FAQ
Emergency Management
What are the essential elements of a continuity of operations plan or business continuity plan?
The essential elements of a continuity of operations plan or business continuity plan typically include risk assessments, emergency response procedures, crisis communication protocols, identification of essential functions and facilities, alternate work arrangements, data backup and recovery strategies, training programs, testing and evaluation processes, and incident management procedures.
How can risk assessments help in emergency planning?
Risk assessments play a crucial role in emergency planning by identifying potential hazards, vulnerabilities, and their probable impact. By conducting risk assessments, organizations can prioritize and allocate resources effectively, develop appropriate mitigation measures, and establish response plans based on the identified risks. This helps in enhancing preparedness, reducing the likelihood of emergencies, and enabling efficient and effective response and recovery actions when emergencies occur.
What are the key considerations for conducting a vulnerability assessment?
Key considerations for conducting a vulnerability assessment include:
- Identifying critical assets.
- Assessing their susceptibility to threats.
- Evaluating existing security measures.
- Analyzing potential vulnerabilities and weaknesses.
- Considering the impact of potential threats.
- Prioritizing mitigation efforts based on the level of risk and potential consequences.
How can an organization effectively communicate during a crisis?
To effectively communicate during a crisis, organizations should establish a clear and shared communication plan. This includes designating spokespersons, using multiple channels to disseminate information, providing regular updates, addressing concerns and rumors promptly, conveying empathy and transparency, and tailoring messages to different stakeholders while ensuring consistency and accuracy.
What are the best practices for conducting tabletop exercises and drills?
Best practices for conducting tabletop exercises and drills include setting clear objectives, involving key stakeholders, simulating realistic scenarios, encouraging active participation, documenting observations and lessons learned, facilitating open discussions, evaluating response capabilities, identifying areas for improvement, and using the exercise results to refine plans and enhance preparedness.
Organizational & Leadership Development
What are the benefits of a Leadership Development Academy?
The Leadership Development Academy by Jacob Green & Associates presents courses instructed by nationally renowned thought leaders. These courses cover a spectrum of subjects, including team dynamics, advanced leadership skills, enhanced team collaboration, and strategic thinking tailored for emerging leaders.
How are the performance metrics and goals determined for the City Manager?
Performance metrics and goals for the City Manager are established through a collaborative process that engages City Council Members and key stakeholders. This approach guarantees alignment with the Council's vision, strategic priorities, the City’s mission, and the ever-evolving needs of the community.
How are the outcomes of the City Manager Performance Report used for decision-making and improvement?
The outcomes of the City Manager Performance Report play a pivotal role in shaping decision-making and fostering improvement within the City. Specifically, these outcomes serve as a foundation for setting annual goals and objectives. By closely aligning with the Council's overarching vision and strategic priorities, the report's insights are leveraged to not only define key milestones for enhancing various aspects of the City but also to establish ambitious goals for its future trajectory.
What is an organizational or department assessment?
An organizational or department assessment involves a comprehensive analysis conducted by Jacob Green and Associates, encompassing both qualitative elements such as one-on-one interviews and anonymous surveys, as well as quantitative aspects like the team dynamics assessment. This dual-pronged approach aims to furnish organizations with invaluable insights and recommendations for enhancing team cohesion, strategic alignment, and overall effectiveness. By evaluating categories such as strategy, climate, capability, processes, and communication, the assessment provides a holistic perspective to guide organizational and cultural development efforts, ensuring optimally positioned for future success.
How can the findings of an organizational or department assessment be used to drive change or improvement within the organization?
Results from an organizational or department assessment serve as a foundation for informed action and guiding targeted changes. Findings equip teams for process optimization, resource reallocation, teambuilding, and leadership development, thereby fostering positive organizational growth and advancement.
Meet Our Team


Jacob Green

Jacob Green, MPA
Jacob Green is a nationally recognized expert in leadership development and crisis management who is passionate about building long-term, effective partnerships. He has spent his career helping public and private organizations navigate crises, enhance service delivery, and build strong, resilient teams.
During his time as a city executive, he helped oversee 1,200 employees and a $500 million budget. He is now a consultant, speaker, trainer, and coach who has worked with many public and private organizations, including Mattel, FedEx, Hyundai Capital, and the United States Air Force.
He is also the author of See Change Clearly, an Amazon New Release Best Selling Book and a #1 Amazon New Release in five business categories.

