Commander Alvin Gayle serves as the Director-General of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), having been seconded from the Jamaica Defence Force in November 2025. He possesses over twenty years of leadership expertise in areas including national security, operational planning, crisis management, disaster preparedness, maritime operations, and institutional resilience. As Director-General, Commander Gayle has led the national coordination of Jamaica’s Hurricane Melissa response, directing complex, multi-agency operations involving government entities, local authorities, the private sector, international partners, and humanitarian organisations. His leadership has concentrated on restoring access to impacted communities, enhancing national logistics and relief-distribution systems, supporting vital infrastructure, and promoting coordinated recovery planning. Prior to his tenure at ODPEM, he served as the Executive Officer of the Jamaica Defence Force’s Maritime, Air, and Cyber Command beginning in April 2022. In this role, he also functioned as the Officer Conducting Exercise for Exercise Event Horizon from 2023 to 2025, overseeing complex national and regional security and emergency preparedness exercises. He previously commanded the 1st District Jamaica Defence Force Coast Guard, where he effectively led maritime security operations targeting illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing activities, as well as illicit narcotics trafficking, among other responsibilities. During his tenure, he also headed the team responsible for establishing the Jamaica Defence Force Coast Guard's 2nd District, thereby enhancing the country's maritime operational capabilities. Commander Gayle is an alumnus of the University of the West Indies and the United States Naval War College. He possesses master’s degrees in National Security and Strategic Studies, as well as in Defence and Strategic Studies. His professional career demonstrates consistent expertise in strategic leadership, inter-agency coordination, institutional development, and the management of complex national operations.    

With over 30 years of distinguished national, regional, and international experience, this seasoned professional has built a career at the intersection of urban and environmental planning, disaster risk reduction, and emergency management. His work is grounded in advancing a culture of safety, resilience, and preparedness as key drivers of sustainable development and economic growth. Currently serving as Deputy Director General at Jamaica’s Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), Richard Thompson plays a central leadership role in shaping national disaster risk management and risk reduction policies and in coordinating national emergency response systems. In this capacity, and previously as Director General (Acting), he provided strategic oversight of the Agency, directed national emergency operations, and ensured the effective functioning of the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC). His leadership has been critical to strengthening disaster communication systems, early warning mechanisms, and post-disaster recovery operations. Prior to joining ODPEM, he spent over a decade with the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) and the Town Planning Department, where he held key leadership roles, including Manager of the Map Registry and Data Management Branch and Manager of the National Spatial Planning Branch, where he helped formulate the framework for the national spatial plan. During this time, he contributed significantly to the development and implementation of national strategies for sustainable land use, coordinated GIS initiatives, and prioritised the implementation of Geographic Information Science and its associated systems through NEPA, including the digital mapping of all development and subdivision applications and the spatial mapping of cellular communication towers across Jamaica’s landscape. He also enforced environmental and planning regulations and guided development planning at both the policy and operational levels. Richard Thompson’s academic background reflects a strong interdisciplinary foundation. He holds a master’s degree in Geographic Information Science and Earth Observation, specialising in Urban Planning and Management, from the University of Twente’s Faculty of Geographic Information Science and Earth Observation in the Netherlands, and a Bachelor of Science in Physical Planning and Environmental Resource Management from the University of Technology, Jamaica. His areas of expertise span urban and Rural Development Planning and Design, Environmental Planning, Transportation Infrastructure Planning, Disaster Management, Geographic Information Science, Satellite Imagery Interpretation, and Critical Incident Management. Also, a graduate of Ardenne High School, Richard Thompson brings a lifelong commitment to national development, combining technical expertise with strategic leadership to enhance resilience and support Jamaica’s sustainable future.

Pauline Brown is the Senior Director of Project Development, Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation at the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM). With almost three decades of service in Jamaica's public sector, she has built a distinguished career in project and programme management, strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation, procurement, and organisational development. Mrs. Brown's professional journey began with studies in Building and Civil Engineering and training as a teacher, experiences that helped shape her practical, analytical, and people-centred approach to leadership. She has since developed extensive expertise in managing complex programmes and fostering collaboration across multiple sectors. Since joining ODPEM in November 2005, Mrs. Brown has provided strategic leadership for the planning, development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of programmes and projects that strengthen Jamaica's disaster risk management framework and support national development priorities. She works closely with Government ministries, departments and agencies, international development partners, regional organisations, and other key stakeholders to deliver initiatives that enhance institutional capacity, resilience, and operational effectiveness. Before joining ODPEM, Mrs. Brown held several senior technical and project management positions within Jamaica's public sector. She served as Senior Project Manager at the Kingston Restoration Company Limited (KRC), where she led multidisciplinary teams in the planning and implementation of major infrastructure and urban development projects. Prior to that, she served as a Technical Appraisal Officer at the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF), a Junior Architect at the National Housing Corporation (NHC), and Senior Project Manager at Operation PRIDE. Across these roles, she was responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating a wide range of development projects, ensuring their technical soundness, long-term sustainability, and responsiveness to the needs of the communities they served. Mrs. Brown holds a Master of Science in Architecture from the Kiev State Technical University of Construction and Architecture and a Master of Human Relations from the University of Oklahoma, specialising in Community Development and Social Change. She has also completed extensive professional development in project management, grant writing, monitoring and evaluation, risk-based auditing, and procurement, including achieving Level 4 certification under the Government of Jamaica Public Sector Procurement Certification Series. Committed to excellence in public service, Mrs. Brown is passionate about strengthening institutional capacity, promoting sound governance, and delivering sustainable solutions that enhance Jamaica's disaster risk management system.

