Texas NENA 2nd Vice President Candidates
Mike Aurora, ENP
Mike Aurora is currently in his 17th year in the 9-1-1 industry, dedicating his career to serving public safety and supporting the professionals who answer the call every day.
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Mike began his career at San Marcos 9-1-1, first as a Telecommunications Operator and later as a 9-1-1 Shift Supervisor. In 2020, he transitioned from the headset to begin a new chapter with the Capital Area Council of Governments (CAPCOG) in Austin, serving as a 9-1-1 Telecommunications Coordinator for the Capital Area Emergency Communications District (CAECD). After more than a year in that role, he advanced to 9-1-1 Technologies Project Manager, where he now works closely with 27 PSAPs across the CAPCOG region to support technology initiatives and strengthen emergency communications systems.
Mike has also been deeply involved in professional service. For seven years, he has served on the Texas APCO/NENA Public Safety Conference Committee, holding leadership roles including Sponsorship Committee Chair, Conference Co-Chair, Conference Chair, and Publicity Committee Co-Chair. His experience demonstrates a strong commitment to collaboration, planning, and advancing the 9-1-1 profession statewide.
After serving three terms on the Texas NENA Board as the Central Regional Coordinator, Mike now aspires to serve as the next Texas NENA 2nd Vice President. He seeks the opportunity to represent not only Central Texas, but the entire state. If elected, Mike will work to ensure that Texas NENA remains a shining example of what the 9-1-1 profession is capable of achieving.
Please vote for Mike Aurora for 2026 Texas NENA 2nd Vice President.
This is the way.
Sarah Elfers
Sarah began her dispatching career with the Brazos County 9-1-1 District in 2021. Through dedication, strong performance, and a passion for professional growth, she quickly advanced into a leadership role and now serves as Team Lead and Trainer. In this capacity, she supports both new and experienced telecommunicators, fostering skill development, operational excellence, and a culture of continuous improvement within her agency.
Sarah is currently pursuing her Emergency Number Professional (ENP) certification, further demonstrating her commitment to expanding her expertise and strengthening the 9-1-1 profession.
Beyond her agency, Sarah remains actively engaged in the public safety communications community. She is a member of TX-TERT (Texas Telecommunicator Emergency Response Taskforce) and volunteers with NENA, APCO, and 911der Women. She also participates in the Texas APCO mentorship program.
Passionate about telecommunicator wellness, Sarah plans to continue expanding her training in peer support and wellness initiatives within the 9-1-1 center. She is committed to encouraging fellow frontline professionals to engage with organizations beyond their communication center, believing that involvement at the local, state, and national levels strengthens both individual growth and the profession as a whole.
Joanne Gillium, ENP
My name is Joanne Gilliam, and I am honored to be a candidate for Texas NENA 2nd Vice President.
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I have proudly served McLennan County 9-1-1 for the past 17 years, beginning my career as the Public Education and Training Coordinator and currently serving as Operations Specialist. Throughout my tenure, I have been deeply committed to strengthening 9-1-1 services through training, public education, operational support, and collaboration across agencies.
In addition to my local service, I have been actively involved with Texas NENA, including serving as the Central Regional Coordinator. I have also held multiple leadership roles with the Public Educators of Texas, including serving as President. These experiences have allowed me to work alongside dedicated professionals from across the state, advocate for best practices, and support the continued growth of public education and training in 9-1-1.
I earned my Emergency Number Professional (ENP) certification in 2016, reflecting my ongoing commitment to professional development and excellence in the 9-1-1 profession.
I am passionate about supporting our members, fostering collaboration, and helping Texas NENA continue to move forward in a rapidly evolving 9-1-1 environment. I would be honored to serve as your 2nd Vice President and to give back to the organization that has given me so much throughout my career.
Thank you for your consideration and support.
Texas NENA Central Regional Coordinator Candidate
Kate Wolf
Kate began her public safety career in 2003 as a Telecommunicator. Over the years, she has served in a variety of roles giving her a unique perspective on how everything works together toward a common goal. Within Emergency Communications, her experience spans working in positions as Telecommunicator, Trainer, Supervisor, and Training Division Manager. Kate currently serves as the Director of Williamson County Emergency Communications, where she is dedicated to the betterment of her employees, citizens, first responders, and community partners. Under her leadership, her center recently achieved status as a Tri-Accredited Center of Excellence through IAED, a testament to her commitment to quality.
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She actively contributes to regional safety initiatives, serving on the CAPCOG Strategic Advisory Committee, the Hutto ISD Career and Technical Education Advisory Committee, and the Round Rock ISD Safety and Security Committee. A lifelong learner, Kate holds a Master’s Degree in Public Policy with her undergraduate work in Criminal Justice and Paralegal Studies. She has completed NENA’s CMCP Certification, Fitch and Associates CCM Course, and is currently pursuing the FBI-LEEDA Trilogy.
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Kate is a passionate advocate for the 911 profession and the dedicated individuals who put on a headset every day. She believes strongly in fostering a positive culture and developing strong leadership within the industry. As for spare time—who are we kidding? Kate doesn’t have any!
Texas NENA North Regional Coordinator Candidate
Sofia Brabham
I have been part of the 9‑1‑1 profession for more than 12 years, serving in a variety of roles ranging from frontline telecommunicator to training coordinator, and now as the Tarrant 9‑1‑1 District’s Public Safety and Mental Health Analyst. Throughout my career, I have collaborated with numerous organizations to deliver innovative, high-quality training to emergency dispatchers across Texas. In my current role as an analyst, I research and develop scientifically supported curriculum on topics such as mental health, stress management, wellness, and other critical frontline issues.
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I am passionate about elevating the visibility and recognition of 9‑1‑1—the critical first point of contact in the public safety system. As a trainer, I have had the opportunity to travel to communications centers across the state, bringing essential training and support directly to emergency telecommunicators. Because many centers face challenges in accessing resources and training, my vision as the North Regional Coordinator is to serve as an advocate and trusted resource for our centers and the professionals who support them.
Texas NENA Panhandle Regional Coordinator Candidate
Michael Mendoza
Michael has proudly served the City of Amarillo for more than 15 years in Police, Fire, and EMS dispatch operations. For the past four years, he has held the position of Telecommunications Shift Supervisor at the Amarillo Emergency Communications Center, where he leads personnel, oversees daily operations, and ensures the delivery of efficient, accurate, and professional emergency communications services. His diverse experience across multiple public safety disciplines has provided him with a well-rounded understanding of PSAP operations, interagency collaboration, and the evolving challenges facing emergency communications professionals.
In addition to his communications career, Michael has served the Panhandle Volunteer Fire Department since 2019 and was recently promoted to Captain, further strengthening his operational insight and reinforcing his commitment to public safety at every level. His combined experience in both dispatch and field response gives him a unique and comprehensive perspective on the needs of telecommunicators and first responders alike.
Michael has also demonstrated his dedication to the broader Texas 9-1-1 community through his involvement with the Texas Public Safety Conference, where he began serving as a volunteer in 2024 and now serves as the Industry Partner Hall Chair. Through this role, he has built strong professional relationships across the state and gained valuable experience in coordination, communication, and organizational leadership.
Known for his composure in high-pressure situations, Michael leads with empathy, integrity, and accountability. He believes that effective leadership begins with listening and that strong regional representation requires accessibility, collaboration, and proactive engagement. He is passionate about supporting PSAPs across the region, encouraging participation in statewide initiatives, promoting professional development opportunities, and strengthening membership involvement.
Michael is committed to serving the Panhandle Region by fostering a cohesive, informed, and engaged public safety communications community, one built on respect, collaboration, and a shared dedication to excellence.