Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Training Completed
Timeline
Generic

Megan Bluthardt

Washington,DC

Summary

Experienced with crisis response planning, ensuring readiness for various emergency scenarios. Uses strategic coordination to manage resources effectively during critical incidents. Knowledge of risk assessment and mitigation techniques, ensuring safety and continuity in an interagency environment.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience

Work History

Supervisory Emergency Management Specialist (GS14)

Department of Veteran Affairs
06.2023 - Current
  • VA Liaison Officer for the National Response Coordination Center (NRCC) with FEMA
  • Primary source of VA information and data for decision makers across the federal agencies in the NRCC; primary source of information to the VA Integrated Operations Center from FEMA during activations
  • Establish and maintain collaborative partnerships within the organization and between external stakeholders, other government agencies, industry, international and the general public
  • Facilitate Mission Assignments for any personnel and logistics requests for VA
  • Advocate for Veterans in all stakeholder meetings to ensure high levels of care and mission continuation throughout the response efforts
  • Utilizing VA tools to create place-based strategy initiatives to boost resilience across the Department nationwide; using similar tools/technology to facilitate multi-organizational cooperation across the federal agencies
  • Representative for Congressionally mandated programs: Climate Adaptation Working Group, Mass Quarantine and Isolation Working Group, Climate Adaptation Working Group, Disaster Assistance Improvement Program, Cleland-Dole Working Group, Pandemic Preparedness
  • Serves as SES and Action Officer role for multiple FEMA Functional Leadership Groups with FEMA (ESFLG, RSFLG, MitFLG, Joint FLG)
  • Orchestrated and served as primary policy advisor for preparedness on multiple policy Directive/Handbook updates for Department
  • Synchronized communication, training, and outreach to various stakeholders nationwide in response to gaps identified, working group RFIs, and federally mandated programming
  • Developed organizational strategic plans, developed short/long term goals for branch, and supporting material in coordination with Continuity Branch and in alignment with Department-wide policies and maximize the efficiency and effectiveness
  • Formulate policy initiatives with anticipated future challenges, risk mitigation strategies, and stakeholder engagement in mind
  • Reconstructed the Preparedness Share Point to provide an informational space for the Department, boosting awareness, preparedness, and resilience; provide tools/information, recommendations to decision makers across the nation
  • Coordinated socialization of risk assessment tools across the Department
  • Formulated official responses to Congressional inquiries and/or legislated reporting requirements
  • Prepared senior leadership testimony regarding preparedness operations/interagency coordination
  • Initiated community preparedness campaign Department-wide to promote a shared understanding of risk
  • Performed supervisor duties: approved leave, provide professional development and training opportunities, enforcing VA policies and standards, awards and promotions, and hiring actions (position descriptions/job analysis/job announcements)
  • Built strong relationships with FEMA ESF13 to disseminate critical information during times of crisis effectively to VA.
  • Reduced recovery time after incidents by establishing and maintaining effective communication channels among stakeholders.
  • Designed and delivered targeted emergency management training programs for organization, increasing their readiness to handle crises effectively.
  • Streamlined resource allocation during emergencies by creating an efficient interagency coordination structure.
  • Evaluated emergency management policies, identifying areas for improvement and suggesting actionable solutions.
  • Implemented new technology solutions that streamlined data sharing within the organization further supporting efficient decision-making processes.
  • Assessed damage following disasters, collaborating with recovery teams to provide effective assistance to affected communities quickly.
  • Facilitated collaboration between multiple agencies involved in emergency management, fostering a coordinated approach to crisis situations.
  • Monitored weather conditions closely to provide accurate forecasts and early warning notifications for impending natural disasters.
  • Kept informed of activities or changes that could affect likelihood of emergencies, factors that could affect response efforts and details of plan implementation.
  • Facilitated emergency management training for staff and conducted emergency drills.
  • Maintained current understanding of local, state and federal guidelines for emergency response.
  • Built and strengthened relationships to manage effective planning and implementation of emergency response strategies.
  • Improved realization of organizational objectives by effectively communicating department goals, organizational objectives and industry trends.
  • Assisted in maintaining business continuity through effective disaster recovery planning.
  • Supported the implementation of risk mitigation strategies for improved business continuity and resilience.

