Cherrie May
Poulsbo,WA
Summary
Experienced Emergency Manager and Suquamish Tribal Member, skilled in crisis management and interagency collaboration. Success in securing federal and state funding, improved emergency response strategies at the tribal government level, and built strong stakeholder relationships. Recognized for exceptional problem-solving abilities and expertise in partnership development, ensuring effective emergency planning and execution.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Emergency Manager
Suquamish Tribe
04.2007 - Current
- Reviewed community issues facing emergency management response and through communication and collaboration with partner agencies identified resolutions.
- Applied and received federal and state funding for emergency-management-related needs and administered and reported on progress of such grants.
- Facilitated emergency management training for staff and conducted emergency drills.
- Incorporated emergency management system operations into the daily activities of tribal government.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to prepare plans and procedures to respond to emergency scenarios.
- Reviewed operational plans from other Tribes, Federal & State agencies and Local partners to identify options to streamline systems.
- Utilized comprehensive risk analysis to identify, assess and manage emergency management risks.
WA State Region 2 HLS Tribal Planner
Kitsap County, Region 2 HLS Coordinator
01.2003 - 03.2007
- Write CEMP plans for WA St. HLS Region 2 Tribal governments.
- Shared activities or changes that might impact the likelihood of emergency factors influencing response efforts, and details of plan implementation within the tribal government.
- Assist Tribes to built and strengthened relationships with local, state and federal response agencies to manage effective planning and implementation of emergency response strategies.
- Facilitated emergency management training for staff and conducted emergency drills.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Identified issues, analyzed information and provided solutions to problems.
- Strengthened communication between the WA State HLS Region 2 and Tribal governments through regular meetings with local, state and federal partners.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Homeland Security & Emergency Management
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ2025
Certification - Environmental Management
University of Washington
Seattle, WA1998
Associate of Science - Environmental Science
Evergreen Community College
Olympia, WA1997
Skills
- Evacuation Procedures
- Interagency collaboration
- Emergency communications
- Crisis Management
- Hazard mitigation
- Emergency planning
- Multitasking Abilities
- Partnership Development
- Problem-Solving
- Relationship Building
Additional Information
Member, Washington State Emergency Management Council (2022–Present): Actively contribute to state-level emergency management strategies and policies.
Assisted in Developing the Olympic Region Tribal Public Health Mutual Aid Agreement: Played a key role in crafting a pioneering agreement that serves as a model nationwide for collaboration between Local County Health Districts and Tribal Governments.
Timeline
Emergency Manager
Suquamish Tribe
04.2007 - Current
WA State Region 2 HLS Tribal Planner
Kitsap County, Region 2 HLS Coordinator
01.2003 - 03.2007
Bachelor of Science - Homeland Security & Emergency Management
Grand Canyon University
Certification - Environmental Management
University of Washington
Associate of Science - Environmental Science
Evergreen Community College
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