Ding-Shyang (Dean) Hu

In my role as a Public Assistance Advisor for FEMA Region 6, I have extensively engaged with applicants across Texas, providing strategic guidance on leveraging FEMA grant programs for disaster recovery. I've developed a profound understanding of the recovery landscape, managing projects valued at several million dollars, by aligning client requirements with tailored FEMA support. My efforts have included initiating and nurturing relationships with state and local governments to identify new project opportunities that match FEMA's offerings. As a Program advisor, I've worked across various functional areas such as field operations, project closeout, and appeals, enhancing mission capacity by deploying as field leadership. I've collaborated directly with the Recovery Division Director on high-visibility and politically sensitive projects, contributing to the development and refinement of Public Assistance policies and procedures.

As the leader of a team of 13 Public Assistance Technical Assistance Contracts (PA TAC) Professionals, I spearheaded support for FEMA's Public Assistance missions by providing expertise in policy, engineering, and construction. My responsibilities included reviewing complex projects involving late damages, adherence to Consensus-Based Codes and Standards (CBCS), floodplain ordinances, cost validation, and various project types under FEMA's alternative procedures. I developed standard operating procedures for CBCS implementation, led hazard mitigation initiatives through these policies, managed performance evaluations, staff allocation, and performed workload analyses to ensure alignment with the program's mission objectives.

I utilized my customer service skills to successfully deliver 406 Public Assistance Mitigation projects to obligation, engaging directly with stakeholders to discuss project eligibility and provide both policy and technical guidance. My role involved managing these projects from inception through completion, which encompassed developing Scope of Work (SOW), formulating costs, writing proposals, checking eligibility, and finalizing project worksheets. I coordinated with both internal and external stakeholders to hold informational meetings, address complex eligibility issues, and develop written guidance for formulating mitigation projects within policy constraints. As a supervisor, I provided oversight and policy direction, ensuring that Hazard Mitigation Proposals (HMPs) were legally acceptable, conducted Benefit-Cost Analyses using FEMA's software to validate project cost-effectiveness, and led teams as Crew or Task Force Lead when needed. My leadership was pivotal in setting operational standards, resolving issues, and enhancing the capabilities of field staff to identify and capitalize on mitigation opportunities for increased future resiliency.

In the role of emergency management mitigation, responsibilities include providing technical expertise in civil and structural disciplines within FEMA to develop Hazard Mitigation Proposals (HMP). This involves executing Public Assistance (PA) programs, particularly under section 406, aiding applicants with grant processes by evaluating their HMPs against PA policy guidelines. Key tasks include writing detailed scopes of work and cost estimates for disaster mitigation measures, offering technical assistance on municipal infrastructure like roads, bridges, and utilities, and engaging in direct communication with stakeholders to clarify 406 policies. Activities also encompass site visits for damage assessment and mitigation opportunity identification, working with state, local, and nonprofit entities for additional improvements, utilizing FEMA floodplain resources,
and creating procedural checklists to guide less experienced colleagues. Successful mitigation projects have included elevating electrical systems, implementing flood-proofing in public buildings, and installing energy dissipation in flood channels.

In my role, I've engineered substations and transmission lines using various software across civil and structural disciplines, specializing in finite element analysis for site preparation, foundations, steel structures, conductors, and insulators. I've ensured effective collaboration with electrical engineers to integrate electrical considerations into civil/structural designs. I've supervised drafters to maintain design accuracy and adherence to standards, optimized designs for budget efficiency, and developed in-house Excel tools for drainage, structural loads, and BOMs. Additionally, I've conducted educational sessions for colleagues and required minimal supervision or revisions from Professional Engineers.