Kevin A. Kearney
Olyphant,PA
Summary
Executive crisis leader with 20+ years of emergency services and crisis leadership experience, spanning frontline response, supervisory command, and executive-level decision-making. Currently responsible for district-wide safety, security, threat assessment, and emergency preparedness for a large urban public school system. Proven leader in building crisis response systems within politically sensitive, high-risk environments where authority is constrained and public accountability is immediate. Experienced in interagency coordination, executive decision-making during critical incidents, and translating emergency management doctrine into operational practice.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Supervisor of Safety and Security
Scranton School District
Scranton, PA
01.2024 - Current
- Provide executive leadership and strategic oversight for district-wide safety, security, threat assessment, and emergency management operations across multiple schools and facilities.
- Serve as the senior crisis leader during critical incidents involving life safety, security threats, and emergency response coordination.
- Lead district-wide crisis preparedness, emergency response planning, and threat assessment operations in coordination with local, county, state, and federal partners.
- Establish and oversee district-wide threat assessment teams, emergency response protocols, and crisis communication procedures.
- Direct security operations, including staffing models, deployment strategies, training priorities, and incident response standards.
- Advise senior district leadership and the Board of Directors on organizational risk posture, preparedness gaps, and crisis response strategy.
- Lead implementation and sustainment of NIMS/ICS compliance and emergency preparedness training across the organization.
Fire Service, Emergency Response & EMS Leadership
Blakely Fire Department
Blakely, PA
01.2001 - Current
- 20+ years of experience in fire service, emergency response, and incident command.
- Officer- and chief-level leadership responsibilities during emergency operations and critical incidents.
- Certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) with operational response experience.
- Extensive training and operational leadership in hazardous materials, incident command, and emergency management.
- Experience spanning frontline response, supervisory command, and executive-level coordination.
Assistant Supervisor of Transportation, Operations & Asset Management / Safety & Threat Assessment Coordinator
Scranton School District
Scranton, PA
01.2021 - 01.2024
- Held cross-functional leadership responsibilities supporting district operations while architecting the foundation of the Safety and Security Department.
- Led development and implementation of district-wide Emergency Operations Plans and continuity strategies.
- Designed and coordinated district-wide safety drills, emergency exercises, and preparedness initiatives.
- Oversaw crisis-related communications and coordination with internal stakeholders and external partners.
- Delivered organization-wide NIMS/ICS training, achieving near-total compliance.
- Managed emergency transportation contingencies for special education populations.
- Implemented enterprise systems supporting crisis documentation, operational tracking, and compliance.
Assistant Principal
Northeast Scranton Intermediate School
Scranton, PA
01.2019 - 01.2021
- Provided building-level crisis leadership and operational oversight for a 900+ student school community.
- Led student discipline, crisis response, and behavioral intervention processes.
- Served on the school leadership team during safety incidents and emergency situations.
- Coordinated large-scale student relocation and operational reorganization during district restructuring.
- Supported continuity of education planning during emergency conditions.
Education
Master of Science - Education, Educational Leadership
Wilkes University
Master of Science - Education, Instructional Technology (STEM Endorsement)
Wilkes University
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education and Special Education
La Salle University
Bachelor of Arts - American Studies
La Salle University
Skills
- Executive Crisis Decision-Making
- Emergency Operations and Preparedness
- Threat Assessment and Risk Mitigation
- Interagency Coordination
- Organizational Change and Culture Shift
- Crisis Communication and Public Accountability
- Policy Development and Regulatory Compliance
Websites
Certification
- Crisis & Emergency Management, FEMA / DHS Emergency Management and Preparedness Programs, National Incident Management System (NIMS) / Incident Command System (ICS), K-12 Threat Assessment, Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations, Firefighter I & II, Fire Officer I & II, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- Educational & Administrative, Pennsylvania Principal PK-12 Certification, Pennsylvania Teaching Certifications (Elementary, Special Education, Middle Level Science and Social Studies), Student Assistance Program (SAP), QPR Suicide Prevention
Leadership Scope
Leadership scope includes crisis preparedness, response, and recovery operations across a large, multi-site public institution serving thousands of students and staff.
Core Leadership Capabilities
- Executive Crisis Decision-Making
- Emergency Operations and Preparedness
- Threat Assessment and Risk Mitigation
- Interagency Coordination
- Organizational Change and Culture Shift
- Crisis Communication and Public Accountability
- Policy Development and Regulatory Compliance
Timeline
Supervisor of Safety and Security
Scranton School District
01.2024 - Current
Assistant Supervisor of Transportation, Operations & Asset Management / Safety & Threat Assessment Coordinator
Scranton School District
01.2021 - 01.2024
Assistant Principal
Northeast Scranton Intermediate School
01.2019 - 01.2021
Fire Service, Emergency Response & EMS Leadership
Blakely Fire Department
01.2001 - Current
Master of Science - Education, Educational Leadership
Wilkes University
Master of Science - Education, Instructional Technology (STEM Endorsement)
Wilkes University
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education and Special Education
La Salle University
Bachelor of Arts - American Studies
La Salle University