Team Bios

Renee Gavin

Emergency Management Director

Renee Gavin is the Emergency Manager for Muskegon County, a position she took on in August 2023. Renee holds a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice and has more than 25 years of experience in public and private safety. Renee is a certified Professional Emergency Manager (PEM) through the Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division, is a Licensed EMT, an American Heart Association Instructor, and a certified CERT Instructor. She was also trained as a Project Lifesaver Electronic Search Specialist in 2020. Her diverse background includes law enforcement, emergency medical services, investigations, executive protection, and tactical driving, as well as experience in hospital and college security.

Previously, Renee served as Deputy Director of Newaygo County Emergency Services for six years, where she coordinated the CERT and Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) volunteer teams, updated the Newaygo County Hazard Management Plan, the Muskegon County Hazard Mitigation Plan, and was responsible for SARA Title III hazardous materials site plans. Renee also managed aspects of response and recovery for two governors' disaster declarations (2018 and 2019) and a Presidential disaster declaration (COVID) in Newaygo County (2020–2021).

Renee is passionate about her diverse responsibilities, including research, geology, and collaborating with public safety and community partners to improve disaster prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery efforts. As the Emergency Manager for Muskegon County, she continues to apply her extensive experience and commitment to enhancing public safety.

Gwen Kelliher

Administrative Assistant

Gwen joined the Muskegon County Emergency Management team in January 2025, bringing with her over 19 years of diverse office experience. With a strong background in budgets, grant management, spreadsheets, technology and communication, she adds both structure and heart to the team’s daily operations.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry with a concentration in Freshwater Biology from Central Michigan University, providing her with a unique perspective on biological and chemical hazards. Gwen’s training as a life coach further enhances her ability to communicate effectively, especially during high-stress or traumatic situations.

In previous roles, Gwen supported educators and academic coaches with a variety of tasks, co-created and facilitated workshops for food service leaders, and worked as an organic chemist for an environmental company. As a multipotentialite, these experiences have shaped her collaborative, analytical, and service-oriented approach to work.

Now serving as the Administrative Assistant to the Emergency Manager, Gwen thrives on the dynamic nature of her role—where no two days are the same. From handling grant paperwork to facilitating Stop the Bleed training to maintaining SARA Title III documentation, she finds deep purpose in contributing to the community’s safety through prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery efforts.