In this episode of The Wilmac Wire, hosts Emily McNulty and Steve McDonnell revisit one of Season 3's most impactful conversations with Roxanne "Roxy" Van Gundy, Director of Lyon County Emergency Communications Center and newly inaugurated President of NENA, in celebration of her leadership and contributions to the 911 community.

With more than 20 years in public safety, Roxy shares her journey from dispatcher to 911 center director and national leader, reflecting on the experiences that shaped her approach to leadership, culture, and employee wellness. She discusses why creating people-first organizations, empowering teams, and fostering curiosity are essential to building stronger emergency communications centers.

The conversation also explores some of the biggest issues facing public safety today, including the 911 SAVES Act, Next Generation 911 funding, dispatcher recruitment and retention, and the growing need to recognize telecommunicators as first responders. Roxy explains why advocacy at both the state and federal level is critical to the future of the profession.

Emily, Steve, and Roxy also discuss how emerging technologies like AI can support telecommunicators by reducing administrative workloads, improving training, and enhancing wellness without replacing the human element that remains at the heart of emergency response. The episode closes with a look at the future of emergency communications and the leadership needed to move the industry forward.

Here’s what you’ll hear about:

• Roxy's journey from dispatcher to NENA President
• Building a people-first culture in 911
• Leadership lessons from more than 20 years in public safety
• The 911 SAVES Act and first responder recognition
• Next Generation 911 funding and advocacy efforts
• Dispatcher recruitment, retention, and wellness
• Using AI to support telecommunicators and training
• Technology modernization in emergency communications
• The future of leadership in public safety

Episode Breakdown:

0:00 Welcome and Independence Day introduction
3:02 Meet Roxy Van Gundy
7:05 Roxy's career journey into public safety
12:47 Her path to NENA leadership
16:43 Leading Lyon County Emergency Communications
20:19 Building culture and supporting employee wellness
23:19 The 911 SAVES Act and federal advocacy
35:20 AI in emergency communications
39:28 Building a new communications center
42:22 NENA priorities and the future of 911
49:08 AI, training, and closing thoughts

Connect with the speakers:

Emily McNulty: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-miller-mcnulty-666b66152/

Steve McDonnell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-mcdonnell-8659042b/

Roxanne "Roxy" Van Gundy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roxanne-vangundy/

🎧 Listen to more episodes: https://open.spotify.com/show/2lhL8QkXa9LUYlXjSAp3OE?si=5a04500840554db3