Ms. Sophia Mitchell is the Senior Director of the Preparedness and Emergency Operations Division (PEOD) at the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), where she provides leadership in strengthening Jamaica’s capacity to prepare for, respond to and manage emergencies and disasters. In this role, Ms. Mitchell supports the implementation and coordination of national disaster preparedness and emergency management initiatives at the national, parish and community levels. Her responsibilities include supporting programmes focused on preparedness planning, emergency response coordination, technical guidance, exercise planning and execution, and other measures to strengthen Jamaica’s resilience to a range of hazards. The Preparedness and Emergency Operations Division works closely with government agencies, parish disaster committees, private-sector and voluntary organisations, and other stakeholders to enhance national preparedness and ensure coordinated action before, during and after emergencies. Ms. Mitchell has also been involved in community-level disaster preparedness and public awareness initiatives. In 2012, 2015, and 2023, through a partnership with the St Catherine Municipal Corporation, she piloted the first tsunami-ready community, Old Harbour Bay, St. Catherine, to improve community preparedness and emergency telecommunications systems in Jamaica.

Michelle Edwards has more than 20 years’ experience in disaster risk reduction and emergency management. As Senior Director of the Mitigation, Planning and Research Division at the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), she provides strategic oversight of research, planning, mitigation and risk-reduction programmes that strengthen Jamaica’s disaster resilience. She leads disaster-response coordination in line with ODPEM’s mandate and promotes best practices to advance the organisation’s goals and strategic objectives. Her work includes supporting the development and implementation of disaster-management policies and plans, using research to inform decision-making, and guiding national initiatives for disaster mitigation and risk reduction. Ms Edwards has contributed to ODPEM’s “Building Disaster Resilient Communities” programme and has facilitated the drafting of Jamaica’s Comprehensive Disaster Risk Management Policy. She holds a Master of Science in Natural Resource Management from the University of the West Indies and a Bachelor of Science in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Technology, Jamaica. She has also undertaken extensive training in emergency response and disaster management, including Managing Complex Emergencies at the Inter-American Defence College in Washington, DC.

Delmares White, JP, is a strategic communications, public information and disaster risk management professional with extensive experience in communications leadership, public education, training, media engagement and stakeholder relations. She serves as Director, Information and Training at the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), where she provides strategic leadership for the Agency’s information, public education, communications and training functions. In this capacity, Ms. White provides strategic advice to senior management on communications, public relations, media relations, crisis communication and public information. She leads initiatives to strengthen public understanding of disaster risk, promote preparedness and resilience, and ensure critical information is communicated clearly, accurately, and effectively before, during, and after emergencies. Her professional experience spans the public and private sectors, with previous roles at organisations including the National Commercial Bank, Red Stripe/Diageo, HEART/NSTA Trust, the Students’ Loan Bureau and the Jamaica Tourist Board. She has also served as a lecturer and facilitator at tertiary and professional development institutions, helping to develop communication, leadership and professional competencies. Ms. White is an experienced media professional who has hosted programmes including “At Your Service” on Nationwide Radio and “Your Questions Answered” on the Public Broadcasting Corporation of Jamaica (PBCJ). Her combination of strategic communications expertise, media experience and public-sector leadership enables her to translate complex issues into accessible, actionable information for diverse audiences. She has also provided leadership within Jamaica’s professional communications community, including serving as President of the Public Relations Society of Jamaica. Her work continues to focus on strengthening strategic communication, public education, stakeholder collaboration and institutional capacity to support Jamaica’s disaster risk management and resilience agenda. Ms. White is committed to advancing a culture of preparedness and resilience through effective communication, knowledge-sharing, training, and meaningful stakeholder engagement, thereby contributing to ODPEM’s mandate to build a safer, more disaster-resilient Jamaica.