Nicole Ramet
Professional Development

Nicole Ramet
Professional Development
Nicole is dedicated to coaching that produces results. A seasoned coach, she brings over a decade of professional experience and insight to our leadership development.
Utilizing the “Brief Coaching” philosophy developed by Insoo Kim Berg and Peter Szabo, Nicole oversees the JGA coaching team to ensure that our coaching services target predefined goals and remain outcome-focused.
She also incorporates the AEM-Cube Team Dynamics assessment into JGA’s coaching services so our clients are equipped to develop insights about their own talents and strategic contributions to their team.

Lisa Bartlett
Organizational Development

Lisa Bartlett, MBA
Organization Development
Lisa Bartlett is a proven and skilled leader in both the private and public sector. For decades she has led teams, delivered results, and set the highest standards of excellence. She held executive positions in a technology company, project management firm and several law firms. During her tenure in the public sector, she was elected and served on the city council and most recently, as a County Supervisor on the Orange County Board of Supervisors, providing governance to the 6th largest county in the country. She has extensive expertise and experience in the areas of healthcare, transportation, technology, administration, public safety, infrastructure, coastline projects/issues and public-private partnerships (P3) and is driven to streamline delivery of projects and initiatives while improving organizational effectiveness.
Lisa has served on several statewide boards including the California State Association of Counties (CSAC), serving as its President in 2020 and continues to serve on the California Transportation Commission (CTC), Technical Advisory Committee for Road Usage Charge. Lisa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and an MBA from Pepperdine University. She is also a licensed real estate Broker. She is passionate about her community and is involved with several local non-profits.

Dave Brown
Police Chief (Ret.)

Dave Brown, MA
Police Chief (Ret.)
Public Safety
Chief Dave Brown [ret.] is passionate about helping public organizations and individuals succeed especially when facing financial, political, or personnel challenges.
He has held command positions in every division of law enforcement and served as Chief of Police for the Hemet, California police department from 2010 – 2017. He’s also served as an assistant city manager and an interim city manager.
In 2017, the City of Menifee, California, recruited Chief Brown to spearhead the creation of the Menifee Police Department. Over the next three years, Brown created and implemented a robust, analysis-driven strategy, successfully launching the new Menifee Police Department on July 1, 2020.

Justin Clifton
Operations

Justin Clifton
Operations
Justin Clifton is a senior executive with a history of building high performing teams with clear strategic focus and a track record of exceptional performance.
Justin has approximately 20 years experience as a City Manager of multiple communities in the Western US and experience as a Senior Executive for one of the world’s largest Tech companies. Justin specializes in designing and implementing systems and practices that unleash the power of teams and teaching leadership and management across a broad portfolio of service areas including general administration, emergency management, finance, human resources and operations.
Justin holds a Master’s Degree in Public Policy from Colorado University, Denver and a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and Philosophy from Fort Lewis. He holds specialized credentials in LEAN process improvement, conflict resolution and consent building, high-performing organization models, performance management and leadership.

Raymond Cheung, CEM
Emergency Management Innovation

Raymond Cheung, CEM
Emergency Management Innovation
Raymond Cheung excels at navigating crises. He has responded to and worked dozens of disasters and Emergency Operations Center activations, including presidentially declared disasters. He is also a veteran of the Marine Corps, who worked in a Civil Affairs capacity to restore civil governance, local infrastructure, and basic humanitarian needs in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Raymond is an International Association of Emergency Management Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) who has led and managed teams at both the county and city level in Southern California. He is also a graduate of FEMA’s National Emergency Management Advanced Academy and the Harvard Kennedy School of Government’s Leadership in Crises executive program.