Emergency Management Specialist

Department of justice
09.2022 - 06.2023
  • Revised the Department COOP assessment tool to reflect the updated federal regulations
  • Developed a pandemic plan checklist within the emergency plans and procedures plan
  • Revised New Employee Emergency Preparedness Guide to ensure federal compliance
  • Created HSEEP compliant templates for national exercise program
  • Created FEMA EMI training plan for Continuity Program Managers, stakeholders, and workgroups
  • Revised DOJ New Employee Emergency Preparedness Guide
  • Edited COOP documents to reflect federal guidelines and office specifics
  • Effectively managed government purchase card program for multiple departments
  • Worked on multiple assignments concurrently to include special projects and department-wide policy implementation
  • Continuity Program Managers Program: Developed new policies, analyzed current policies, researched updated national policies, coordinated dissemination of programming materials nation-wide, and assisted in creating training plan for continued improvement and compliance

Emergency Management Planner

Baltimore Metropolitan Council
01.2020 - 01.2022
  • Created a Regional Framework for food and water distribution, linking all jurisdictions in Central Maryland to increase supply chain resilience through regional coordination and communication
  • Worked with local civilian officials, military, and senior leadership to create plan of action for pandemic-related operations and coordination; conducted field research for best practices and trend analysis; provided regional directors with written report of findings
  • Developed jurisdictional food and water distribution plans, SOPs, and checklists for Central Maryland in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations; addressed mission-critical issues, provided technical oversight, and analytical support for food/water/emergency housing
  • Developed and/or updated local and regional mass care plans for the seven jurisdictions in the Baltimore Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) region
  • Plans were written in accordance with the CPR101 and FEMA Lifeline integration for inter-agency, inter-jurisdictional, and multi-disciplinary coordination in the region
  • Provided data for the annual Threat Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA) by coordinating data collection, processing feedback from subject matter experts; analyzed complex, sensitive policies to ensure a complete analysis was completed
  • Constructed policies for food, water, and emergency housing, throughout two grant periods to be used during blue-sky, preparedness, and post-incident operations by collaborating with subject matter experts; policies developed supported technical guidance, procedures, special projects, and innovative solutions throughout the region
  • Identified leading indicators (food, water, housing) for the central Maryland region
  • Composed regional report after conducting field research on farmers market, supply chain, and government benefits
  • Developed site evaluation tool to assist regional jurisdictional partners (public/private) during COVID-19 response efforts in mass care
  • Identified and developed a training plan for stakeholders in resource management, logistics, and supply chain management
  • Instructed stakeholders on plans written/revised, leading indicators, checklists, and SOPs
  • Wrote and conducted local and regional HSEEP compliant TTXs to test emergency water distribution plans, coordinating 7 jurisdictions in Regional Framework exercise
  • Conducted regional capability assessment central Maryland that ensured, 'Within 48 hours of an incident, identify and mobilize life-sustaining commodities, resources, and services to 500 people requiring shelter and 50,000 people requiring food and water
  • Maintain distribution system for 3 days' based on information from the THIRA and COVID-19 response data
  • Conducted capability assessment for the core capability focus area: Within 3 year of an incident, 13,500 people requiring long-term housing, including 3050 people with access and functional needs requiring accessible long-term housing), find and secure long-term housing
  • Senior EM Planner for FEMA RCPGP project, WebEOC, AtHoc jurisdictions support and team training
  • Coordinated grant funding and budgeting for multiple Regional Catastrophic Preparedness Grant Programs (RCPGP); ensuring the business operations functions for 7 jurisdictions participating in the program
  • Over-saw multi-jurisdictional and multi-regional work groups and meetings; informed senior leader leadership on the status of the region; responsible for tracking grant deadlines to ensure timely completion of all requirements
  • Responsible for day-to-day monitoring of team tasks, distribution of situation reports, quarterly report inputs, monthly meeting coordination and work group liaison for grant work
  • Facilitated completion of grant milestones, work groups in each jurisdiction, community, and private partners
  • Conducted research for grant opportunities for the central Maryland region
  • Collaborated and organized the region’s AAR for food and water distribution
  • Acted as interim Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) Director
  • Briefed at multiple conferences, formal and informal meetings, gatherings, and discussions
  • Directed team in support of leadership for program management, financial recommendations, problem solving techniques, and effective communication within the region

CEO

S.H. Consulting
03.2018 - 01.2022
  • Developed/reviewed/evaluated current Emergency Action Plan (EAP)
  • Developed policy for the organization's program responsibilities, goals, objectives, and operating procedures
  • Built emergency kits based on vulnerability assessment
  • Coordinated applicable mutual aid agreements with local community to foster preparedness and safety within the company
  • Reviewed security policies, procedural documents, safety plans, and training plans then advise on best practices in accordance with standards, laws, and regulations
  • Conducted vulnerability assessment and provide findings report
  • Reviewed employee safety processes for companies/school systems to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities
  • Provided a demographic analysis of the criminal threats based on activity at each location
  • Created tailorable training courses on information security, operational security, emergency management, safety, and shelter-in-place
  • Created and conducted exercises based on the needs of the company/school system
  • Developed training courses based on vulnerability assessment
  • Instructed Lead Awareness course/Asbestos Awareness course
  • Wrote grant narrative for security and safety equipment for school system

