About Us

Our Mission

The mission of the ODU Office of Emergency Management is to build, sustain, and continually improve a comprehensive, coordinated, all-hazards emergency management program that grows institutional capacity to prevent, mitigate against, prepare for, respond to, and recover from any incident, emergency, or event that may disrupt the University's mission.

Our mission is accomplished through the facilitation and development of all-hazards emergency, business continuity, and special event plans and targeted training and exercises. We promote preparedness and resiliency at all levels through outreach and engagement with the University community and regional partners.

Storm Ready University

Office of Fire Prevention

Organizational Chart

Meet the Staff

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Jared Hoernig | Director of Emergency Management

Jared Hoernig has been the Director of Emergency Management at ODU since May 2014. He is responsible for overall administration and development of the University's Emergency Management and Fire Prevention programs. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Virginia Tech and is a Certified Sport Security Professional with the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security. A Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)-certified Master Exercise Practitioner, Jared has design/facilitation experience in over 50 preparedness exercises; he also holds FEMA's Advanced Professional Series certification. A resident of Chesapeake, he enjoys spending his time outdoors kayaking and hiking.

Jerry Reed

Jerry Reed | Emergency Planner

Jerry Reed has served as the ODU Emergency Planner since January 2019. He coordinates the development of departmental Emergency Action Plans and Continuity Plans, supports University-level planning, and leads the creation of the University's Building Emergency Coordinator program. Jerry recently retired as a Battalion Chief from the Newport News Fire Department after 35 years, and has extensive experience in hazardous materials response, training delivery, and major incident and event planning and management. Jerry enjoys spending time with family, visiting the Outer Banks, and camping.

greg-wooldridge

Greg Wooldridge | Fire Prevention Manager & Fire Marshal

Greg Wooldridge has served as ODU's Fire Prevention Manager and Fire Marshal since April 2015. He provides daily oversight of the University's fire prevention programs, to include: code compliance inspections; construction inspections and plans review; fire and safety training, education, and outreach. Greg has 33 years of service with the City of Norfolk's Fire-Rescue department as a firefighter, inspector, and arson investigator. In his spare time, Greg enjoys outdoor activities with his wife and family in Virginia Beach.