matters • Staffing, recruitment, and retention challenges in 911 • Wellness initiatives for telecommunicators • Modernizing technology in large PSAPs • AI and the future of emergency communications Episode Breakdown: 0:01 Welcome and introduction 1:29 Icebreaker and Melanie’s background 4:14 Starting a career in public safety 8:59 Leadership lessons and career growth 11:04 NENA, APCO, and national advocacy 12:33 The 911 SAVES Act and telecommunicator recognition 17:47 Next Generation 911 funding priorities 22:08 Melanie’s path to NENA leadership 25:58 Leading Guilford Metro 911 28:30 Staffing, retention, and wellness initiatives 33:27 AI and technology modernization in 911 36:48 Closing thoughts and industry priorities Connect with the speakers: Emily McNulty: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-miller-mcnulty-666b66152/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-miller-mcnulty-666b66152/] Steve McDonnell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-mcdonnell-8659042b/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-mcdonnell-8659042b/] Melanie Jones: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanieneal911/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanieneal911/] 🎧 Listen to more episodes: https://open.spotify.com/show/2lhL8QkXa9LUYlXjSAp3OE?si=b655432b92794b1c [https://open.spotify.com/show/2lhL8QkXa9LUYlXjSAp3OE?si=b655432b92794b1c]

Matt Hurlbutt | The Business of Growing Rochester, Leading GRE, and Local Momentum

In this episode of The Wilmac Wire, hosts Emily McNulty and Steve McDonnell welcome back Matt Hurlbutt, President and CEO of Greater Rochester Enterprise (GRE), for a conversation on economic development, regional growth, and why Rochester’s story deserves more attention. Matt reflects on his nearly 20-year journey at GRE, from joining the organization in a business development role to leading regional economic growth efforts across Greater Rochester. He shares how GRE works behind the scenes with site selectors, companies, developers, and local partners to attract investment, support expansion projects, and position Rochester as a competitive market for innovation and business growth. The conversation dives into the process of “selling a region,” including what companies evaluate when choosing where to expand, how GRE responds to complex site selection requests, and why speed, collaboration, and local relationships matter in winning major projects. Matt also breaks down how projects like Fairlife, Micron, and Stream Data Centers fit into the broader momentum happening across Upstate New York. Emily, Steve, and Matt also explore Rochester’s evolving economic identity. From the legacy of Kodak, Xerox, and Bausch & Lomb to the region’s current strengths in optics, photonics, advanced manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare innovation, Matt explains why Rochester remains uniquely positioned for the future of technology and industry. The episode also highlights the importance of regional collaboration between organizations like GRE, OneROC, the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, local colleges and universities, and business leaders across the community. Matt shares why Rochester’s ability to connect people quickly and work collaboratively continues to be one of its biggest competitive advantages. Here’s what you’ll hear about: • Matt’s career journey into economic development • What GRE does behind the scenes to grow the region • How site selection and regional marketing actually work • The process behind attracting companies like Fairlife • Rochester’s strengths in optics, photonics, and manufacturing • Why Upstate New York is seeing renewed momentum • The role of Micron, AI infrastructure, and data centers • How Rochester organizations collaborate on growth • Why the region needs to tell its story more confidently Episode Breakdown: 0:01 Welcome back and intro 4:20 Matt’s career path and joining GRE 9:15 What GRE does and how economic development works 15:02 How companies evaluate regions and sites 20:41 Behind the Fairlife project and regional collaboration 29:48 Rochester’s competitive advantages and industry strengths 38:20 Micron, AI infrastructure, and future growth opportunities 45:05 Rochester’s future and regional momentum 49:10 Final thoughts and community collaboration Connect with the speakers: Emily McNulty: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-miller-mcnulty-666b66152/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-miller-mcnulty-666b66152/] Steve McDonnell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-mcdonnell-8659042b/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-mcdonnell-8659042b/] Matt Hurlbutt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-hurlbutt-61a3124/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-hurlbutt-61a3124/] 🎧 Listen to more episodes: https://open.spotify.com/show/2lhL8QkXa9LUYlXjSAp3OE?si=0d42340164184c6a [https://open.spotify.com/show/2lhL8QkXa9LUYlXjSAp3OE?si=0d42340164184c6a]

Nick LaMontia | From Dispatcher to NENA Board, GIS, & Leading 911 in the Southeast