Director: Safety and Security

Detroit Job Corps center
07.2018 - 08.2019
  • Orchestrated the safety programs for the 10-acre, 6 facility campus that housed 200+ students and 125 employees to ensure OSHA and federal program compliance
  • Organized air quality testing and monitoring for a multitude of emergency situations (chemical, radiological, and nuclear events; mold spores)
  • Coordinated short-term/long-term goals for operational/physical security for campus/staff/students according to state and federal mandates/regulations
  • Generated and conducted safety, security, and emergency plans; implemented plans through comprehensive training program campus-wide in accordance with state and federal regulations
  • Synchronized a training plan that involved the local law enforcement and fire department to ensure continuity within the community response units
  • Provided financial guidance and budgetary considerations for safety and security programs for Center
  • Conducted security inspections, identified gaps and issues, and provided resolutions to physical security and safety problems identified
  • Instructed courses on workplace safety, OSHA compliance, physical security, fire safety, active shooter safety (ALICE), community outreach, communication skills, public speaking coaching, conflict resolution, basic writing and editing
  • Supervised a team of 18 officers: determined responsibilities, provided performance evaluations, recommended corrective actions/disciplinary paperwork/incentives, general employee management
  • Created a safety program: designed strategy for compliance, program baseline expectations, acquisitions requirements, provided senior leadership goals/program objectives/compliance suggestions per federal regulations
  • Developed an effective human capital management strategy to ensure the top performers were provide growth potential and recruited top talent for open positions; this ensured the safety and security programs fulfilled the strategic objectives set forth within federal requirements
  • Managed and designed training programs by consulting with all stakeholders, facilitated training sessions and conducting program evaluations
  • Reviewed, revised, and recommended program adjustments, and implemented the following OSHA compliance plans based on analysis of Center’s programming

Emergency Manager/Security Manager (stateside/overseas Locations)

United States Air Force, USAF
01.2010 - 06.2017
  • Team leader for upgrading junior member training requirements (technical and general Air Force)
  • Wrote EM program plans for the installation such as: EOP, COOP, unit specific programs (shelter-in-place, evacuation/fire/TTX), risk management and assessment, anti-terrorism plans, response and recovery plans, HAZMAT response plans, disaster preparedness, incident action plans, significant weather events and various OSHA plans
  • These were written in accordance with federal, state, and or local regulations as required and mission assurance to prepare for, prevent, mitigate, respond to, and recover from emergencies
  • Instructed courses such as Operational Security, Physical Security, Operational Readiness, Random Anti-Terrorism Measures, GI Bill Utilization, Self-Aid Buddy Care, CBRN, Emergency Management readiness (for unit), Self Defense/Readiness (for women), Shelter-In-Place, etc
  • Project Manager: Coordinated an international team to install collective protection (ColPro) program while deployed to overseas locations
  • This involved international civilian partners, senior military leadership to create solutions for ColPro configurations and operations
  • Managed and executed the military installation's Emergency Management Program in cooperation with Department of Defense (DoD), Air Force and national consensus standards
  • Emergency Operations Center Manager (stateside and overseas); fostering military and civilian community partnerships; coordinated EOC operations
  • This involved briefing senior leadership requiring independent judgement and operational suggestions
  • Ensured operational readiness for EOC activities including writing procedures and coordinating maintenance of equipment, training, and exercises
  • Coordinated Emergency Management Working Group, officials, individuals (Federal, State, international agencies, and private sector) for military installation bi-annually
  • Organized multi-agency Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) response to ensure a safe, effective response effort in a real-world and training environment
  • Oversaw multi-national training scenarios and advised multi-national seminars (Japan and Korea)
  • Managed training schedule and conducted training on readiness activities and survival measures for real-world, exercise incidents, and contingency operations
  • Managed the Respiratory Protection Program for the emergency management unit at two locations
  • Team Lead for Hazardous Material Response: ensured compliance and safety for responders and command center operations
  • Assisted in coordination of unit’s Government Travel Card program
  • Provided informational, personnel, and operational, and physical, and travel security trainings to those leaving the base and/or when needed and leadership to help decision-making process
  • Coordinated disaster preparedness and planning for community in the lahar zone near Mt
  • Rainier, WA
  • Provided technical data to higher leadership within the Emergency Operation Center and the Unit Command Center: provided trend analysis, incident support, and budget necessities
  • Coordinated with local law enforcement, OSHA, Department of Labor to ensure the company policies were complying
  • Directed actions to ensure prompt response during all-hazards operations to include immediate mobilization of resources and participation of multiple agencies and organization
  • Operated and monitored integrated CBRN response alerting system to communicate with other areas of operation
  • Coordinated Installation Emergency Management Working Group to ensure installation is prepared to mitigate an all-hazards incident
  • Developed and implemented Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for daily activities related to security and safety for the unit/Center/offices
  • Ensured department is compliant with all safety standards and expectations to include OSHA regulations, Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) regulations, DOL, Corporate and Center guidelines to include proper workmen’s compensation reporting
  • Liaison: United States Embassy to coordinate English language and cultural exchange at Qatar University; Japanese Defense cultural exchange; Korean community relations program

