About Us

Joe Ayers

Director, Sevier County Emergency Management Agency

Joe Ayers was born and raised in Greeneville, TN

He graduated from Greeneville High School. He attended Tusculum College where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Health & Physical Education with an emphasis in Sports Medicine, and continued his education at Tennessee Technological University, where he earned a Master’s Degree in Physical Education.

Joe moved to Sevier County in 2002 to work at Fort Sanders Sevier Medical Center, where he was hired as the Athletic Trainer for Gatlinburg Pittman High School. In 2007, Joe transitioned from Sports Medicine to Emergency Medicine when he was hired by the Gatlinburg Fire Department. In 2011, Joe was promoted to the rank of EMS Coordinator for the Gatlinburg Fire Department.

Joe has been involved in Emergency Services within Sevier County for the last fifteen years. He has worked as a Firefighter and a Paramedic for multiple agencies within Sevier County. Joe was also hired as an adjunct faculty member for Walter State Community College in 2012. He taught Emergency Medical Responder, EMT-Basic, EMT-IV, and Advanced EMT courses for the Walter’s State Community College Public Safety Department.

Joe married Amanda Ayers in 2007. He and Amanda live with their son Avery and their dog Chaser in Sevierville, TN. In 2017, Joe was hired as the Assistant Director for the Sevier County Emergency Management Agency and was promoted as the Director in 2018. Joe has been active in the community by serving as the Chairperson for the Sevier County Emergency Food and Shelter program. Joe is a member of the Sevier County Community Fund, Mountain Tough, District 2 Homeland Security Executive Committee, and the State of TN Emergency Communications Committee.

When Joe is not keeping busy with Sevier County Emergency Management, he can be found skiing, mountain biking, whitewater Rafting, and spending time with family.

Michael Williams

Assistant Director, Sevier County Emergency Management Agency

Michael Williams was born and raised in Sevier County, TN.

He graduated from Sevier County High School. He attended Columbia Southern University and got a B.S. Degree in Fire Administration in 2023.

Michael started his career at Northview Kodak Volunteer Fire Department as a firefighter in 1993 and was promoted to a Training Officer/Lieutenant from 1995 to 2009. While volunteering, he became a member of the Sevier County Rescue Squad from 1999 to 2002. He then joined Sevierville Fire Department as a full-time career firefighter in 2004. He received his Emergency Medical Technician IV certification from Walters State Community College in 2008. He served as Captain/Training Officer for Sevierville Fire Department from 2012 to 2018. While working full time for Sevierville Fire Department, Michael also held many other positions. Those positions include a part-time position as Training Officer with Sevier County Emergency Management Agency in 2010, a Reserve Deputy with Sevier County Sheriff’s Office in 2011, and a part-time position as a Fire Service Instructor for Tennessee Service and Codes Enforcement Academy in 2013. Michael made a career move in 2018 from Sevierville Fire Department to a full-time position as Assistant Director at Sevier County Emergency Management Agency. In 2021, he became an Instructor for Homeland Security, District 2, in Rescue Taskforce (RTF).

Michael and his wife Amy reside in Sevierville, TN with their son Austin.

When Michael is not keeping busy with Sevier County Emergency Management, he can be found on the baseball field. He volunteers his time as an Assistant Coach for Sevier County High School baseball team and also serves as a Head Coach for a 17/18 travel baseball team called Tri-Star Bandits.

Roger (Rocky) Lee Kanipe II

EMA Technician – Flood and Warning Systems
Sevier County Emergency Management Agency

Rocky was born and raised in Hamblen County, TN.

He graduated from Morristown Hamblen High School East in 2002. Rocky obtained an Associate’s degree in Applied Science and Paramedicine from Walters State Community College. Rocky has a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science. Rocky plans to further his education in pursuit of a Ph.D.

Rocky started his career in public safety in 2002. His experience began at Morristown Hamblen 911 as a dispatcher and at Morristown Rescue Squad as a technician. In 2003, he obtained his Emergency Medical Technician-Intravenous Therapy License followed by a Paramedic License from Walters State Community College in 2004. A Critical Care Paramedic License was obtained in 2012. Rocky began his service with Sevier County Ambulance Service in 2006. He was promoted to Training Officer in 2018 and served as the Education Program Director in 2022-2023. In 2023, he joined Sevier County Emergency Management Agency where he serves as the EMA Technician – Flood and Warning Systems.

Rocky has numerous instructor certifications in Emergency Medical Services, including instructor Levels One and Two in the National Association of EMS Educators. He serves as an affiliate faculty member and an instructor for the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians and the American Heart Association. He serves as the Planning Sector Chief for Sevier County’s Incident Management Team. In 2021, he became an instructor for Homeland Security District 2, in the Rescue Task Force program.

Rocky and his wife Krystal have two daughters Abby and Maddie. When Rocky is not fulfilling Sevier County Emergency Management Agency duties, he will be found with his family at sporting events watching his children who are cheerleaders for their schools.

Kelsey Biggs

Administrative Assistant
Sevier County Emergency Management Agency

Kelsey graduated with a Master of Science in Public Relations from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. During her free time she enjoys being at the lake, spending time with her friends and family, and cheering on the VOLs.

Rodger Ogle

Sevier County Emergency Management Agency Technician

Gerry Jones

Sevier County Emergency Management Agency Technician

Rich Iceland

EMA Volunteer – Drone Pilot
Sevier County Emergency Management Agency