Brandon Ellis
Brandon Ellis is the Director of Emergency Services for Georgetown County, South Carolina where he oversees the Georgetown County Emergency Management Department, Georgetown County Fire EMS and Midway Fire Rescue. Prior to joining Georgetown County, he served nearly 5 years as a Regional Emergency Manager for the South Carolina Emergency Management Division where he oversaw regional operations in 8 counties throughout the low country. Mr. Ellis began his public safety career in 2004 as a firefighter before being named the Director of Emergency Management for Marion County, South Carolina in 2009. Mr. Ellis is a 2008 graduate of Francis Marion University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science. He currently resides in Pawleys Island, South Carolina with his wife and two young daughters.
Kristy Burch
Kristy Burch is the Florence County Emergency Manager where she has been employed for 24 years. Kristy also currently serves on the Pee Dee Healthcare Coalition Executive Committee as the Vice-Chair and is the South Carolina Advisory Council representative for her region. She is a member of the county’s Emergency Response Team and has served as a Finance Section Chief on one of the state’s four regional Incident Management Teams. She is also a past Treasurer with the South Carolina Emergency Management Association. Kristy graduated from Anderson University with her B.S. in Emergency Services Management and is currently attending Lander University to obtain her Master of Science in Emergency Management. She also is a South Carolina Certified Emergency Manager. Kristy currently lives in Florence with her husband, Chris. They have four grown children and five grandchildren.
Jessica Stumpf
Jessica Stumpf is the Director of Greenville County Emergency Management. She began her time with the agency in 2017 as their first Planning Coordinator. She serves as a Meteorologist and in the Planning Section on South Carolina Task Force One and Palmetto Incident Support Team.
Prior to joining Greenville County Emergency Management, Jessica worked at the South Carolina Emergency Management Division and responded to the October 2015 Historic Flood and Hurricane Matthew. For her work during both of those disasters, she was awarded State Commendation Ribbons from the South Carolina Military Department. Jessica received a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology from Penn State and spent over six years as a Broadcast Meteorologist in Pennsylvania, Texas, and Myrtle Beach. She also holds a Master of Science in Emergency Management from Millersville University of Pennsylvania. Jessica is a South Carolina Certified Emergency Manager and a Leadership South Carolina graduate (2016).
Melissa Allen
Melissa Allen is a highly dedicated individual who has made significant contributions in the field of emergency management. Melissa served as an invaluable member of the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD). Her time at SCEMD was marked by her unwavering commitment and exceptional skills in ensuring the safety and preparedness of communities.
Following her tenure at SCEMD, Melissa transitioned to the County of Charleston, where she held the position of a training and exercise coordinator. In this role, she utilized her extensive knowledge and experience to develop and implement effective training programs and exercises, equipping personnel with the necessary skills to respond to emergencies with efficiency and precision.
Although no longer directly employed in the field of emergency management, Melissa’s passion for helping others and making a difference in her community remains unwavering. She generously volunteers her time and expertise to multiple organizations, lending her skills and knowledge to further enhance emergency preparedness and response efforts.
Melissa Allen’s unwavering dedication, expertise, and commitment to public safety make her a true asset to any organization or community she serves. Her remarkable contributions and ongoing volunteer work continue to positively impact emergency management efforts, leaving a lasting legacy in the field.
Melissa holds a Master’s of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management from Arkansas Tech University.
Shane Sligh
Shane Sligh is the Town Administrator of the Town of Pageland where he has been employed since
Spring of 2021. Shane began service in Emergency Management in 2008 while working with Marlboro
County E-911/ Emergency Management. Along with Emergency Management Shane was formerly a
firefighter and has served as a Reserve Police Officer since 2004.
Shane holds an Associate of Science, Bachelor’s in Business Administration/Accounting, and a Master’s
of Business Administration degree all from Limestone College. He also is a South Carolina Certified
Emergency Manager.