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Board of Directors
Meet our Board
The Board of Directors comprises volunteers dedicated to the betterment of CHDS Alumni. Click their bio icon to learn more about them.
Board Member
Rosemary McDonnell
Dr. Rosemary McDonnell serves as the Senior Disability, Access, and Functional Needs (DAFN) Program Manager at DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency, integrating DAFN populations into the emergency planning efforts for the District.
Emergence 2102, REP 2302
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Board Member
Steven Dubay
Steven Dubay is a 39 year member of the fire service, having started his career with the city of Casper, Wyoming fire department in 1985. Steve began working for the city of Colorado Springs, Colorado in 1988 and retired at the rank of Deputy Fire Chief in 2024. He served as a firefighter, firefighter/paramedic, lieutenant, captain, and battalion chief.
ELP 1202, MA 1403/1404
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Board Member
William Hayes
William Hayes is a Regional Security Director for the Community Security Initiative (CSI), a non-profit organization charged with improving the physical security of 2600 Jewish organizations and additional non-Jewish faith-based organizations in the New York metropolitan area, Greater Hudson Valley, and Southwestern Connecticut.
MA 1305/1306
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Board Member
Dr. Richard Rosell
Dr. Rich Rosell is the retired Police Chief and Director of Public Safety for the Town of Indian River Shores, FL. He is a former Director of Public Safety for the Town of Dover, NJ. He also served as Director of Public Safety for the Township of Springfield, Union County, NJ.
MA 0601/0602
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Elaine Jennings
President
MA 1001/1002
Elaine Jennings is a highly accomplished professional with years of progressively increasing leadership responsibilities in homeland security and counterterrorism. She is the Founder and CEO of The Jennings Consulting Group, a firm specializing in helping private sector organizations and governments to develop countermeasures to terrorist threats and creating solutions to improve crisis response. This includes working with high-end entertainment clients, event venues and stadiums to develop strategies to protect large events including Super Bowl 50 in the Bay Area, Major Leagues Baseball, Paramount Pictures, and AEG Corporate, the world’s largest entertainment company.
Ms. Jennings has spent nearly 20 years managing complex policy initiatives and organizing government responses to crisis events. During her government tenure, Ms. Jennings served in several executive positions including in the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security, the California Department of Corrections, and in Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Administration as a member of the Advance team in which she traveled with the Governor to execute state and national media events. Her accomplishments include working on high-level initiatives including helping to develop a program to educate elected officials on emergency management, with the White House to develop communication messaging in the event of a nuclear incident and was the architect for the Large Stadium Initiative for State of California to help protect event venues. She later served as a counterterrorism specialist for Lawrence Livermore National Lab working on nonproliferation issues and leading several initiatives to improve state and local capability to prevent and respond to a WMD attack.
Ms. Jennings holds an M.A. in Homeland Security and Defense from the Naval Post Graduate School and is a certified intelligence analyst. She currently teaches Crisis and Risk Communication at the University of Southern California’s (USC) Safe Communities Institute and is a regular instructor for the California Specialized Technical Institute (CSTI) under CalOES.
John Tani Jr.
Vice President
MA 1603/1604
John Tani Jr. served as a federal law enforcement special agent for over 26 years with the U.S. Secret Service. In 2024, Mr. Tani assumed the role of Deputy Special Agent in Charge of the Secret Service's Technical Security Division, overseeing all technical security measures in support of the president, vice president, and other government leaders under Secret Service protection. He oversaw the implementation and operations of intrusion detection systems; audio and video surveillance and countermeasures; unmanned aerial systems and ground robotic systems; environment monitoring, assessment, and mitigation of chemical, biological, radiological, and explosive hazards; and covert investigative technical equipment.
In his prior role as the Special Agent in Charge of the Office of Strategic Planning and Policy, he was the chief investigative and protective mission advisor to the Chief Strategy Officer. He also managed the Senior Leadership Scholars and the Special Advisors Program. Mr. Tani also served as the Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Office of Technical Development and Mission Support, where he coordinated technology investments with the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate. There, he worked with scientists and subject-matter experts across the enterprise to identify, examine, and analyze emerging threats to the nation.
