Susan Opitz

Dynamic Program Specialist with FEMA, adept in crisis management and data analysis. Spearheaded innovative disaster recovery initiatives, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing response times. Proven track record in community outreach and project coordination, consistently exceeding performance targets while fostering cross-functional collaboration to optimize service delivery.

2022, DHS Medal of Honor Silver Star, Received for my information and participation of the development, training and administration of the program during the COVID19 pandemic.

• Florida, Hurricanes, 11/01/24, 01/01/25, Deployed to Disaster Recovery Center to assist with survivors that were affected by Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton. Assisted the survivors with making registrations, checking statuses and also providing other program information. Provided crisis counselling to survivors when needed. Expedited processing for assistance using current policy and procedures.
• Hawaii, Fires, 08/01/24, 12/01/24, Deployed to Maui, Hawaii to meet, gather information and process funerals for the families of 102 victims of the Lahaina fires. Met the families, retrieved all information that was needed for processing, validated with the funeral homes for verification process, managed applications for eligibility, and reported to all Federal, State and local stakeholders' actions that were performed or maintained.
• Various States, NPSC Liaison, 2009, Deployed as NPSC Liaison to Indiana, Georgia, Alabama. Reported to State, Federal and local officials of all actions that occurred for IHP categories: Registrations, Disaster Housing-Home Repairs, Rental assistance, Other Needs Assistance, Medical Dental, Funeral, Personal Property. Cleared Problem Statuses such as Out of Incident Period or Undesignated counties. Attended community meetings as a Program Specialist to assist with the Locals understanding. Provided information to Congressional liaisons for applicants that requested their assistance in resolving issues.