Dina McKenna, Communications Commander, has been with the Story County, Iowa, Sheriff's Office since 1989. She started as a Telecommunicator prior to being promoted to Communications Commander in 1990. She is a graduate of Iowa State University with a Bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She serves both as division commander and coordinator for the Story County E-911 Service Board

In her career, Commander McKenna has served as a founding member of the Telecommunicator Training Board, instructed at the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy, and is a member of the Central Iowa Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Team. She is a past-president of the Iowa Chapter for National Emergency Number Association (NENA).

McKenna is a member of several professional organizations including APCO, National Emergency Numbers Association, and the National Sheriff’s Association. She is a standing member of the Law Enforcement Information Technology Standard Committee (LEITSC) Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) group; consultant of International Association of Chiefs of Police (CAD) as requested by member agencies. In 2007, McKenna spoke on the Story County Public Safety Network to the Rural Law Enforcement Technology Center in San Diego, California. Funding for the Public Safety Network is shared among the agencies involved allowing for access to technology not affordable to any one agency alone.

Dina currently is the vice-chair for the Iowa Statewide Interoperable Communications Systems Board. Established in 2007, the ISICSB was established and charged with developing, implementing, and overseeing policy operations relating to communications interoperability at state and local levels while coordinating with federal initiatives. Funding for the ISICSB comes both from grants and state funding. Board members implement and maintain operational issues and review performance of communications interoperability systems. Members develop and establish legislative solutions and seek long-term funding strategies. One of the key roles of the ISICSB is to provide training and identify collaborative networks among affected users.

"One of the things I am most excited about is the changes in thinking that have taken place over the past twenty years. Instead of hoarding resources, there is great consensus for information and resource sharing between and among agencies. The concern for individuals and providing tools needed for efficient and effective job performance has greatly improved through information sharing and leadership across jurisdictional lines and specializations. Recognition and support for the benefits for collaboration and formal networking is also exciting to see. It is exciting to be on the front lines of change, to collaborate with others from across the country to develop and support best practices, and to provide a system for dissemination."

When not working or travelling for work, Dina enjoys time with friends and family. She is committed to activities promoting health and fitness including her favorite, kickboxing. Although work is important, Dina believes in balancing work with time away to rest and re-sharpen. If you asked her where her dream vacation would be, it would be someplace with sun, water sports, and beautiful beaches.