Jodi Blackwood – Employee of the Year

Jodi Blackwood has made remarkable progress in advancing the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program, successfully training hundreds of volunteers. Her efforts have significantly enhanced community resilience. She ensures these volunteers remain engaged through monthly meetings that feature relevant topics and hands-on training. This involves not only public recruitment but also collaboration with fire departments and other stakeholders to ensure program effectiveness.

In addition to her organizational role, she actively participates in public education, delivering presentations and training sessions. Her work fosters goodwill toward CRESA, as she seldom misses an opportunity to engage with the community, whether at neighborhood meetings, community events, or associations. During the public education season, she is among the agency's busiest and most committed employees.

Though she officially joined CRESA as a full-time employee in late 2023, her years of volunteer service demonstrate the same dedication and enthusiasm she now brings to her professional role. As a member of the Emergency Management team, she consistently supports her colleagues, maintains a positive attitude even in high-pressure situations, and makes sound decisions that reflect the best interests of the agency, the public, and the volunteers.