Jeff Copeland started his career with Hillsborough County Emergency Management in 2006 after serving as an officer in the United States Coast Guard. He was named the Department's Interim Director in 2011.

Mr. Copeland holds a bachelors degree in Management from Eckerd College, a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from Golden Gate University, and a graduate certificate in Disaster Management from the University of South Florida's College of Public Health. He is an active member of the Florida Emergency Preparedness Association and holds current certifications as a certified Florida Professional Emergency Manager (FPEM), Master Exercise Practitioner (MEP), and Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR).