enhancing public safety in kansas by providing statewide access to next generation 911 services

Sherry Massey began her public service career in 1997 as a 911 telecommunicator in Dickinson County, Kansas. Over time, she became a trainer and later the PSAP (Public Safety Answering Point) administrator. Throughout her career, she earned certifications as a trainer in various fields, including Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) and Communications Center Management, delivering training both within her agency and across the region.

Sherry played a pivotal role in implementing her agency’s first map-based Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system in 2001, which sparked her interest in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). In 2007, she transitioned to the role of GIS Coordinator for Dickinson County, leveraging her 911 background to support response efforts during several declared disasters, including the 2008 Chapman tornado.

In 2011, Sherry earned her master’s degree in GIS and database administration, which enabled her to lead significant software implementations and data conversion projects for the county. Her work with the Kansas 911 Coordinating Council began in 2013, where she volunteered her combined expertise in 911 operations and GIS to advance the state’s transition to Next Generation 911 (NG911).

As a member of the Council’s GIS Committee, Sherry took on multiple roles, including educating PSAPs about GIS, guiding GIS professionals in understanding 911 systems, serving as the primary author of the Kansas NG911 GIS Data Model, and acting as the Council’s technical lead for geospatial call routing implementation.

In recognition of her contributions, Sherry has received the Most Valuable Member award from the Kansas Association of Mappers twice and the prestigious Lifetime Achievement award in 2022. She also serves as co-chair of the NENA GIS Data Model Working Group, further demonstrating her leadership and expertise in the field.

In 2023, Sherry transitioned to a full-time role focused on Council initiatives. Following the passage of legislation in 2024 that transformed the Council into a state agency, she was appointed Executive Director, tasked with leading the transition and building the new agency from the ground up.