02/24/2026
Derek Woolbright Named Assistant Director of Education Safety
Derek Woolbright has been hired as the Assistant Director of Education Safety for the Putnam County Emergency Management Agency. Woolbright, who has served Jackson County emergency services for more than 17 years, joins the EMA team in a new shared role that splits responsibilities between Tennessee Tech University and Putnam County Schools. He will assist both organizations to be better prepared for emergencies, and will assist with ensuring an all-hazards approach to safety for students, faculty, staff, and visitors of their respective campuses.
PCEMA Director Brandon Smith commented, “When we envisioned this position, Derek was exactly the type of candidate we had in mind. He brings all the qualifications we specified and were hoping for. His experience and personality uniquely position him as a team builder, to bring stakeholders to the table for training, planning, and response to incidents in the education environment.”
Woolbright commented he was impressed to see this position and the collaboration it took to make it happen. “I am thankful to be a part of Putnam County EMA in this new and exciting role. I commend all agencies involved for recognizing the importance of education safety and the role emergency management plays in that. I look forward to doing my part to ensure this position is beneficial to not only faculty, staff, and students, but each and every citizen of Putnam County,” he stated.
Woolbright’s career has allowed him a unique platform to train for the work he will be focusing on. He began his career with Jackson County 911 in 2009, then worked into being a reserve deputy with the sheriff’s department there, and in 2011 began working with Jackson County EMS as an EMT and later a paramedic and critical care paramedic. Throughout his time with Jackson County he also worked alongside EMA Director Keith Bean on many projects and responses, providing a wide variety of emergency services experience.
The son of an educator and school facilities supervisor, Woolbright understands the education system and the unique challenges faced in keeping students safe. “I have always had a passion for education, with my mom being a teacher and principal and my dad working in school facilities, but once Director Bean started letting me work in the schools with our public education programs I was hooked. It is really nice for me to be able to mix my work passion with the dinner table conversations growing up – I’m really looking forward to this.”
“We know that part of the reason students choose Tennessee Tech is the sense of safety and welcome they feel both on campus and in the broader Cookeville community,” said Tennessee Tech President Phil Oldham. “Working alongside University Police, the new assistant director of education safety will be an integral part of our strategy to maintain and build on the safe university environment students have come to know and expect. We are grateful to Brandon Smith and our partners at the Putnam County Emergency Management Agency for their leadership throughout this process and look forward to Derek’s service to our campus.”
“The safety of our students and staff is always our top priority. We are excited to welcome Derek Woolbright into this important role and to strengthen our partnership with Putnam County EMA and Tennessee Tech University," said Putnam County Director of Schools Corby King. "Derek’s extensive background in emergency services and his understanding of the educational environment make him uniquely qualified to help us continue building a proactive, all-hazards approach to school safety. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to preparedness, prevention, and protecting every student in Putnam County Schools.”
Woolbright has already started working with University and School System leadership to identify their priorities and begin working to immediately make an impact enhancing plans for each.
Please help us welcome Derek to the team!
