MEMPHIS, TENN. – Mayor Lee Harris has appointed Brenda Jones as the Director of the Office of Preparedness.
Director Jones has a long distinguished career in law enforcement. She started with the Memphis Police Department right after graduating from Carver High School in South Memphis. She rose through the ranks during her 28 years at the MPD, including serving as Deputy Chief of Uniformed Patrol, Deputy Chief of Special Operations, and Commander of the Organized Crime Unit. She was the first female Deputy Chief in the Memphis Police Department and remains a Reserve Police Officer. More recently, Jones was the Law Enforcement Administrator for the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. She is the first woman ever appointed to that post.
Director Jones is the first African-American woman to be Director of the Office of Preparedness. She lives in Whitehaven.
“It is an honor to have someone of Director Jones’ caliber in my administration,” says Mayor Lee Harris. “Her passion for the community, public safety, and her expertise in all areas of law enforcement will serve the citizens of Shelby County well. We are lucky to have her.”
Former Memphis Police Director Toney Armstrong, who now serves as Director of Security for St. Jude Children’s Hospital worked with Jones for his entire career at the MPD: “Brenda Jones was a role model and mentor to me. The Mayor hit a home run adding her to the staff. She’s been in law enforcement her entire adult life and the citizens of Shelby County can sleep well at night knowing she’s the Director of Preparedness.”
“I would like to thank Mayor Harris for the appointment to serve as Director, Office of Preparedness for Shelby County Government,” says Jones. “This position affords me the opportunity to contribute my skills and expertise to address the protection of life and property against man-made and natural disasters by directing county efforts in the areas of prevention, preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery for the community that I love. My vision for the office is to provide strong leadership and foster excellence at every level.”
Mayor Harris also re-appointed John Halbert as IT Services Director. Director Halbert has been in the role for seven years.
“I am very excited for the future of Information Technologies in Shelby County Government and honored to continue to be a part of it,” says Halbert.
“Director Halbert has been great to have at the helm of IT services,” says Mayor Harris. “Technology has changed dramatically in just the last six years and Director Halbert has lead the way and will continue those efforts during my administration.”
The Halbert re-appointment is effective immediately. Jones’ first day as Director of Preparedness was November 12th. She replaces Dale Lane who retired November 1st.
(end of release)