Staff
Director, Rita White
Rita White was appointed Emergency Management Director in March 2010. Prior to the appointment, she served as EMA Planner/Assistant Director since 1986. Rita received a B.S. degree in Business Administration from Athens State College in 1993. She has received training from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Alabama Emergency Management Agency, the Alabama Department of Homeland Security, the Central United States Earthquake Consortium, the Alabama Department of Public Health, the Tennessee Valley Authority, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the National Funeral Directors Association and New Horizons Computer Learning Center. Rita has received certificates of recognition from the Alabama Emergency Management Agency and the American Red Cross. She is a member of the Alabama Association of Emergency Managers.
Rita’s responsibilities include management of the emergency management program and providing assurance to the citizens of Limestone County that the EMA staff, equipment and facility are ready to respond to all hazards. Rita provides overall direction and control during emergency operations and during drills, which are conducted regularly to test emergency response plans. Rita serves as Point of Contact for Homeland Security in Limestone County.
Emergency Management Officer, Daphne Ellison
Daphne Ellison joined the EMA staff as Public Information Officer in October 2000 and now serves as EM Officer. She has received training from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Alabama Emergency Management Agency, the Alabama Department of Homeland Security, the Central United States Earthquake Consortium, the Alabama Department of Public Health, the Tennessee Valley Authority, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. She is a member of the Alabama Association of Emergency Managers.
Daphne serves as Public Information Officer during drills and emergency situations, providing critical information to the public through local media. Daphne has worked diligently to obtain Hazard Mitigation Grant funds to build community storm shelters and install outdoor warning sirens. Daphne's responsibilities include administering grants and completing various reports.
Emergency Management Officer, Eddie Gilbert
Eddie Gilbert joined the EMA staff in April 2010. His duties include writing and revising emergency plans for all hazards, training volunteers and emergency responders to respond to all types of hazardous situations and preparing and maintaining budget and expenditure records. Eddie serves as operations officer during emergency situations and drills. He is a member of the Alabama Association of Emergency Managers.
