Randall Mathews, Deputy Director, has nearly two decades of combined experience in emergency management and military operations.  During his tenure at Chatham Emergency Management Agency (CEMA), Randall has assumed multiple responsibilities to include overseeing all planning, logistics, training & exercise, hazard mitigation and operational functions for CEMA as well as the Chatham County Emergency Operations Center (EOC). 

During EOC activations, Randall serves as the EOC Manager and ensures that all EOC coordination and operational functions are carried out timely and effectively.  Activation of the EOC for multiple hurricanes and tropical storms, tornadoes and other events of critical significance, including the 2018 C-130 plane crash allow Randall to execute his leadership experience he has garnered from his prior military and emergency management background.  Most recently, Randall served as the Chatham County EOC Manager during historic 2024 Hurricane Season, coordinating the preparation and response efforts across Chatham County. Randall has served as an integral component of Chatham County’s preparedness and response efforts through five Presidential Disaster Declarations (PDD).

Beyond his agency responsibilities, Randall serves as the Emergency Management Association of Georgia (EMAG) Area 5 Chair, the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) Georgia Representative, and an Advisory Board member for the Southeast & Caribbean Disaster Resilience Partnership (SCDRP).

Before joining CEMA, Randall served in the Marine Corps Infantry from 2006 to 2010, completing multiple deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. His leadership during those deployments included conducting over 700 combat patrols — experience that continues to shape his decisive, mission-driven approach to emergency management.

Committed to lifelong service and education, Randall earned an A.A.S. in Homeland Security and Disaster Preparedness from Onondaga Community College, a Bachelor's degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management from Savannah State University (Magna Cum Laude, 2014), and a Master's of Public Administration from the University of West Georgia (Summa Cum Laude, 2021).