The Communications Academy is open to anyone with an interest in emergency communications, volunteer or professional. The presentations are designed to promote the development of knowledgeable, skilled emergency communicators who will support their local communities during a disaster or emergency response.

In the past four years the academy has featured several nationally known keynote speakers. This year's keynote speaker is Jerry Boyd, a retired Police Chief and former volunteer Fire Chief and a licensed amateur since 1958. He is the author of five books, two on law enforcement subjects and three on amateur radio emergency communications. He is also the author of dozens of articles in professional and amateur radio journals.

Jerry currently serves as a public safety consultant and university/college instructor on law enforcement/public safety topics. He currently serves as District 6 Emergency Coordinator for Baker, Grant, Harney and Malheur Counties, Oregon ARES/RACES.