Maryland Department of Emergency Management Names Statewide Interoperability Coordinator
HANOVER, MD (February 28, 2025) — The Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM) has appointed John Edward (Jack) Markey as Maryland’s Statewide Interoperability Coordinator (SWIC). In recognition of MDEM’s key role as the State’s interagency coordination agency before, during, and after emergencies, as well as home to the Maryland 9-1-1 Board, the Governor directed MDEM to lead public safety interoperability for the State through Executive Order 01.01.2024.20.
“Ensuring the reliability, security, efficiency, and effectiveness of Maryland’s public safety communications infrastructure and operations statewide and across all levels of government is critical to safeguarding our communities before, during, and after emergencies,” said MDEM Secretary Russ Strickland. “Jack Markey’s leadership and expertise will cultivate and strengthen partnerships with municipal, county, state, and federal agencies, helping us shape a more resilient Maryland where communities thrive.”
In his role, Markey will lead strategic planning efforts for statewide interoperable voice and data communications, oversee the implementation of the Statewide Communications Interoperability Plan, and advocate for consensus funding priorities recommended by the State Interoperability Executive Committee (SIEC) in accordance with the requirements of the Executive Order. Markey brings more than three decades of public safety experience. His leadership in strengthening partnerships and enhancing interjurisdictional interoperability has earned recognition at the local, state, and federal levels, including from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the United States Secret Service, and the United States Army. Markey has played a pivotal role in advancing public safety communications across Maryland, serving on various projects, committees, and boards, including chairing the Maryland 9-1-1 Board where he has served as a board member for 16 years.
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