Press release from the Florida Division of Emergency Management

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) Executive Director Jared W. Perdue, P.E., announced key appointments to the Division’s leadership team, including Chief of Staff and Deputy Executive Director of Finance and Administration, State Emergency Response Team (SERT) Chief, and Acting Bureau Chief of Response.

The appointments ensure continuity across FDEM’s operations and strengthen the Division’s leadership team as Florida enters the historical peak of hurricane season.

“Just like disaster response, FDEM does not wait. Emergency management requires experienced leaders who can make decisions quickly, work across agencies, and remain focused on serving Floridians,” said Florida Division of Emergency Management Executive Director Jared W. Perdue. “We are proud to welcome Jay K. Arnold Jr. to FDEM and elevate Dr. Frank E. Lumm and Amy Godsey into these critical leadership roles. Each brings significant experience, proven leadership, and a commitment to public service that will strengthen our ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.”

Jay K. Arnold Jr., Chief of Staff and Deputy Executive Director of Finance and Administration

Arnold brings extensive leadership experience across state government, emergency operations, and military service to FDEM. He served as a United States Marine Corps Infantry Officer before joining the Governor’s Office of Policy and Budget as Environmental Policy Chief. In 2023, Arnold served as Chief of Staff for the Florida State Guard, overseeing numerous activations and operations.

Currently, Arnold also serves as the Governor’s Deputy Chief of Staff overseeing agencies including the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Florida Department of Corrections, Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Department of Military Affairs, Volunteer Florida, and Immigration Enforcement Operations. His experience coordinating across state agencies and managing complex operations positions him to help lead FDEM’s administrative and operational priorities.

Arnold holds a Master of Science in Applied American Politics from Florida State University and a Master of Business Administration from Syracuse University.

Dr. Frank E. Lumm, State Emergency Response Team Chief

Dr. Lumm brings nearly 25 years of emergency management and public safety experience to his new role leading the State Emergency Response Team. His career began with the Grinnell Fire Department in 1999 and includes service with the United States Army, American Red Cross, and Osceola County Office of Emergency Management.

He later served as an Emergency Management Project Manager with Fort Logistics before spending six years with Bay County Emergency Services, advancing from Emergency Management Specialist to Division Chief. Most recently, Dr. Lumm served for nearly two years as FDEM’s Field Team Incident Commander, providing direct operational leadership and extensive knowledge of Florida’s emergency management system.

Lumm holds a Master of Science in Emergency Management and a Ph.D. in Psychology from Grand Canyon University.

Amy Godsey, Acting Bureau Chief of Response

Godsey brings nearly 20 years of experience at FDEM and extensive expertise in emergency response, operations, and meteorology to her new role. Most recently serving as Deputy Bureau Chief of Response, Operations Section Chief, and Chief State Meteorologist, Godsey provides critical weather intelligence and risk information to the Governor and senior state leadership to support preparedness, evacuation, response, and recovery decisions.

Godsey coordinates weather information across local, state, and federal partners and maintains key relationships with the National Hurricane Center, National Weather Service, academic institutions, and emergency management agencies. She also oversees programmatic activities within the Operations and Technological Hazards sections of the Response Bureau.

Since joining FDEM in 2006, Godsey has supported more than 60 emergency activations and 25 federally declared disasters. In 2024, Governor Ron DeSantis appointed her to serve on the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund Advisory Council.

As Florida enters the historical peak of hurricane season, FDEM continues to monitor conditions statewide and coordinate with local, state, and federal emergency management partners. Floridians are encouraged to review their disaster plans, know their evacuation zones, and ensure their households are prepared for potential impacts.

For preparedness information and resources, visit FloridaMakeAPlan.com.

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