In this episode of The Wilmac Wire, hosts Emily McNulty and Steve McDonnell sit down with Nick LaMontia, GIS Manager at Kerr Emergency 911 and Southeastern Director on the NENA Board of Directors, for a conversation on emergency communications, GIS, and the evolving future of Next Generation 911. With 30 years in public safety, Nick shares his unconventional path into 911, from working as a housekeeper in Estes Park, Colorado to becoming a dispatcher and eventually stepping into national leadership within NENA. Along the way, he reflects on the importance of problem solving, teamwork, and finding purpose in helping others behind the scenes of emergency response. The conversation explores how GIS powers modern emergency communications and why location data is becoming increasingly critical as PSAPs transition to Next Generation 911. Nick breaks down how GIS supports dispatchers through mapping, response boundaries, and indoor location capabilities, and explains how new technologies are transforming the way emergency calls are routed and understood. Emily, Steve, and Nick also discuss the operational differences between working in rural and urban PSAPs, including Nick’s experiences dispatching in Estes Park, Houston, League City, and Kerrville. He shares how culture, staffing, and relationships between dispatchers and responders can dramatically shape the day-to-day experience inside a communications center. The episode also dives into NENA’s ongoing advocacy efforts around NG911 funding, dispatcher wellness, and the future role of AI in emergency communications. Nick explains why sustainable funding models are becoming increasingly important for smaller agencies and how technologies like AI-assisted translation, transcription, and non-emergency call triage could support dispatchers moving forward. Here’s what you’ll hear about: • Nick’s journey into emergency communications • Dispatching in Colorado, Houston, and rural Texas • How GIS supports 911 operations • The role of GIS in Next Generation 911 • Indoor mapping and location accuracy improvements • The importance of dispatcher and responder relationships • AI use cases in emergency communications • NG911 funding challenges for smaller agencies • Nick’s leadership journey through NENA Episode Breakdown: 0:01 Welcome and intro 1:28 Icebreaker and Nick’s background 5:23 How Nick found emergency communications 12:47 Dispatching in Houston versus smaller PSAPs 24:59 What GIS is and why it matters in 911 27:01 GIS and the future of NG911 29:21 AI and GIS in emergency communications 31:32 Nick’s day-to-day as a GIS Manager 35:05 Nick’s journey into NENA leadership 39:09 NG911 funding and advocacy efforts 41:17 Lessons from NENA and industry leadership 44:48 Closing thoughts and final reflections Connect with the speakers: Emily McNulty: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-miller-mcnulty-666b66152/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-miller-mcnulty-666b66152/] Steve McDonnell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-mcdonnell-8659042b/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-mcdonnell-8659042b/] Nick LaMontia: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickolas-lamontia-enp-2623558/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickolas-lamontia-enp-2623558/] 🎧 Listen to more episodes: https://open.spotify.com/show/2lhL8QkXa9LUYlXjSAp3OE?si=d5e08acce4d84db4 [https://open.spotify.com/show/2lhL8QkXa9LUYlXjSAp3OE?si=d5e08acce4d84db4]

Peter Roberti | Third-Generation Tailoring, Style Confidence, and Giving Back

In this episode of The Wilmac Wire, hosts Emily Miller and Steve McDonnell sit down with Peter Roberti, third-generation custom tailor and designer at Adrian Jules Custom Clothing, for a conversation on craftsmanship, confidence, entrepreneurship, and carrying a Rochester legacy forward. Peter shares the story behind Adrian Jules, the Rochester-based custom clothing company founded by his grandfather in 1964 after emigrating from Italy with just $33 in his pocket. From sweeping the factory floors as a teenager to designing custom garments for athletes, executives, and entrepreneurs across the country, Peter reflects on what it means to grow a family business built on relationships, quality, and personal presentation. The conversation explores how professional style has evolved in today’s hybrid workplace and why custom clothing is about far more than appearance. Peter explains his philosophy that “when you look great, you feel great,” and why confidence, fit, and personal branding still matter in business, even as workplace dress codes become more casual. Emily, Steve, and Peter also dive into the behind-the-scenes side of custom tailoring, from sourcing fabrics in Italy and England to maintaining a Rochester-based team of nearly 60 tailors. Peter shares stories about creating garments for athletes and celebrities, the craftsmanship behind luxury fabrics like vicuña, and how Adrian Jules blends tradition with technology and modern branding. The episode also highlights Adrian Jules’ growing focus on community impact, including the launch of the Dress for Your Destiny initiative, which provides professional clothing to college graduates entering the workforce. Peter discusses why helping young professionals build confidence through presentation has become an important part of the company’s mission. Here’s what you’ll hear about: • The story behind Adrian Jules and Rochester tailoring history • Peter’s journey into the family business • Why confidence and style go hand in hand • The evolution of workplace fashion and hybrid work • Working with athletes, executives, and public figures • Luxury fabrics, craftsmanship, and the tailoring process • Dress for Your Destiny and giving back to the community • Building a legacy business in Rochester Episode Breakdown: 0:00 Welcome and episode intro 2:10 Peter’s background and family business history 8:45 Growing Adrian Jules from factory to retail 14:32 Dressing athletes, executives, and notable clients 20:11 Fabric sourcing, craftsmanship, and luxury tailoring 28:04 The philosophy behind “When You Look Great, You Feel Great” 34:16 Hybrid work, style changes, and modern business attire 42:18 Why relationships matter in custom clothing 47:03 Dress for Your Destiny and community impact 53:21 Rochester business culture and supporting local 58:10 Closing thoughts and Buffalo expansion Connect with the speakers: Emily Miller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-miller-mcnulty-666b66152/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-miller-mcnulty-666b66152/] Steve McDonnell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-mcdonnell-8659042b/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-mcdonnell-8659042b/] Peter Roberti: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-roberti-28a262a/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-roberti-28a262a/] 🎧 Listen to more episodes: https://open.spotify.com/show/2lhL8QkXa9LUYlXjSAp3OE?si=11305fc6e6164d32 [https://open.spotify.com/show/2lhL8QkXa9LUYlXjSAp3OE?si=11305fc6e6164d32]