Jim Biery
Organizational Development

Jim Biery
Organizational Development
Jim spent his 40+ year career as a Public Works Exec and City Engineer for numerous Southern California agencies (Buena Park, Torrance, Monrovia, South Gate, and Signal Hill) and has spent the last five years as a consultant in the Private Sector. He has a Master’s from California State University, Long Beach – Master of Public Administration (MPA), another Master’s from California State University, Long Beach – Master of Science in Civil Engineering (MSCE), and a Bachelor’s from University of Southern California – Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (BSCE). He is a registered Civil Engineer and Traffic Engineer, State of California, and the winner of the James L. Martin Award from the League of California Cities, as the outstanding Public Works Professional in California.

Tony E. Coletta Jr.
MPA, CEM, MPM

Tony E. Coletta Jr.
MPA, CEM, MPM
Tony is a proven emergency management expert skilled in problem-solving, alliance building, and organizational communication. For over 25 years, he has managed or deployed to state and national level disasters and conducted on-the-ground assessments of international disasters in both Chile and Japan.
During his career, Tony has
- Built robust emergency management teams
- Lead multimillion-dollar regional homeland security programs
- Authored best practice emergency plans
- Led the construction of state-of-the-art Emergency Operations Centers
His Emergency Management expertise includes instructing and course design, emergency operations center design, recruitment and succession planning, strategic planning, grants management, and performance management.

Nicole Beach
Strategic Initiatives

Nicole Beach
Strategic Initiatives
Nicole Beach is a Project Management and Strategic Portfolio leader who helps organizations realize value by tying strategy to execution. Her greatest strengths lie in supporting teams to achieve measurable and lasting outcomes through effective project delivery. Over the last 15 years, Nicole has led complex technology, organizational, and strategic projects including M&A integrations, ERP implementations, and process improvement initiatives. Most recently, Nicole oversaw Project Management Offices and Strategic Portfolio Management for Safebuilt, Citrix, and Sport Clips. Nicole is PMP and SAFe certified, a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, and holds an MBA (Process Improvement Concentration) from Nova Southeastern University.

Nicoli Hilscher

Nicoli Hilscher
Nicoli Hilscher is a highly effective, cross-functional leader overseeing operations, professional development, and recognition programs for organizations ranging from 20 to 300+ personnel.
A veteran of the United States Air Force, Nicoli has an extensive background in Emergency Management, Command and Control (C2), Leadership Development, Project Management, and Instructional Development. She has a Top Secret, SCI security clearance and has provided professional oversight on several classified operations throughout her military career.
As a military instructor, she developed curriculum for multiple Community College of the Air Force affiliated courses. She also held several leadership-level positions internationally.

John Andrews
Economic Development

John Andrews
Economic Development
During his public service career, John Andrews worked on a variety of economic development programs as well as the formation and amendment of redevelopment project areas and plans. He also worked on retail, commercial, industrial, and affordable housing projects.
Additionally, he represented two local agencies on Business Improvement District boards and participated in the development and implementation of comprehensive downtown revitalization strategies.
Before retiring in September 2020, he served with four Southern California municipal agencies: Ontario, Pasadena, Azusa, and Riverside. He currently serves as an economic development advisor to the City of Ontario.

Katrina Faulkner
Emergency Management

Katrina Faulkner
Emergency Management
Katrina Faulkner is a seasoned emergency management and security professional with over 16 years of combined experience in county government, the superior court system, and the surface transportation industry. She also has over 25 years of experience in the military, specializing in air transportation logistics and military police. Throughout her career, Katrina has gained extensive experience in preventing, preparing for, responding to, mitigating, and recovering from a wide variety of events. These events include weather events, planned special events, fires, power outages, security breaches, and pandemics. She has collaborated directly with police chiefs, emergency managers, fire chiefs, public health officials, state and local officials, elected officials, and federal partners. In addition to her expertise in emergency management, Katrina has successfully led and managed security projects. She has overseen upgrades to video management systems, access control systems, transit property inspections, assessments, and security plan updates for surface transportation. Furthermore, Katrina has hands-on experience with contract management for emergency management projects, including the oversight of yearly contracts valued at $10K or more for law enforcement transit police services.

