Tom Hegele

Tom Hegele has extensive experience in media relations, crisis communications, and emergency management. Currently serving as President & CEO of Media Relations & Crisis Communications since 2001, Tom provides training and guidance to both governmental and industry clients. In addition, Tom holds roles as a Non-Technical Evaluator at ICFI and Regional Coordinator for FEMA Regions I & VI. As an instructor at Cary CERT, Tom trains community members in emergency response. Tom's background includes key positions at the USDA-Forest Service, where Tom acted as a Type 1 Fire Information Officer, and at FEMA, where Tom served as a Public Information Officer during disaster recovery efforts. Previous public affairs roles with the North Carolina State Government involved disaster preparedness education and emergency information dissemination. Tom holds a Bachelor of Arts in American History from Lenoir-Rhyne University and a Certificate in Community Preparedness and Disaster Management from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.