Mr. Tani was certified by the Office of Personnel Management's Qualification Review Board for Senior Executive Service. His education consists of graduate studies, a Master of Arts in Security Studies from the Center for Homeland Defense and Security at the Naval Postgraduate School (2017), and undergraduate studies, a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Mary Washington University, Fredericksburg, VA (1998). He is the recipient of Secret Service awards, including Life Saving Award, Director's Citation, and the Valor Award.
Natalie Gutierrez
Treasurer
ELP 1901
Natalie serves as the Managing Director of Public Safety Administration for the City of Chicago Office of Public Safety Administration. This public safety department oversees various functions on behalf of the entire public safety enterprise in Chicago. Natalie oversees all administrative functions for public safety which includes the Chicago Police Department, Chicago Fire Department and Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications. Natalie manages 100 employees that are accountable for: $3 Billion in public safety budgets; payroll for over 20,000 public safety employees; managing over 100 contracts on behalf of public safety; and managing over 170 individual grant agreements totaling over $300M in grant funding across all of public safety.
Natalie has served on various citywide projects over the years currently leading public safety finance and contracting efforts for the 2024 Democratic National Convention and previously served roles such as the interim Finance Section Chief for the city COVID-19 response and lead on NATO grant funding.
At the local, state, and federal level, Natalie champions funding negotiations and collaborative efforts towards standardization and accountability. Natalie works alongside senior executives nationwide, State representatives, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to establish strategic goals on safety and security throughout the urban area. Natalie is the administrator for the Urban Area Working Group (UAWG) and maintains oversight of the annual Department of Homeland Security risk assessment process/risk profile.
A native of Chicagoland area, Natalie holds a Master of Public Policy and Administration, with a specialization in Public Safety and Security, from Northwestern University. In Q1 2020 Natalie completed the Naval Postgraduate School, Center for Homeland Defense and Security, Executive Leaders Program.
Dr. Rosemary McDonnell
Board Member
Emergence 2102, REP 2302
Dr. Rosemary McDonnell serves as the Senior Disability, Access, and Functional Needs (DAFN) Program Manager at DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency, integrating DAFN populations into the emergency planning efforts for the District. She was formerly the Senior Emergency Management Specialist at Northwell Health System's North Shore University Hospital, and currently serves in a per diem consultancy role in the health system. Before joining Northwell Health, she served as the Assistant Director of Safety & Emergency Planning in the Department of Emergency Management at Hospital for Special Surgery, as well as the Assistant Director of Emergency Training and Operations for Pace University.
Dr. McDonnell earned her Doctorate of Professional Studies in Homeland Security from St. John's University in the inaugural cohort of their program. Her research interests focus on traditionally underserved and overburdened populations in the scope of inclusive emergency management practices and ensuring their access to sufficient disaster planning and resources. She is a graduate of the Center for Homeland Defense & Security's (CHDS) Emergence Program, as well as the Early Career Radiological Emergency Preparedness Program.
She serves as an Associate Editor for the Journal of Homeland Security and Emergency Management for articles that fall under her subject matter expertise. She is also an Adjunct Associate Professor and Mentor Collective Homeland Security Student Mentor at St. John's University, as well as an Adjunct Professor at Idaho State University, teaching various emergency management and homeland security courses. She serves as a Panelist on the Disaster Recovery Institute International Foundation's annual scholarship selection committee, as well as a Board Member and the Secretary of the Center for Homeland Defense & Security Association (CHDSA).
Marie Balak
Secretary
MA 1603/1604
Marie Balak serves as a Lieutenant/Paramedic for Gainesville Fire Rescue (GFR) in Gainesville, Florida. She has been with the department for almost 10 years and is a member of the department’s Hazardous Materials (HazMat) specialty unit. As a HazMat Technician, Balak serves on GFR’s Regional Response Team and is responsible for responding to 11 additional surrounding counties.
With a strong passion for growth and professional development, Balak has championed several leadership and mentorship initiatives, including starting and managing the Probationary Mentorship Program (PMP). She has also restarted the department’s Leadership Podcast - “Sharpen Your Axe.” Additionally, Balak has experience with the Community Resource Paramedic (CRP) Program, advocating for at-risk citizens within the city and helping connect them with resources to lower hospitalization frequency.
Balak earned her Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Stetson University in 2007 and completed CHDS’ Master’s Degree Program in December 2022 (cohort 2103/2104).
