Derek Woolbright has been hired as the Assistant Director of Education Safety for the Putnam County Emergency Management Agency.
Putnam County Emergency Management Agency Director Brandon Smith announced the appointment for the new shared role that splits responsibilities between Tennessee Tech and the Putnam County Schools. The position aims to assist both organizations in preparing for emergencies through an all-hazards approach to safety for students, faculty, and staff.
“When we envisioned this position, Derek was exactly the type of candidate we had in mind,” Smith said. “He brings all the qualifications we specified and were hoping for. His experience and personality uniquely position him as a team builder, to bring stakeholders to the table for training, planning, and response to incidents in the education environment.”
Woolbright served Jackson County emergency services for more than 17 years before joining the team in Putnam County. His career began with Jackson County 911 in 2009 and included roles as a reserve deputy, paramedic, and critical care paramedic.
“I am thankful to be a part of Putnam County EMA in this new and exciting role,” Woolbright said. “I commend all agencies involved for recognizing the importance of education safety and the role emergency management plays in that. I look forward to doing my part to ensure this position is beneficial to not only faculty, staff, and students, but each and every citizen of Putnam County.”
The new assistant director is the son of an educator and a school facilities supervisor according to the release. This background allows him to understand the unique challenges faced in keeping students safe within the school system.
“I have always had a passion for education, with my mom being a teacher and principal and my dad working in school facilities, but once Director Bean started letting me work in the schools with our public education programs I was hooked,” Woolbright said. “It is really nice for me to be able to mix my work passion with the dinner table conversations growing up – I’m really looking forward to this.”
Tennessee Tech President Phil Oldham said the new director will work alongside University Police to build on the safe environment students expect. Putnam County Director of Schools Corby King noted that the partnership reflects a shared commitment to protecting every student.
“The safety of our students and staff is always our top priority. We are excited to welcome Derek Woolbright into this important role and to strengthen our partnership with Putnam County EMA and Tennessee Tech University,” King said. “Derek’s extensive background in emergency services and his understanding of the educational environment make him uniquely qualified to help us continue building a proactive, all-hazards approach to school safety. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to preparedness, prevention, and protecting every student in Putnam County Schools.”
Woolbright has started working with leadership from both systems to identify priorities and begin enhancing plans for each campus.