Sherry Massey’s career is a testament to dedication and innovation within the public safety sector, particularly in the critical field of 911 emergency services. Beginning her journey in 1997 as a 911 telecommunicator in Dickinson County, Kansas, Sherry’s commitment to public service quickly became evident. Her initial role was just the starting point of a career marked by continuous growth and significant contributions to the evolution of 911 systems.
From her early days answering emergency calls, Sherry progressed to become a trainer, sharing her expertise with new recruits and seasoned professionals alike. She achieved certifications in key areas such as Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) and Communications Center Management, demonstrating her commitment to upholding the highest standards in 911 operations. Her training extended beyond her local agency, reaching across the region, enhancing the capabilities of numerous 911 centers.
A pivotal moment in Sherry’s career trajectory was her involvement in the implementation of her agency’s first map-based Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system in 2001. This experience ignited her passion for Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and its potential to revolutionize 911 response. Recognizing the power of location data in emergency situations, Sherry transitioned to the role of GIS Coordinator for Dickinson County in 2007.
In this capacity, Sherry played a crucial role in supporting disaster response efforts, notably during the 2008 Chapman tornado. Her 911 background combined with her growing GIS skills proved invaluable in coordinating emergency services and resource allocation during this critical event. Driven by a desire to deepen her expertise, Sherry earned a master’s degree in GIS and database administration in 2011. This advanced education empowered her to lead complex software implementations and data conversion projects for the county, further enhancing its technological infrastructure for public safety.
Sherry’s influence extended to the state level when she began volunteering with the Kansas 911 Coordinating Council in 2013. She brought her unique blend of 911 operational knowledge and GIS proficiency to the forefront, championing the state’s transition to Next Generation 911 (NG911). As a key member of the Council’s GIS Committee, Sherry undertook diverse responsibilities. She educated Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) about the benefits of GIS, guided GIS professionals in understanding the intricacies of 911 systems, and authored the Kansas NG911 GIS Data Model. Furthermore, she served as the Council’s technical lead for geospatial call routing implementation, a critical component of modern 911 infrastructure.
Her exceptional contributions have been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Most Valuable Member award from the Kansas Association of Mappers (twice) and the Lifetime Achievement award in 2022. Sherry’s leadership extends nationally as co-chair of the NENA GIS Data Model Working Group, further solidifying her reputation as a leading expert in the field.
In 2023, Sherry dedicated herself fully to Council initiatives, and in 2024, following legislative changes that transformed the Council into a state agency, she was appointed Executive Director. In this pivotal role, Sherry is now leading the establishment of the new agency, building upon her extensive experience and unwavering commitment to advancing 911 services and public safety across Kansas. Her journey from a 911 telecommunicator to Executive Director exemplifies a lifetime dedicated to enhancing emergency response through expertise, innovation, and leadership.