Brad Kaylor
Police Chief (Ret.)

Brad Kaylor
Police Chief (Ret.)
Chief Brad Kaylor [ret.] brings a wealth of law enforcement experience and knowledge to the team. He began his career in 1988 and served in a variety of assignments until ultimately being selected as Chief of Police for Ontario, California in 2014.
His many assignments include:
- Field Training Officer
- Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT)
- DEA Task Force Officer and Group Supervisor
- Supervisory/Command positions in Patrol, Investigations, Administration, and Special Operations Bureaus.
Brad has graduated from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Academy, the DEA Drug Unit Commanders Academy, and the FBI National Academy and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management from the University of La Verne.

Shannon Lewis
Emergency Management

Shannon Lewis
Emergency Management
Chief Shannon Lewis has over 29 years of experience serving as a public servant and leader. After many years as a Paramedic Captain, Shannon continued to refine his leadership skills in the Fire Service holding the positions of Deputy Fire Chief of Operations, Deputy Fire Chief of Administration, Emergency Manager, and Fire Marshal.
During his tenure, he has strategically navigated large-scale emergencies, lead Emergency Operations Centers (EOC), oversaw fire department Standards of Cover assessments, and utilized lessons learned for EOC design and establishment. In addition to his firsthand knowledge, Shannon holds a BA in Emergency Management from Waldorf University and serves as an ICS 300 and 400 instructor. Shannon’s passion for project management, operations design, and his public safety expertise makes him a valued member to JGA’s team and our partners.

Linda Matthews
Organizational Development

Linda Matthews
Organizational Development
Linda Matthews is a proven human resources expert who is passionate about working with management and employees to find win-win solutions for challenging issues. Linda has over 25 years of experience in human resources administration and executive leadership over a wide variety of human resources areas, such as employee and labor relations, classification and compensation, hiring, benefits, and training.
She served as human resources director for the City of Pomona and the City of Ontario. She also held a variety of positions for San Bernardino County and Riverside County. She holds a Bachelor’s in Psychology from UCLA and an MBA from the Drucker School of Management at Claremont Graduate University. She currently serves as the Associate Director of Administration for Shoes that Fit, a non-profit organization, on a part-time basis.

Joe Dingman
Colonel, USAF (Ret.)
Organizational & Leadership Development

Joe Dingman
Colonel, USAF (Ret.)
Organizational & Leadership Development
Joe Dingman is an expert in Organizational and Leadership Development. As a retired Air Force Colonel with over 20 years of distinguished service, Joe spent his career as a chief executive and crisis leader. After graduating from the United States Air Force Academy, he held a variety of positions leading cross-functional teams at the squadron, group, wing, Air Staff and Department of Defense levels. Top military leadership positions included service as a C-17 Wing Commander/Pilot, Secretary of the Air Force Executive Action Group at the Pentagon, Washington D.C. and Deputy Chief, Corporate Liaison Branch, where he was responsible for a program budget in excess of $119 billion dollars.
With a passion for entrepreneurship & community service, he was owner and CEO of his own business, serves on multiple community boards and foundations, and was a founding member of the Avalon Institute Leadership Development firm. Joe Dingman’s vast knowledge of organizational and leadership development along with his extensive local and federal government careers make him a key component to the success of JGA.

Vicki Kasad
Organizational Development

Vicki Kasad
Vicki Kasad has served in local government for over 40 years across five Southern Californian cities, holding positions such as Director of Human Resources and City Clerk while going far beyond the call of duty through her leadership in multiple committees and serving as the Director for Region 6 City Clerks Association of California. Her attention to detail, expert managerial skills, and commitment to the community have garnered her several City Clerk of the Year awards. In addition, Vicki possesses her Bachelor of Science in Workforce Education and Development from Southern Illinois University and holds certifications in Human Resource Management, Master Municipal Clerk, Train the Trainer, and Professional Municipal Clerk from UCR.