Steven Dubay
Board Member
ELP 1202, MA 1403/1404
Steven Dubay is a 39 year member of the fire service, having started his career with the city of Casper, Wyoming fire department in 1985. Steve began working for the city of Colorado Springs, Colorado in 1988 and retired at the rank of Deputy Fire Chief in 2024. He served as a firefighter, firefighter/paramedic, lieutenant, captain, and battalion chief. As a deputy fire chief, Steve was the Operations chief for eight years overseeing all elements of emergency response from 24 fire stations with approximately 500 uniformed firefighters. Upon retirement, he was the Support Services chief where he was responsible for the department’s accreditation, communication, emergency management, fleet, facilities, human resources, and training divisions for the remaining five years of his career. Steve is also a national registered paramedic.
Steve has completed a Master of Arts in national security studies and the Executive Leaders Program at the Naval Postgraduate School’s Center for Homeland Security and Defense, a Master of Public Administration from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, and a Bachelor of Science in fire service administration from Western Oregon University. Additional education includes completing the Executive Fire Officer program at the National Fire Academy and being credentialed as a Chief Fire Officer from the Center for Public Safety Excellence.
He currently serves on the Board of Visitors at the National Fire Academy; is a board member of the Dean’s Community Advisory Board for the College of Public Service at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs; and is a peer team member and mentor for the Center of Public Service Excellence. Finally, Steve is honored to have been selected to serve on the CHDS Association.
Steve and Marta have been married for 29 years and have a daughter and grandson. They love to get away to their home in northwestern Wyoming where they love the outdoors and exploring Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks.
William Hayes
Board Member
MA 1305/1306
William Hayes is a Regional Security Director for the Community Security Initiative (CSI), a non-profit organization charged with improving the physical security of 2600 Jewish organizations and additional non-Jewish faith-based organizations in the New York metropolitan area, Greater Hudson Valley, and Southwestern Connecticut. CSI accomplishes its mission by providing threat intelligence, staff training, conducting terrorism vulnerability assessments, assisting with state and federal grant applications, enabling connectivity with law enforcement, and supplying a real-time emergency communications system. He is also the founder & C.E.O. of Two Star Solutions, Inc., providing training and consulting services throughout the country on various law enforcement, security, and intelligence topics.
Mr. Hayes has over thirty years of law enforcement experience, serving in a wide range of assignments including patrol officer, certified training instructor, pilot, patrol supervisor, detective bureau commander, and Chief of Police for the Town of Bedford, NY (2010-2014), before transitioning and serving as the Executive Director of the Westchester Intelligence Center (2014-2018), a partnership between the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office and the NY/NJ High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (NY/NJ HIDTA). There, he led a team of sworn and civilian personnel providing criminal intelligence, crime analysis, and investigative support using cutting-edge technologies to over 40 law enforcement agencies at the local, state, and federal levels. He has served as a volunteer firefighter and EMT in his community. Mr. Hayes is the president of the Westchester Security Directors Association and currently sits on the board of the Westchester County Detectives Association as well as being an active member of the Westchester County Chiefs of Police Association, the New York State Chiefs of Police Association, and the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
William Hayes holds an M.A. in National Security Studies from the Naval Postgraduate School, Center for Homeland Defense and Security, an M.S. in Management and Leadership from the Johns Hopkins University, and a B.S in Criminal Justice from Mercy College. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy, 226th session.
Dr. Richard Rosell
Board Member
MA 0601/0602
Dr. Rich Rosell is the retired Police Chief and Director of Public Safety for the Town of Indian River Shores, FL. He is a former Director of Public Safety for the Town of Dover, NJ. He also served as Director of Public Safety for the Township of Springfield, Union County, NJ. He is a 27-year veteran of the New Jersey State Police, retiring at the rank of Captain. He has a very diverse skill set with vast operational, training, policy making, homeland security, management, and administrative experience. Rosell held various positions while serving with the New Jersey State Police, which include Advisor to the Superintendent of State Police, Strategic Initiatives Officer, Regional Field Operations Commander, Special Operations Bureau Chief, Emergency Management Bureau Chief, Hurricane Katrina Task Force Commander, Station Commander, and S.W.A.T. Supervisor. Rosell has extensive experience teaching graduate level students at Seton Hall University and Fairleigh Dickinson University. He also has extensive police and military training experience, including international training experience. He has a bachelor's from Thomas Edison State College in Human Services, a master's from Seton Hall University in Human Resources Training and Development, and a master's from the Naval Postgraduate School in Homeland Defense and Security Studies, and a doctorate Drew University. He is retired from the military after serving 32 years as a U.S. Marine, a NJ Army National Guard soldier, and US Army Reserve soldier. He currently owns his own expert witness and consulting company, specializing in discrimination, retaliation, and use of force.
