BJ McClenton, Associate Director, ASSUREd Safe

BJ McClenton, Ph.D., Associate Director of ASSUREd Safe, brings over two decades of first responder and emergency service experience as both a firefighter and emergency medical technician. Prior to joining ASSUREd Safe, he spent 15 years with Mississippi State University Extension, where he led adult education and outreach programs. Dr. McClenton continues to serve his community as a Volunteer Fire Coordinator, E-911 Board Chair, and Emergency Management Board Member. He began integrating UAS technology to support agricultural producers and programs, later expanding its use to assist local emergency management agencies and public safety departments with emergency response and search-and-rescue operations, and conducting damage assessments. As part of Mississippi State University’s Disaster Response Team, he has also supported statewide recovery and relief efforts in partnership with the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency. In his role with ASSUREd Safe, Dr. McClenton leverages his combined expertise in public safety and academia to lead the development of a dynamic UAS first responder training program, advancing national security, preparedness, and resilience in times of crisis.