Heather Vinson

Basically, I’m the Swiss Army knife of emergency management and organizational chaos. Whether it's diving into legal dramas, whipping up corrective action plans, or herding cats during a flood emergency, I’m there. I’ve worn more hats than a department store—HR Director, Project Manager, Town Clerk stand-in—you name it. I've created evacuation plans, taught people how not to panic, wrangled grants like a pro, and played tech guru to streamline communication. All while making sure everyone’s ready for the next big disaster (and possibly running on caffeine and sheer willpower). If there’s a crisis, I’m your person.

Acted as a subject matter expert in creating corrective action plans, guiding risk management priorities, and handling legal matters. Built strong partnerships to communicate risk factors effectively, fostering a positive reputation and proactive communication.

Key Roles and Achievements:
Emergency Manager: Activated and managed the Emergency Operations Center during the March 2023 flood emergency.
Interim Roles: Acted as Interim Human Resources Director for nine months, successfully hiring the current director. Acted as Interim Capital Improvement Project Director in 2022 and filled in for the Town Clerk during conflicts, facilitating various Town Council meetings.
Community Preparedness: Developed and implemented a community preparedness program, designating Evacuation Zones, and organized ALICE Active Shooter training for employees, local schools, and the community.
Safety and Awareness: Oversaw the Camp Verde safety program and increased public awareness of disaster preparedness through educational materials and outreach.
Grant Management: Secured funding through grant applications (FEMA, AZDEMA, NRCS) for emergency management programs and administered and reported on grant progress.
Collaboration and Technology: Fostered collaboration among multiple agencies for coordinated emergency management and implemented new technologies (Evertel, RAVE, Microsoft O365) to streamline data sharing and decision-making.
Training and Drills: Facilitated emergency management training for staff and conducted regular emergency drills.
Risk Management: Conducted comprehensive risk analysis to identify, assess, and manage risks; reviewed operational plans from other locations to improve local systems.
Disaster Recovery: Assessed post-disaster damage and coordinated with recovery teams to deliver timely assistance to affected communities, reducing recovery time through effective communication channels among stakeholders.

Turned small business chaos into well-oiled machines by crunching numbers, whipping up budgets that don’t make owners cry, and training clients to treat inventory like gold. Crafted marketing magic while playing compliance cop and hunting down new revenue like it’s the last donut in the breakroom. All while keeping everyone talking, smiling, and occasionally high-fiving.

• Developed budgets based on costs and fees for efficient business management.
• Trained clients on inventory management and streamlined operational processes.
• Consulted with clients to assess needs and provide customized solutions.
• Planned multi-media marketing strategies and created social media policies.
• Ensured compliance with regulations through proper documentation and licensing.
• Increased revenue by identifying new markets and implementing targeted sales strategies.
• Fostered teamwork and enhanced performance through open communication.

Co-Founder and CFO of About Time Alliance, where our mission is to help formerly incarcerated folks get back on their feet in Arizona. I wear all the hats—setting policies, crafting business strategies, building programs from scratch, and hunting down funding like a pro. Basically, I juggle everything from guiding the ship to filling the treasure chest—all to make sure second chances aren't just a concept but a reality.

If it involves emergencies, planning, or finding money, I’m on it. In this role I successfully secured crucial funding to keep the EM office running smoothly and covering half of our personnel costs. I built strong relationships with agencies and departments throughout Yavapai County to ensure seamless emergency planning and response. As Volunteer Coordinator, I managed teams like CERT, ADS, LASER, and ARES/RACES, keeping them informed and ready for any situation. I initiated public outreach programs on fire, flood, evacuation, and more, and brought a dormant volunteer tracking system back to life. My team and I worked to keep emergency plans up to date, dive into practical and theoretical issues for innovative training, and keep our filing system and finances in check. From handling social media during crises to directly briefing political officials, I’m all about getting things done.

• Effectively recovered abandoned DOJ grant and secured 2 consecutive EMPG grants that paid for 50% of EM office's personnel costs.
• Recovered use of federally funded mobile identification platform used to track volunteers and inventory during an active incident.
• Initiated public outreach programs (Fire, Flood, CodeRed, Reentry, Evacuation, Recovery)
• Active participant in Yavapai County's COVID-19 Level II EOC response including Planning, Finance, Logistics, Operations, and PI (Public Information).

I’m the go-to person for keeping things running smoothly—whether it’s tightening up internal policies, handling legal negotiations, or dissecting a $2.6 million budget. I mastered employee reviews, nailed customer care, and even expanded our facility by snapping up nearby properties and designing a new layout without missing a beat. From managing inventory to building solid client and vendor relationships, if it needs organizing, optimizing, or a bit of strategy, I’m on it!

• Legal point of contact for litigation and negotiations.
• Protected company assets by implementing and maintaining security policies.
• Established and managed Workman’s Compensation and Liability insurance policies.
• Planned and managed daily operations, including delivery routes, staff assignments, and promotions.
• Provided excellent customer care to improve relations and increase sales.
• Generated reports on incidents and key business matters.
• Led the expansion of the facility by acquiring adjacent properties, designing a new layout, and managing the move with no disruption to operations.
• Managed inventory levels, performing monthly audits on $100,000 in stock parts.