08-04-2025
New Carter Co. EMA director appointed
CARTER COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) — A new director and deputy director of the Elizabethton/Carter County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) have been hired, the county mayor announced on Tuesday.
A news release from the office of Carter County Mayor Patty Woodby states that Cathy Umrichin has been appointed EMA director. Luke Gragg has also been appointed deputy director, according to Woodby.
Carter County emergency management director fired
Billy Harrell, the county's former EMA director, was fired in December 2024. Harrell later alleged that Woodby had created a hostile work environment and violated his First Amendment rights. Harrell threatened legal action and demanded $1 million, claiming through a letter from his lawyers that he would take the matter to federal court.
Harrell told News Channel 11 on Tuesday that he has not filed a lawsuit against Woodby or the county.
After Harrell was fired, deputy EMA director Shannon Winters served as the interim director until he resigned in February 2025. Gary Smith, who previously led the agency but retired in 2021, filled in as interim until Umrichin's appointment.
The release states that Shaun Smith was also chosen as the new head of the Carter County Veterans Service Office.
'Cathy, Luke and Shaun bring an extensive amount of experience and dedication to their respective roles, strengthening vital services in the county,' Woodby said in the release. 'I have full confidence in their ability to serve our community with excellence.'
Umrichin has more than 30 years of experience in crisis response and has led emergency responses with a multitude of agencies. According to the release, she coordinated with the New York Police Department and Port Authority during the 9/11 attacks.
She also has experience managing staff and overseeing budget and public relations operations.
Gragg also brings decades of experience in emergency management to the table. A former volunteer firefighter, Gragg later worked with Washington County-Johnson City Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and eventually became rescue lieutenant.
Smith joins the county leadership team as a retired U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer. He served as a radioman/information systems technician chief on numerous vessels over multiple deployments in the Mediterranean Sea, Persian Gulf, Afghanistan and Bahrain.
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