Jeffrey D. Roth is a proven leader in government operations, military service, and emergency management, with a track record of driving critical initiatives that enhance public services, leverage data-driven decision-making, and improve emergency response protocols. Roth’s career in public service began in New York City government, where he held pivotal leadership roles across multiple agencies.
As deputy commissioner at the New York City Department of Veterans’ Services, he led efforts to support over 210,000 veterans. At the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission, Roth oversaw policy development and data analytics as deputy commissioner for policy and external affairs. His tenure at the Fire Department of the City of New York as assistant commissioner of management initiatives saw him spearhead the Risk-Based Inspection System, a groundbreaking initiative that identified high-risk buildings and prioritized them for inspection. Earlier in his career, Roth served in the New York City Mayor’s Office of Operations under former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, where he led high-priority interagency initiatives focused on data analytics, emergency response coordination, and customer service improvements.
Alongside his public service career, Roth has served with distinction in the Army National Guard, rising to the rank of colonel. He commanded the 1-258th Field Artillery Regiment in Harlem and currently serves as commander of Joint Task Force Empire Shield (JTF-ES), leading homeland security operations across the New York City metropolitan area. Under his leadership, JTF-ES has expanded its role, including deploying forces into the New York City subway system. Roth’s military service spans global and domestic crisis response operations. He played a pivotal role as chief of operations for the U.S. Army Operation Spartan Shield COVID-19 Emergency Operations Cell, managing pandemic response across six Middle Eastern countries over 35 U.S. military installations, supporting more than 30,000 U.S. Department of Defense personnel. His deployments have included serving in Jordan and Kuwait for Operation Spartan Shield and in Sinai, Egypt as part of the Multinational Force and Observers, where he contributed to maintaining peace between Egypt and Israel. Closer to home, he was activated during Superstorm Sandy in 2012, assisting in New York City’s emergency response and recovery efforts.
Roth has a Master of Arts in public policy and urban planning from Harvard University, a Master of Arts in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College, and a Bachelor of Arts in social relations from Michigan State University.