Robert Ezelle, Chair
Katy Myers, Vice Chair
Spencer Bahner
Spencer Bahner represents the interests of cities within Washington State. Mr. Bahner has had a career in the Land Mobile Radio industry spanning over 41 years. His work history includes involvement in nearly all of the technical and operational aspects of the radio industry, ranging from technician activities early in his career, to leading marketing efforts for a major manufacturer, to the design and management of public safety communications networks, as well as radio technology consulting. He has participated in the design and deployment of major analog and P25 digital trunked radio systems in multiple states, is active in radio spectrum planning as the Chair of the Region 43 700 MHz Regional Planning Committee, and currently serves as the Radio Communications Manager for the City of Seattle. He has a deep interest in radio communications interoperability, as well as a personal interest in wireless technology and public safety communications system design and operations, and is an active amateur radio operator.
Chief John Batiste
Chief John R. Batiste is the 21st Chief of the Washington State Patrol. Governor Christine Gregoire originally appointed Chief Batiste on February 14, 2005. On January 16, 2017, Governor Jay Inslee reappointed Chief Batiste to continue to lead the Washington State Patrol. He oversees the day-to-day operations and manages the agency's six bureaus: Commercial Vehicle Enforcement, Field Operations, Fire Protection, Forensic Laboratory Services, Investigative Services, and Technical Services.
Sheriff Glenn Blakeslee
Representing Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, Sheriff Blakeslee has over 21 years in law enforcement. All of it spent in rural Pend Oreille County (far north east corner of Washington State). He has held positions as a patrol deputy, drug/major crimes detective, patrol sergeant, and currently completing his 1st year as the elected Sheriff for Pend Oreille County. Special assignments have included field training officer, firearms/use of force instructor, tactical team leader, and Search and Rescue coordinator. He has volunteered for the position on this board to represent WASPC. Sheriff Blakeslee brings a perspective from rural eastern Washington departments, and looks forward to learning more about communications issues and solutions facing us all.
Dongho Chang
Washington State Department of Transportation.
State Fire Marshal Chad Cross
Chad Cross was appointed State Fire Marshal on Sept. 9, 2022. He joined the Washington State Patrol in 2015, as Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal of Safety at the Washington State Fire Training Academy. In 2017, he was promoted to Assistant Commander of the Fire Training Academy, and then to Commander of the Fire Training Division in 2018. He is a Safety and Health Professional with experience in the fire service and emergency management arena. Chad received his degree in Safety and Health Management from Central Washington University and Fire Science Degree from Wenatchee Valley College. He has worked in both the private and public sector since 2007.
Anton Damm
Washington State Department of Natural Resources.
Robert Ezelle
Robert Ezelle was appointed Director of the Washington Military Department's Emergency Management Division (EMD) on April 1, 2013 by the Department's Adjutant General, Major General Bret Daugherty. Ezelle joined the Division in October 2010 as the Homeland Security Section Manager and in May 2011, management of the State's E-911 section was added to his portfolio. As the E-911 and Homeland Security Unit Manager, he oversaw the planning and operation of the statewide Enhanced 911 emergency phone system as well as management of the state's homeland security and emergency preparedness grant programs. Prior to joining Emergency Management, Ezelle spent nearly 17 years in the Washington Air National Guard, in various senior leadership roles. Most recently he served as Vice Commander of the Western Air Defense Sector. The sector is responsible for air sovereignty and air defense of the western United States. He started his career in the Air Guard as air liaison officer and detachment commander for the Air Support Operations Group and Close Air Support Detachment. Prior to joining the Washington Air National Guard, Ezelle spent 13 years as a fighter pilot, pilot trainer and operations officer in the U.S. Air Force. He flew F-4 and F-15 fighters and AT-38B fighter trainer aircraft. Ezelle's strategic vision for the Emergency Management Division includes facilitating closer collaboration between the Emergency Management Division team and stakeholders statewide to better prepare for a catastrophic event such as a Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake. As director, he will continue to lead the charge to ensure Washington residents have access to next generation emergency telephone (E911) services.
