SW Emergency Management Director
Office of Risk Services

Mr. Busch provides system-wide leadership and strategic direction for the University of Alaska’s Emergency Management program.� Comprehensive, all-hazards emergency management programs are developed by working collaboratively with university leadership, incident management teams, and community stakeholders.� Together, the Statewide and university emergency managers address the areas of mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery to ensure the highest level of resiliency for the University of Alaska. �Mr. Busch has 13 years of experience leading effective emergency management programs in education and healthcare settings, holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from North Dakota State University, and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Mary.

Started March 6, 2015

Computer Operator
Data Center Operation

James Mechling is the newest computer operator to join the team which oversees the daily operations of the Statewide Data center. Prior to joining the Data Center, Mechling was a System Administrator with Desktop Support here at the University of Alaska.

Born in New Kingston, Rhode Island, and originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Mechling has been in Alaska for the 16 years since departing the military.

Mechling's background training comes from both the U.S. Army and UAF. He's certified in� Compt TIA Security+, Net+ and A+ in addition to numerous other technical certifications.

He has two adult daughters; Mackenzie and Megan, ages 21 and 19 respectively.