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.
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
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
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
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor at U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Veteran Benefits AdministrationVocational Rehabilitation Counselor at U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Veteran Benefits Administration
Legal Administrative Specialist at Department of Veteran Affairs, Veteran Benefits AdministrationLegal Administrative Specialist at Department of Veteran Affairs, Veteran Benefits Administration
Supervisory, Human Resources Specialist at Department of Veteran Affairs, Veterans Benefits AdministrationSupervisory, Human Resources Specialist at Department of Veteran Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration
Primary Care Mental Health Integration (PCMHI) Collaborative Care Manager (CoCM), RN Mental Health, Medication Management at Department of Veteran Affairs, North Florida/South GeorgiaPrimary Care Mental Health Integration (PCMHI) Collaborative Care Manager (CoCM), RN Mental Health, Medication Management at Department of Veteran Affairs, North Florida/South Georgia