Colonel (R) Jody Mike Smith was appointed Chief of Preparedness and Response for the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) on June 1, 2025. In this role, he is responsible for leading and coordinating all preparedness and response activities that support MEMA's mission. Colonel Smith guides an experienced team dedicated to protecting Mississippi and its citizens by fostering a comprehensive preparedness process and ensuring timely response coordination. MEMA, recognized as a leader in emergency management innovation, has established a standard of excellence in preparedness and operations. Colonel Smith's leadership and experience will be invaluable in continuing the forward-leaning processes and systems for MEMA and the State Emergency Operations Center, enabling the agency to provide exceptional service to the State of Mississippi in response to the increasing frequency and severity of unexpected events.
Jody Mike brings extensive experience in responding to natural and man-made disasters within Mississippi. With over 33 years of service in the Mississippi National Guard and seven and a half years as a police officer, he has participated in or coordinated responses for a wide range of events. These include ice storms, tornadoes, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, and numerous tropical storms and hurricanes, such as Tropical Storm Bonnie, Hurricane Irma (including deployment to the U.S. Virgin Islands), and Hurricane Ida in August 2021. He also played a key role in coordinating the Mississippi National Guard's response to COVID-19, collaborating with MEMA in support of Governor Reeves' state response framework.
Jody Mike holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Mississippi State University and a Master of Science in Leadership from Belhaven University. He has completed the Domestic Support to Civil Authorities Courses I, II, and III, and is a graduate of the Department of Homeland Security Basic Emergency Management Academy. Additionally, he has earned a certificate of completion from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government Executive Education in Leadership in Homeland Security.
Jody Mike is married to the former Amanda McGlothin. They have four children: a daughter, Hayden, and triplet sons, Danner, Mason, and Paxton. They are members of First Baptist Church Brandon in Brandon, MS.