Samantha Santana
Board Member
Emergence 2201
Samantha J. Santana brings over a decade of experience in information security, brand protection and intellectual property enforcement. Currently serving as a Senior Manager of Sensitive Information Protection and Content Security at The Walt Disney Company, Samantha has been with the organization for over 11 years, progressing through roles of increasing responsibility at the Burbank headquarters and now in Orlando, Florida.
With deep expertise in strategy development, content and brand security, leadership, and stakeholder engagement, Samantha has led high-impact initiatives focused on mitigating corporate risk, enhancing enterprise security, and protecting proprietary content in a global media environment.
Known for a collaborative and forward-thinking leadership style, Samantha is passionate about the intersection of compliance, security, and innovation. She brings a strong foundation in corporate governance and risk mitigation to their work on the board.
Samantha holds a Master’s in Jurisprudence with a concentration in Compliance & Enterprise Risk Management from Loyola University Chicago School of Law, undergraduate degrees from California State University Fullerton and has further enhanced her leadership acumen through programs at the Wharton School and the Naval Postgraduate School’s Center for Homeland Defense and Security (Emergence 2201).
Jay Teitelbaum
Board Member
MA
Jay Teitelbaum is the Executive Director and Chief of Staff for the Office of the Federal Chief Information Officer (OFCIO) within the Office of Management and Budget. In this role, he advises Executive Branch leadership on federal technology policy, cybersecurity, and digital service delivery while directing OFCIO’s overall management, strategy, and operational resources.
Jay previously served as Chief of Finance and Operations for the U.S. Digital Service (USDS) in the Executive Office of the President and managed budgetary operations at the Department of Homeland Security. Dedicated to modernizing public service through collaboration and effective governance, Jay holds a Master’s degree in Homeland Security and Defense from the Naval Postgraduate School. Originally from New Jersey, he lives in Falls Church, Virginia, with his wife and dog.
Rachael Weatherly
Board Member
ELP 2301
Rachael Weatherly currently serves as the Senior Advisor for National Continuity Programs at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Office on National Continuity Programs. As the principal Advisor to the Associate Administrator, she navigates relationships, policy matters, financial planning, and collaboration. Ms. Weatherly develops and implements national continuity policy affecting the federal executive branch, as well as State, Local, Tribal and Territorial jurisdictions. In addition to this work, her efforts have been instrumental in budget justifications with Office of Management and Budget and the Appropriations Committees, resulting in increased budgets annually.
She leads document development and promulgation of national continuity policy and facilitates doctrinal initiatives that affect the ability of the inter-agency to execute their missions. Ms. Weatherly advises Senior Leadership at FEMA, as well as Federal Department and Agency officials on matters pertaining to strategy, policy, budget, staffing, coordination, and the integration of national continuity programs across the Agency and within the Executive branch of government.
Ms. Weatherly began her career in Emergency Management in 2005 assisting disaster survivors, and her neighbors, in New Orleans, LA. In 2007 she moved to Washington D.C. to take a position at FEMA Headquarters. Over the past 16 years she has worked across the FEMA mission space in Individual Assistance, Preparedness and the Office of the Administrator, learning and delivering most missions of the agency. She has worked in programs serving communities pre- and post-disaster, as well as in administrative support functions such as budget and human resources.
Rachael Weatherly is a graduate of Tulane University, receiving a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and was working on her PhD., when Hurricane Katrina devastated the City of New Orleans providing her the opportunity to work for FEMA. In 2013, Ms. Weatherly was selected by the agency as a Partnership for Public Service Fellow and served a one-year detail with the Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security in 2019. She completed the CHDS Executive Leadership Program in 2023.
Rachael Weatherly lives in Wheaton, Maryland with her two children and enjoys crocheting, video games, and the outdoors.