Education

Doctorate (unfinished) - Political Science/Urban Affairs

Wayne State University
Detroit, MI

Masters of Science - Emergency Management/Leadership

Walden University
Minneapolis, MN
01-2018

Masters of Public Policy - Public Policy/Homeland Security

Walden University
Minneapolis, MN
01-2017

BACHELOR OF ARTS - Interdisciplinary Health Services/Psychology

Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI
01-2007

Skills

  • Emergency planning
  • Continuity management
  • Disaster response
  • Policy implementation
  • Data management
  • Effective decision making
  • Verbal and written communication
  • Complex Problem-solving
  • Customer focus
  • Staff training and development
  • Documentation and reporting
  • Communications management
  • Executive presence

Training Completed

  • IS-00001.a Emergency Manager: An Orientation to the Position
  • IS-00020.12 Diversity Awareness
  • IS-00021.15 Civil Rights and FEMA Disaster Assistance
  • IS-00033.12 FEMA Initial Ethics Orientation 2012
  • IS-00100.FWa Introduction to the Incident Command System, ICS-100 for Federal Workers
  • IS-00120.a An Introduction to Exercises
  • IS-00130 Exercise Evaluation and Improvement Planning
  • IS-00139 Exercise Design
  • IS-00200.b ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incident, ICS-200
  • IS-00230.d Fundamentals of Emergency Management
  • IS-00235.b Emergency Planning
  • IS-00240.a Leadership and Influence
  • IS-00241.b Decision Making and Problem Solving
  • IS-00242.a Effective Communication
  • IS-00244.b Developing and Managing Volunteers
  • IS-00271.a Anticipating Hazardous Weather and Community Risk 2nd Edition
  • IS-00405 Mass Care/Emergency Assistance Overview
  • IS-00546.a Continuity of Operations (COOP) Awareness Course
  • IS-00547.a Introduction to Continuity of Operations
  • IS-00700.a National Incident Management System (NIMS) An Introduction
  • IS-00701.a NIMS Multiagency Coordination System (MACS)
  • IS-00706 NIMS Intrastate Mutual Aid an Introduction
  • IS-00775 EOC Management and Operations
  • IS-00800.b National Response Framework, An Introduction
  • IS-00907 Active Shooter: What You Can Do
  • KT-146 Final Exam for K0146
  • AWR356: Community Planning for Disaster Recovery
  • L0102: Science for Disasters
  • L0146: Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program Training (HSEEP)
  • Nuclear Emergency Team Operations (NETOPS)
  • National Incident Management System 300/400
  • Emergency Management Specific Military Training: 575 hours
  • Professional Development Military: 185 hours
  • Government Purchasing Card: 16 hours
  • Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear (CBRN) Responder Course: 150 hours
  • Asbestos Contractor/Supervisor: 40 hours
  • Lead Inspector/Risk Assessor: 40 hours

Timeline

Supervisory Emergency Management Specialist (GS14)

Department of Veteran Affairs
06.2023 - Current

Emergency Management Specialist

Department of justice
09.2022 - 06.2023

Emergency Management Planner

Baltimore Metropolitan Council
01.2020 - 01.2022

Director: Safety and Security

Detroit Job Corps center
07.2018 - 08.2019

CEO

S.H. Consulting
03.2018 - 01.2022

Emergency Manager/Security Manager (stateside/overseas Locations)

United States Air Force, USAF
01.2010 - 06.2017

Doctorate (unfinished) - Political Science/Urban Affairs

Wayne State University

Masters of Science - Emergency Management/Leadership

Walden University

Masters of Public Policy - Public Policy/Homeland Security

Walden University

BACHELOR OF ARTS - Interdisciplinary Health Services/Psychology

Western Michigan University
Megan Bluthardt