Jordan Hanes

Deputy director

Franklin County Emergency Management

Age: 34

Current city of residence: Richland

Briefly describe your company:

Franklin County Emergency Management’s priority is the safety and resilience of our community and is dedicated to empowering the community with the knowledge and tools needed to protect themselves and their property during an emergency. Through proactive disaster planning, extensive preparedness education, community outreach, training and resource coordination, Franklin County Emergency Management prepares for a wide range of threats and hazards.

How long have you worked there?

I have been the deputy director for one year, before that I was the administrative executive for four years.

Education: Please list any degrees and professional certifications.

• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Management, 2022.
• Advanced Public Information Officer, 2022.
• Perry Technical Institute, Business Technology and Accounting Program, 2011.

Briefly describe your job and what you do.

For years, I cultivated a strong foundation in the accounting and finance sector. Alongside this professional development, I maintained a keen interest in emergency preparedness and safety. Observing an opportunity to uniquely combine these two areas, I applied for an administrative executive position with Franklin County Emergency Management. This role, along with the encouragement of my mentors, helped cultivate a genuine passion for public information. My daily work is dynamic and at times unpredictable, encompassing coordination of multiple grants, the development of emergency plans, collaborative work with public safety officials and the community, and active participation in training and exercises in Washington state.

Tell us about your work history.

For most of my professional career, I have been in the accounting field as a bookkeeper, accountant and accounting specialist. Throughout my career, I have reviewed government contracts, performed various accounting functions, authored procedures, trained professionals in public information and facilitated exercises in various roles.

Tell us about your first job.

My very first job was at McDonald’s as a crew member, where I gained foundational experience in a fast-paced environment. I quickly learned to be efficient in fulfilling various roles, from food preparation to operating the register and providing good customer service. This experience also taught me the importance of teamwork and cooperation to ensure smooth operations, including tasks like balancing the till and ordering supplies.

What advice would you give to your younger self about achieving success?

Life is going to throw some serious curveballs your way. You’re going to stumble, you’re going to fall and there will be times when if feels like everything is going wrong. Those moments, those hardships and failures, they’re not punishments. They are some of the most valuable lessons you’ll ever receive.

It is OK to feel the weight of those challenges. It is OK to be sad, frustrated, angry or even scared. Let yourself experience those emotions; they are a natural part of being human. But don’t let those feelings consume you or make you give up.

Think of each pitfall as a chance to figure out what didn’t work. Analyze it, understand it, and then use that knowledge to make your next step stronger and smarter. Growth doesn’t happen when things are easy, it happens when you push through the tough stuff. Every challenge is a teaching moment, learn from it and you will become more resilient.

What was your dream job as a child?

I wanted to be a teacher/librarian/singer and floral artist. All of those things. I was very creative and imaginative. I love seeing people learn and grow.

Who are your role models – and why?

I am very fortunate to have several individuals who have significantly shaped who I am today. My grandfather Steve Simon instilled in me the fundamental principles of business and a strong work ethic. He taught me the value of dedication and perseverance.

My other grandfather Howard Moore gave me the gift of time. He showed me the importance of understanding others, as well as taking pride in my work.

Finally, I wouldn’t be where I am today without my mentors Sean Davis and Deanna Davis who have been instrumental in my understanding of emergency management. They have shared their knowledge and experiences with me, and I am forever grateful to have their invaluable support.

What would be your top three priorities to make our community a better place?

1. Championing inclusive access and communication: To ensure all members of our community, including those with limited English proficiency and access and functional needs, can fully participate in community life, access essential services and feel welcome and respected.

2. Promoting conservation and education of our natural resources: To safeguard and enhance our local fishing and hunting opportunities through responsible conservation practices and comprehensive education for all community members.

3. Building a prepared and resilient community: Empower the whole community with the knowledge, skills and resources necessary to prepare for and respond to emergencies and disruptions, fostering a more resilient community.

Tell us about your community involvement/community service:

You will often find me at local events in Franklin County like National Night Out and the Family Expo. I have presented emergency preparedness topics to groups like Aging & Long Term Care of Washington, Boys & Girls Clubs of Benton and Franklin Counties and Girl Scouts of the USA. I was a board member of the Columbia Basin Bass Club for a few years as well.

What else should we know about you?

Beyond my work, I lead a dynamic life as a wife and mother of two children with diverse interests, including tae kwon do and music. This has naturally honed my ability to multitask, manage a demanding schedule and adapt quickly to unforeseen circumstances, including potential emergencies. I also find fulfillment in activities such as hunting, fishing and reading. Additionally, I am a passionate supporter of women’s advancement and success within male-dominated fields, recognizing the importance of composure and problem-solving skills in high-pressure environments.

How do you achieve work-life balance?

I feel fortunate that my career aligns with my personal interests. Outside of work, my family is my priority, and spending time with them keeps me grounded and fulfilled.

Do you have family? Pets? Tell us about them.

I enjoy spending time with my husband, Ben, who shares my enthusiasm for the outdoors. We actively participate in fishing and hunting together, including friendly tournament competition. I am also a proud parent of two children: my daughter, who is a talented multi-instrumentalist, and my son, who is engaged in tae kwon do and enjoys Pokémon. We also have a dog named Hazel who loves on us constantly.

How long have you lived in the Tri-Cities?

I have lived in the Tri-Cities since 2015. I was a single mother living in an apartment in another city when a man I didn’t know broke into my home. I asked him, “Can I help you?” I had talked with him a bit and let him know that he was not at the right residence and that he needed to leave. The authorities did not find him. After that unsettling experience, I applied to jobs all over Washington state, settling in Richland where I felt safe and there were plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation.

What’s your dream vacation?

Oh I have several! I would love to take my husband to Mazatlan to go fishing at Lake El Salto or to Alaska to fish the Kenai. For tourism I would absolutely enjoy to go to Europe and spend lots of time there.

Planner or procrastinator?

I am a planner. I like to have everything laid out and see all the options beforehand.

Introvert or extrovert?

I like to say I’m an introverted extrovert. I am happy to talk when engaged but I am just as happy to stay in my corner and read a book.

First car?

Ford Focus

Favorite day of the week?

Saturday

Favorite thing to do in Tri-Cities?

I love to do things with my family. Most recently, we’ve enjoyed visiting the local wineries and sampling local foods.

What would people be most surprised to learn about you?

I once was qualified on the Washington State Bass team (fishing, not the instrument). I read over 50 books a year.

Favorite Tri-City restaurant?

Monterosso’s or Picante Mexican Taqueria

Text, email, phone call?

Text followed by a phone call because I might be driving.

Would you rather travel back in time or to the future?

I would rather see the future, then come back to the present and tell myself what happened.