Katrina Palomar
Citrus Heights,CA
Summary
Experienced disaster recovery professional with over 24 years in the field, specializing in FEMA Individual Assistance programs, housing missions, and emergency management. Recognized for leadership in coordinating complex disaster responses, delivering IA training, and facilitating multi-agency collaborations across federal, state, and local levels. Proven ability to manage large-scale recovery efforts and assist vulnerable populations in disaster-affected areas.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Deputy Individual Assistance Branch Director (IABD)
Governor's Office of Emergency Services
01.2009 - Current
- Company Overview: Individual Assistance Division
- Lead and manage FEMA Individual Assistance (IA) programs during large-scale disaster declarations across California, focusing on housing and recovery missions
- Coordinated the response for the Camp Fire Housing Mission (2018), managing housing for over 700 displaced residents
- Trained operational areas statewide on FEMA IA programs, preparing local governments for housing missions and unmet needs assessments
- Presented at national conferences and public meetings, sharing best practices for disaster recovery and housing solutions
- Collaborated with FEMA, state agencies, local government officials, and nonprofits to resolve complex housing challenges, including environmental and zoning issues
- Worked on disaster declarations involving Access and Functional Needs (AFN) populations, collaborating with Cal OES, FEMA, and local recovery groups to ensure AFN housing solutions
- Individual Assistance Division
Fiscal Analyst
Governor's Office of Emergency Services
03.2001 - 01.2009
- Company Overview: Fiscal Analysis Section
- Managed budget and fiscal operations for disaster recovery branches using federal and state funds, ensuring compliance with regulations
- Developed and monitored financial projections for disaster recovery projects, providing detailed reports to leadership
- Served as Disaster Finance Chief during the 2007 Southern California Fires, coordinating financial resources and fiscal recovery efforts
- Supported the Individual Assistance Division in the field, liaising between state and local officials at disaster sites, including setting up Local Assistance Centers
- Fiscal Analysis Section
Skills
- Emergency Management & FEMA IA Programs
- Disaster Response Leadership & Coordination
- Contract Negotiation & Management
- Budget Development & Fiscal Oversight
- Staff Supervision, Training & Mentoring
- Cross-Agency Collaboration
- Regulatory Compliance (Federal, State, Local)
- Project Management & Stakeholder Engagement
Accomplishments
- NASCLA Recognition Letter: Presented for dedication as a presenter at the Strategic Disaster Responses: Tools and Best Practices conference in Virginia Beach, September 2024.
- PDA Award 2023: For excellence in coordinating Preliminary Damage Assessments across California.
- Recognized numerous times over the past 15 years for contributions to disaster recovery throughout California.
Timeline
Deputy Individual Assistance Branch Director (IABD)
Governor's Office of Emergency Services
01.2009 - Current
Fiscal Analyst
Governor's Office of Emergency Services
03.2001 - 01.2009
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