HSEM leadership
Allison Farole, HSEM Director
Allison has extensive experience in crisis response and disaster preparedness, serving in emergency management leadership roles for over a decade. Her most recent role was the emergency management administrator for Grand Rapids, Michigan, where she developed and coordinated numerous emergency response operations for all-hazards events. She holds a Master of Public Administration and a Graduate Certificate in Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness from Virginia Commonwealth University.
As the director, she oversees HSEM’s efforts to help build communities that can effectively prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies and disasters.
Kevin Reed, Deputy Director
Kevin has over 17 years of dedicated service at the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. Prior to joining state service, he spent 22 years in the hospitality industry, where he honed his skills in management, customer service, and operational excellence. Kevin holds a degree from North Central College. His extensive background in both the private and public sectors allows them to offer a unique perspective on organizational leadership and problem-solving.
Nate Smolinski, Deputy Director
Nate Smolinski brings more than a decade of experience in public safety communications, interoperability, and technology leadership to his role as Minnesota’s deputy director of communications and interoperability and statewide interoperability coordinator (SWIC). Prior to joining the HSEM, Nate served as chief technology officer for the Wyoming Department of Transportation and as the appointed state 911 coordinator.
During his time in Wyoming, Nate oversaw emergency communications, statewide interoperable radio systems, intelligent transportation systems, and IT operations. Nate began his career with the Wyoming Department of Transportation in 2011 as a telecommunications specialist and advanced through several leadership roles. Prior to his state service, Nate managed a communications contracting firm specializing in critical communications and network infrastructure projects for New York state government facilities.