Roxanne Van Gundy | 911 Culture, Telecommunicator Wellness, & Technology on the Front Lines

In this episode of The Wilmac Wire, hosts Emily Miller and Steve McDonnell sit down with Roxanne “Roxy” Van Gundy, Director of the Lyon County Emergency Communications Center, First Vice President of NENA, and incoming NENA President, for a conversation on leadership, dispatcher wellness, and the future of 911. With more than 20 years in public safety, Roxy shares her journey from accidentally discovering emergency communications as a career to becoming one of the leading voices in the industry on wellness, culture, and advocacy. She reflects on her experience working dispatch in both Kansas and Alaska, the challenges of leading through change, and why building a people-first culture inside a 911 center matters more than ever. The conversation dives into the national movement to reclassify dispatchers as first responders, including Roxy’s work helping Kansas recognize dispatchers as emergency responders and the ongoing push behind the 911 SAVES Act at the federal level. She explains why classification impacts everything from wellness resources and PTSD support to funding, staffing, and retention across the country. Emily, Steve, and Roxy also explore the growing role of AI inside public safety. From AI-powered non-emergency call handling to training simulations and workflow automation, Roxy shares how her center is using technology to reduce burnout, improve efficiency, and better support telecommunicators without replacing the human element of emergency response. The episode also highlights the staffing and retention crisis impacting PSAPs nationwide, why younger generations are increasingly difficult to recruit into shift-based emergency communications roles, and how wellness, flexibility, and leadership will shape the future of the profession. Here’s what you’ll hear about: • Roxy’s path into emergency communications and leadership • The reality of dispatcher wellness and burnout • Why the 911 SAVES Act matters • The difference between state and federal dispatcher classification • How AI is being used to support telecommunicators • Recruiting and retention challenges in rural PSAPs • Leadership lessons from running a people-first center • What’s next for NENA and the future of 911 Episode Breakdown: 0:01 Welcome and intro 1:15 Roxy’s background and path into dispatch 5:16 Moving to Alaska and lessons from the state troopers 9:46 Roxy’s journey through NENA leadership 13:42 Building culture and leading a 911 center 20:18 Dispatcher wellness and the 911 SAVES Act 31:54 AI, automation, and supporting telecommunicators 36:27 Building a new emergency communications center 39:21 National priorities for NENA and public safety 41:35 Staffing, recruiting, and retention challenges 46:06 AI-powered training and future initiatives 46:36 Closing thoughts Connect with the speakers: Emily Miller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-mcdonnell-8659042b/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-mcdonnell-8659042b/] Steve McDonnell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-mcdonnell-8659042b/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-mcdonnell-8659042b/] Roxanne Van Gundy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roxanne-van-gundy-enp-cmcp-rpl-cpe-055b2a125/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/roxanne-van-gundy-enp-cmcp-rpl-cpe-055b2a125/] 🎧 Listen to more episodes: https://open.spotify.com/show/2lhL8QkXa9LUYlXjSAp3OE?si=037c3ec5f4a84770 [https://open.spotify.com/show/2lhL8QkXa9LUYlXjSAp3OE?si=037c3ec5f4a84770]