Joseph Hernon
Joseph Hernon, a military veteran, and firefighter with 10 years of emergency management experience will lead Colgate University’s emergency management operations after a nationwide search to fill the vacant role of associate vice president for campus safety, emergency management, and environmental health and safety.
Hernon, who most recently served as director of emergency management and business continuity at Syracuse University, brings to Colgate a wealth of experience, including time spent as the emergency management program coordinator for the 174th Attack Wing of the New York State Air National Guard and as a citizen preparedness trainer for the State of New York.
“Joe’s time serving New York State, the Air National Guard, and Syracuse University has provided him with a unique skill set that is scalable and applicable to the variety of emergency management needs at Colgate,” said Vice President and Dean of the College Paul J. McLoughlin II. “From coordinating major events at Syracuse to training local communities on emergency preparedness, Joe is a versatile and community-minded leader. Joe’s demonstrated leadership in managing crises will help ensure Colgate’s continued emergency preparedness.”
Prior to joining Syracuse in 2016, Hernon was the deputy director of emergency services for Oneida County, where he supervised 75 full-time staff in the management of the county’s fire coordinator’s office, emergency communications center, and the office of emergency management. Hernon is also a Department of Defence certified hazmat technician, who has served in active duty deployments to Afghanistan, Kuwait, and Iraq. At home, Hernon is a volunteer firefighter with the Fayetteville Fire Department.
“Safety and community-building have been top priorities for me throughout my career, and I am honored to be selected to lead the emergency management operations at one of the most prestigious schools in the nation,” Hernon said. “I look forward to working collaboratively with all members of Colgate’s campus community to help keep the University safe and welcoming.”
In addition to leading Colgate’s emergency operations, including the University’s Emergency Operations Center, Hernon will also lead teams in campus safety and environmental health and safety. As a member of the dean of the college’s leadership team, Hernon will also contribute to the overall student experience with a focus on safety, diversity, and equity in both campus safety and emergency response.
Hernon holds an associates degree in applied science in emergency management from Community College of the Air Force, a bachelor of science in criminal justice studies from Cazenovia College, a certificate of advanced study in security from the Institute of National Security and Counterterrorism at Syracuse University, and a masters degree in public administration from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University. His first day is August 2.