Michele A. Surdam Named New Director of Prince William County Department of Public Safety Communications

The Prince William Board of County Supervisors is pleased to announce that it has appointed Michele A. Surdam, who has served Prince William County for more than 30 years, to be the new Director of the Prince William County Department of Public Safety Communications. 

Surdam, who started with the county as a Telecommunicator 1 and most recently served as Acting Director of Public Safety Communications, brings a wealth of knowledge to the position and will lead a diverse team of 121 full- and part-time employees and contractors that comprise the department’s administration, operations and systems divisions.

“Michele’s long-time commitment to Prince William County combined with her experience and expertise will ensure that the Public Safety Communications Center continues to meet the highest standards expected by the Prince William Board of County Supervisors and Prince William County residents,” said Chair At-Large Ann B. Wheeler, Board of County Supervisors. “Michele’s proven dedication to the county will help her provide the necessary leadership to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and further public trust in the Public Safety Communications Department.” 

While Acting Director, Surdam provided executive leadership and led strategic initiatives and task forces. She also administered policy and procedure development for proper call reception, appropriate asset dispatch and monitoring local, state and federal mandates.

Surdam, the Acting Director of the Public Safety Communications Department since April 2022, has experience operating effectively in high-stress situations in managing the Computer Aided Dispatch System, E-911 and nonemergency telephone, voice logging and radio systems.

She oversaw all aspects of technology implementation during the renovation of the Backup Communications Center at Western District Station, as well as the use of Central District Station as a tertiary location during the pandemic. She also led the technology implementation and installation at the George T. Owens Communications Center.

Surdam has been instrumental in the ever-evolving Public Safety Communications Department technology.

“Michele has been a valued asset to the county since 1989. She continues to bring her skills and expertise to the county, and we look forward to her tenure as director of Prince William County Public Safety Communications,” remarked Acting County Executive Elijah Johnson.

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