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.
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 | 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.
Mark Salmon | Emergency Management & Fire Safety Specialist
Mark Salmon has served as the Emergency Management and Fire Safety Specialist at Eastern Virginia Medical School/Virginia Health Sciences since June of 2015. He is responsible for planning, coordinating, inspecting, and implementing fire and life safety programs on the medical campus. He also served as the EVMS Emergency Manager since 2016. Mark has 33 years of fire service experience, retiring from Norfolk Fire-Rescue as Deputy Fire Chief providing senior leadership in response to fire, medical, hazardous materials, technical rescues, and natural/technological emergencies. He is a Certified Emergency Manager designated by the International Association of Emergency Managers and holds a Masters of Public Administration from Old à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã University. Mark enjoys jogging, walking, and watching baseball.
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.