Brian E. Geer
Anacortes,WA
Summary
Dynamic emergency management professional with 28 years of experience, including as Emergency Management Coordinator for the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community. Proven leader in disaster response, adept at fostering collaboration and enhancing community preparedness. Exceptional communication skills and a strong background in grant management, driving successful outcomes in high-pressure environments.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Mitigation & Recovery Supervisor
Skagit County
06.2024 - Current
- Provide strategic management, oversight, and implementation of disaster management programs, including the administration of the Community Rating System which supports community floodplain management practice and other disaster recovery grants and funding compliance programs.
- Responsible for developing and coordinating Incident Action Plans (IAP's) for planned and unplanned events in Skagit County.
- Work collaboratively with staff coordinators to enhance capacity for alerts and warnings, training schedules, volunteer coordination and grant management.
- Work with county fire chiefs, fire commissioners, and elected officials to coordinate training, readiness, and response to expanding events.
- Managing a $1.1 million FEMA grant to mitigate property damaged in the 2001 floods.
- Managed $150K Emergency Operations Center technology upgrade to enhance response capacity.
- Managing a $250K command van build as a deployment resource for county and tribal jurisdictions.
Emergency Management Coordinator - Police Officer
Swinomish Indian Tribal Community
07.2017 - 06.2024
- Streamlined emergency management processes by incorporating new technologies to improve communication, coordination, and response.
- Facilitated interagency meetings to foster collaboration among stakeholders involved in disaster response efforts.
- Oversaw inventory management of emergency supplies and equipment, ensuring adequate stock levels during critical situations.
- Organized public outreach campaigns to educate community members about personal preparedness measures and available resources during emergencies.
- Evaluated performance of emergency response following incidents, identifying areas for improvement and implementing new policy and /or procedures as needed.
- Promoted a culture of safety and preparedness within the community by regularly engaging stakeholders in discussions about emergency planning and response.
- Established strong relationships with local, state, and federal agencies to ensure coordinated efforts in emergency situations.
Marina Director
Port of Anacortes
11.2014 - 11.2015
- Managed all operations both in water and upland for Cap Sante Marina.
- Personnel management included the monitoring of the Harbor Master, Office Manager, Security Officers, as well as 18 other full-time, part-time and seasonal positions.
- Accountable for a 7.5 million dollar budget, forecasting revenues, scheduling expenditures, analyzing variances and initiating corrective actions.
- Responsible for all public relations such as weekly summer concerts, boat shows, Rendezvous and an annual 4th of July event that also acted as economic drivers to the local downtown economy.
City Council Member, Position 4
City of Anacortes
01.2006 - 12.2014
- Proposed and passed local laws and ordinances. including legislation related to city budgets, local taxes, land use, zoning and licenses for both business and recreation.
- Interacted with the public to listen to the concerns and suggestions during open meetings, explained new legislation and the impact of legislation on the community to members of the public and represented my constituents during interaction with state, federal or other local governments.
- Worked with Mayor and staff over several years to plan and fund the capacity expansion of the Anacortes Water Treatment Plant.
- Collaberated with county and state officials to complete the Shoreline Master Plan update.
Executive Director
American Red Cross
09.2008 - 12.2011
- Managed day to day activities of the chapter to prepare and respond to local, regional and national disasters.
- Supervised on-site activities of both paid and volunteer staff, empowered staff to meet goals and performance standards established by the Board of Directors of the National Red Cross.
- Developed and maintained relationships with local commercial and private donors to help fund and deliver American Red Cross classes as well as maintain a readiness to respond to all types of disasters.
- Prepared and maintained records and reports, such as budgets, personnel records, or training manuals.
- Spoke to community groups to explain and interpret agency purposes, programs, and policies.
- Directed fund raising activities and the preparation of public relations materials.
Education
FEMA EMI Training
RemoteLaw Enforcement
Criminal Justice Training Center
Burien, WA2001
EMT-D
Skagit County EMS
Burien, WA1997
Firefighter 1
Washington State Fire Academy
North Bend, WA1996
Skills
- Three years as Emergency Management Coordinator for the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community
- 28 years of Emergency Services experience as a police officer, firefighter, and EMT
- Eight years in city government as an elected city councilman with the City of Anacortes
- Served on the City of Anacortes Planning, Finance and Public Works committees
- Four years working with the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce as an Ambassador and board member
- Exceptional team leadership, communication and public speaking skills
- Former executive director of the Islands Chapter of the American Red Cross
- Managed a staff of 22 through a fast paced summer season at a 1000 slip marina while maintaining excellent customer service
- US Army combat veteran Operation Just Cause and Desert Shield/Storm
Accomplishments
- Experience working with FEMA overseeing grant management and THIRA/SPR reporting .
- Managed, and coordinated the incident response to a train derailment behind the Swinomish Casino, March 2023.
- Declared a disaster and managed the Swinomish Tribes recovery with FEMA from a windstorm incident, November 2021.
- Planned and implemented incident response capacity building projects for the Swinomish Tribe. Created a stand alone Emergency Communications Center, a mobile command post, and purchased and up fitted a dedicated response vehicle.
- Created a disaster education series for the Swinomish Tribal Community consisting of four classes covering a wide range of topics culminating in a preparedness fair.
- While building the tribes capacity to respond to, mitigate, and recover from a disaster I reengaged local, regional, and state stakeholders building relationships for mutual preparedness and response planning.
- Oversaw the rebuilding of a failing Red Cross chapter by cutting non specific programs and streamlining existing programs to balance the budget.
- Managed the merger of two Red Cross chapters with an expanded chapter area of 350 square miles and over 100,000 people.
- Through media releases, public speaking, and networking I raised awareness of a Red Cross chapter that was thought to have left the area, creating a positive image while delivering effective service.
Interests
Certified structural and wildland firefighter with Skagit Fire District 13, Competitive Ultra Runner, Traveling, Camping, Emcee for community events, Improv
Skills
Leadership, Team Building, Employee Management, Public Speaking/Education, Policy/Procedures, Budgeting, Life Safety (CPR, First Aid, Rescue) Emergency Services, Communications, and Conflict Resolution.
Timeline
Mitigation & Recovery Supervisor
Skagit County
06.2024 - Current
Emergency Management Coordinator - Police Officer
Swinomish Indian Tribal Community
07.2017 - 06.2024
Marina Director
Port of Anacortes
11.2014 - 11.2015
Executive Director
American Red Cross
09.2008 - 12.2011
City Council Member, Position 4
City of Anacortes
01.2006 - 12.2014
Law Enforcement
Criminal Justice Training Center
EMT-D
Skagit County EMS
FEMA EMI Training
Firefighter 1
Washington State Fire Academy