Nikita Dobbs is a finance professional with extensive experience across public-sector financial management, accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, internal controls, and compliance. She currently serves as Director of Finance & Accounts at the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), providing strategic and operational leadership for the Agency’s financial management functions. In her capacity as Director of Finance & Accounts, Ms. Dobbs oversees the Agency’s financial operations, including budget preparation and monitoring, expenditure management, financial reporting, payroll oversight, cash and commitment management, asset and inventory controls, and the implementation of sound accounting and internal control procedures. She provides financial advice to senior management and supports the Board and its committees in promoting effective stewardship, accountability, and prudent management of public resources. Ms. Dobbs also serves as Chair of the National Disaster Fund (NDF) Committee, established under the National Disaster Risk Management Council (NDRMC). In this capacity, she provides leadership on the governance, oversight, management, and accountability of resources held within the National Disaster Fund. Her role includes supporting sound financial decision-making and ensuring that the Fund is managed in accordance with applicable legislative, financial management, and governance requirements. Her responsibilities include financial oversight of emergency and disaster-related resources, including Government allocations, the National Disaster Fund, and donor contributions. She has played an active role in strengthening expenditure tracking, inventory management, financial reporting, internal controls, and audit readiness, particularly in disaster response and recovery operations. Ms. Dobbs has a strong working knowledge of the Financial Administration and Audit (FAA) Act, the Public Bodies Management and Accountability (PBMA) Act, Government of Jamaica financial management and procurement requirements, and public-sector accounting and reporting practices. Her professional approach is centred on accountability, transparency, prudent financial management, risk management, and the continuous improvement of financial processes. Ms. Dobbs is committed to strengthening financial governance, promoting accountability and transparency, and ensuring the efficient, responsible management of public resources in accordance with applicable legislation, Government of Jamaica policies, and established financial management principles.

Mrs. Vonetta Wan-Hue Walker is a highly experienced public procurement professional with 19 years of progressive experience in public-sector procurement, supplies management, strategic sourcing and procurement administration. She serves as Director, Public Procurement at the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), providing strategic leadership and oversight of the organisation’s procurement function. Mrs. Walker’s professional experience includes seven years with the Southeast Regional Health Authority – Regional Office and eight years with St. Catherine Health Services – Spanish Town Hospital. At ODPEM, she has contributed significantly to strengthening procurement planning, governance, reporting and operational processes. Her experience includes emergency and disaster-related procurement, including the procurement of relief supplies, care packages and roofing materials following Hurricane Melissa, as well as supporting procurement planning for the Government’s initiative to repair approximately 2,000 roofs over two years. Mrs. Walker is a certified public procurement professional, having completed the INPRI Public Procurement Certification, with additional professional development in strategic sourcing, procurement planning, budgeting, corporate governance, supplies management and leadership and performance management. She is committed to advancing procurement through transparency, accountability, compliance, efficiency and value for money.

Khalice Bradshaw-Davis is a pragmatic and enterprising professional with over ten years of experience in training, coaching, leadership development, and culture change, complemented by fourteen years of experience in participatory and strategic planning and policymaking. A certified team builder, she has a proven ability to forge strong bonds and cultivate sustainable team practices, making her a vital asset to any training project. Khalice's academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Urban & Regional Planning and Environmental Resource Management. During her studies, she discovered a passion for human development, particularly adult career counselling, organisational mental health, and organisational development, which led her to pursue a B.A. in Guidance and Counselling and, subsequently, a Master's Degree in Counselling Consulting/Industrial Psychology. Khalice further holds several certificates in Disaster Risk Management and Jamaican labour laws and dispute resolution, and is a certified Change Practitioner accredited by PROSCI.

Deanna is Legal Counsel for the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, providing legal advice and support across the organisation. Called to the Jamaican Bar in 2012, she brings more than a decade of legal experience spanning regulatory review, contract governance, data protection, and employment matters. She has played a central role in establishing ODPEM’s legal infrastructure and in developing agreements, internal policies and systems to manage legal risk. Her work includes drafting the Disaster Risk Management (Emergency Shelters) Regulations, inter-agency agreements supporting the Government of Jamaica’s Roof Programme (ROOFS), and policy alignment with Jamaica’s Data Protection Act, 2020, and CDEMA’s regional data-sharing framework. She also designed ODPEM’s Master Agreement Legal Register to strengthen oversight of the organisation’s legal instruments. Deanna holds a Bachelor of Arts in European History and International Relations (with Hons) from the University of the West Indies, an honours Bachelor of Laws from the University of London, and a Legal Education Certificate from the Norman Manley Law School. In March 2026, she earned a Postgraduate Diploma in Corporate Governance from the Jamaica Stock Exchange’s e-Campus, completing the Director’s Strategic Guide to Corporate Governance and Leadership Programme. Guided by fairness, balance and independence, she helps ODPEM’s departments develop legally sound policies, agreements and partnerships that support disaster preparedness and emergency management. Outside her legal practice, she is a trained dancer, a Spanish speaker, and a committed volunteer who supports community and social causes.