Speakers 2026
Jonathan Bell, Technical Services Manager, Chatham County Emergency Operations
Jonathan Bell is a seasoned Public Safety Communications and Technology Specialist with 15+ years of experience supporting mission critical systems across North Carolina. He currently serves with Chatham County Emergency Operations as the Technical Services Manager, where he has spent the past four years modernizing, maintaining, and securing the county’s public-safety radio and IT infrastructure. Prior to joining Chatham County, Jonathan spent eight years with Randolph County Emergency Services, contributing extensively to radio programming, technology support, and interoperability initiatives that strengthened communication reliability for first responders. He holds two degrees from Western Carolina University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Law. Jonathan is recognized statewide for his technical leadership and operational expertise, holding advanced NCEM credentials as a Communications Unit Leader, Communications Technician, Information Technology Service Unit Leader, and serves as an ITSL Instructor. In these roles, he has supported complex incidents, regional deployments, and statewide operations, ensuring seamless and resilient communications under high pressure conditions. His skill set includes programming, configuring, and maintaining public safety radio systems, including Motorola, Kenwood, deployable LMR, and interoperability platforms, along with supporting CAD systems, mobile data infrastructure, IP networks, and emerging communications technologies. He has extensive field experience with deployable assets such as Starlink, gateway devices, tactical repeaters, rapid response networking, and EOC technology solutions. Jonathan also volunteers with the Information Technology Disaster Resource Center (ITDRC), where he provides communications and IT support to communities impacted by disasters nationwide. His passion for emergency communications and dedication to responder safety drive his commitment to delivering reliable, innovative solutions for public safety operations. Known for his technical depth, calm presence, and commitment to service, Jonathan continues to advance North Carolina’s emergency communications readiness through hands on fieldwork, technical leadership, and community support.