Patrick Marchman
Emergency Management

Patrick Marchman
Emergency Management
Patrick has almost 18 years of experience in the intersection of climate adaptation, resilience, and hazard mitigation planning. His work initially focused on developing and managing NEPA environmental assessments and environmental impact assessments for projects ranging from minor building upgrades to multi-billion-dollar energy projects. Patrick then moved into hazard mitigation and disaster risk reduction planning while working with the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency, supporting local, state and national planning efforts and developing the agency’s first climate adaptation toolkit. After a four-year stint managing the environment and real estate programs for the U.S. Federal Highway Administration’s Michigan Division, he shifted to the private sector, supporting climate adaptation and sustainability strategy for a wide range of public and private sector clients.
Since 2011, Patrick has been a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners. He also holds a certification in Sustainability and Climate Risk from the Global Association of Risk Professionals. Patrick has served in leadership roles in several professional and non-profit organizations, including currently on the leadership committees of the Climigration Network, the Natural Hazard Mitigation Association and InnSure, and has a commitment to leading the development and real-world application of new areas of focus within climate adaptation.

Lynn Mata
Emergency Management

Lynn Mata
Emergency Management
Lynn is dedicated to improving emergency management capabilities and cross-organizational collaboration while using resources as efficiently as possible. She has served in public safety, fire services, and as an emergency manager in city and county government. Her work included plan writing, emergency exercises, and the development of local emergency operation and hazard mitigation plans.
She has also:
- Provided staff and community training in emergency operations and response
- Managed robust community volunteer programs and large animal evacuation response teams
- Led the training and administration of the FEMA Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program.
In addition, Lynn has proven experience in field response to local emergencies. She has been deployed on multiple assignments, including public information officer and the emergency activation of city and county emergency operations centers.

Mike Pelletier
Fire Deputy Chief (Ret.)

Mike Pelletier
Public Safety
Mike Pelletier knows public safety projects. He has served as a lead grant writer for over $10M of public safety grants, led Public Information Officer, and led project manager on numerous high-profile public safety projects.
Projects he has overseen include:
- Comprehensive fire station assessment
- Replacement of all frontline fire apparatus
- Complete renovation of five fire stations
- Final design and construction of a $10 million fire training facility.
Mike also served as a Deputy Fire Chief during his last six years in public service.

Cindy Nelson
Organizational Development

Cindy Nelson
Organization Development
During her public service career, Cindy Nelson managed one of the largest redevelopment and economic development programs in California. The negotiation and execution of complex development projects included a regional mall, expansion of the Bowers Museum, a new auto center, multiple large-scale retail, office and residential projects, as well as numerous affordable housing projects. Additionally, she managed the Planning and Building department while serving as the Deputy City Manager. Her position also called for financial management of substantial of City, State and Federally-funded programs, staff development, labor union interface and regular participation in high-level policy discussions with elected officials and management staff.
Following retirement in 2011, she has provided real estate development and planning consultant services to other municipalities, including Dana Point, Newport Beach and Anaheim.

Terri Rahhal
Organizational Development

Terri Rahhal
Organization Development
Terri recently completed a 37-year career in the public sector, practicing a wide range of urban and regional planning and community development services in San Bernardino and Riverside Counties, as well as the cities of San Bernardino and Corona. In 2022 she retired from San Bernardino County as Land Use Services Director, where she managed building, planning, land development engineering, code enforcement and fire hazard abatement services for the unincorporated areas of this 20,000-square mile county. During her tenure with San Bernardino County, she led the development and adoption of a comprehensive Countywide Plan and 27 Community Action Guides for unincorporated communities. She also oversaw implementation of the County’s first fully digital planning and building permit system.
Terri holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics and an MBA with a Finance concentration from Cal State San Bernardino. As a long-time member of the American Planning Association and the American Institute of Certified Planners, Terri considers herself primarily a planner. She is passionate about building value through community development and enabling public employees to work toward that end. She believes that training, coaching and sharing of authority are the keys to shaking off the bureaucratic stereotypes that plague the public sector.

Jim Ross
Organizational Development

Jim Ross
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