Captain Phil Johnson
Captain Phil Johnson became an Officer with the Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW) Enforcement Program in 2003. During his tenure with the WDFW, he has served as a Patrol Officer, Boating Program Master Instructor, Aquatic Invasive Species Officer, Emergency Management Program Manager, State Agency Liaison, and Radio Communications Manager. He also served as the Professional Development Lieutenant responsible for all facets of the recruiting and training efforts of the WDFW Enforcement Program for two years. In August 2015, he assumed his present duties as the Special Operations Captain, directly responsible for the vehicle and vessel fleets, aviation program, supply and equipment, communications, and WDFW emergency management functions. .His projects include leveraging Radio over Internet Protocol technology to deliver interoperable radio to more than 140 field officers and biologists from a centrally located dispatch facility in Olympia. Captain Johnson attended the University of Maryland, earning an undergraduate degree in Sociology (MCL) in 2002 and his Master's in Business Administration in 2012. He is a 2001 graduate of the U.S. Navy Senior Enlisted Academy. Captain Johnson is a US Coast Guard Licensed Captain of Vessels <50 GT. Captain Johnson is a U.S. military veteran who retired from the United States Air Force in January 2003, following 21 years of active service as a law enforcement and counterterrorist specialist.
Ralph Johnson
As Washington State Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), Ralph Johnson oversees statewide governance of information security policies, strategy, and compliance. He and his team respond to information security threats and incidents, providing the enterprise with extensive security services. Ralph leads his team with a holistic approach to security, often relying on his background as a HISPI certified instructor. Since 2005, Ralph held several positions as CISO, he supported the Los Angeles Times and Studios, also the San Diego Union-Tribune through his position as CISO of NantMedia Holdings LLC., and he served as CISO of LA and King counties, extending his skills to King County Privacy Officer. His depth of knowledge and experience of Information Technology spans over 28+ years.
Bill Kehoe
Bill Kehoe was appointed Washington Technology Solutions (WaTech) Director and State Chief Information Officer (CIO) for Washington by Governor Inslee on August 1, 2021. Prior to WaTech, Bill was the CIO for Los Angeles County in California from 2017-2021, where he managed enterprise security, information management, enterprise architecture and technology consulting services for 37 county departments. He also served as an advisor to the Board of Supervisors and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) regarding enterprise technology strategy, policy, and governance. Prior to LA County, he served as CIO and Information Department Director for King County from 2010-2017, and served as the first CIO for the Department of Licensing from 2002-2010.
Brandon McKinney
Brandon represents Washington Fire Chiefs.
Katy Myers
Katy Myers represents Washington APCO-NENA. She has worked in public safety 911 communications since 1991. She is currently Deputy Director for Administrative Services at NORCOM 911, a consolidated call taking and dispatching communications center of twenty public safety organizations in the northeast region of King County. Katy also serves as Chair of the Washington State 911 Advisory Committee.
Bill Tensfeld
Bill Tensfeld is the current Emergency Management Director for Whitman County. In addition to his Emergency Management duties, he is responsible for county wide public service radio infrastructure. This involves six radio systems scattered over 21 different sites. He also oversees the Whitman County Parks Department, Developmental Services, Facilities Management and the Palouse Empire Fair. Bill was previously a volunteer firefighter/EMT for over 35 years and served as the Fire Chief of Whitman County Fire District 7 in Rosalia. During the summer when Bill isn't working, you can find him on the boat at Lake Coeur d' Alene.
Chris Welch
Washington State Department of Corrections.
Brig. Gen. Gent Welsh
Brig. Gen. Gent Welsh assumed duties as The Adjutant General, Washington Military Department, at Camp Murray, in July 2024. He is responsible for the 8,000 soldiers and airmen of the Washington National Guard, serves as Homeland Security Advisor to the Governor, and is the director of the Washington Military Department which includes the state's Emergency Management Division and the Washington Youth ChalleNGe Academy.
Vacancies
- Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians
- Washington State Department of Health
- Washington State Department of Labor & Industries