Thesdia M. Bethea

• Designed and executed thematic decor for various events, enhancing overall guest experience.
• Collaborated with clients to determine vision and preferences, ensuring alignment with event objectives.
• Managed logistics for delivery, setup, and teardown of decor elements at event venues.
• Oversaw inventory management, ensuring availability of materials while minimizing waste.
• Established relationships with vendors to source high-quality materials within budget constraints.
• Established a strong reputation for delivering exceptional customer service and exceeding client expectations.
• Coordinated with a diverse team of professionals to provide comprehensive event planning services.
• Operated and maintained various trailer types for efficient loading and unloading processes.

• Coordinated and lead disaster response efforts in times of crisis, working closely with local and national partners

• Managed and allocated resources, including supplies, volunteers, and funding, to ensure efficient and effective disaster relief operations

• Developed and maintain strong relationships with community organizations, government agencies, and other stakeholders to facilitate disaster response efforts.

• Provided both virtual and in-person training while supporting volunteers and staff on disaster response protocols and procedures.

• Acted as a liaison between the American Red Cross and other relief organization, ensuring effective coordination and collaboration.

• Maintained accurate records and reports on program activities and outcomes.

• Deployed to 6 nationally declared disasters to assist and aid victims with recovery efforts, support, and resources.

• Overseed direct services during small to large- scaled home fire responses

• Coordinated and managed special emergency request from local partners within 7 counties.

• Supervised over 130 volunteers while implementing best practices and service delivery

• Provided public training to schools, adults, partners, and other organizations on emergency preparedness

• Analyzed data on potential threats and vulnerabilities to communities

• Lead and supported community smoke alarm blitz distributing thousands smoke alarms and educational materials to help build resilient communities.

• Administered casework for victims from home fires and natural disasters

• Decreased overall operating and administrative budgets and resources related to emergency preparedness by 10% YoY
• Provided effective active-shooter training and preparedness solutions for eight schools within district housing 4,100 students
• Created and disseminated educational materials through written communication, social media, television, radio, newspaper, and training programs to population of more than 30,000 residents which minimized risk to people and property by 23%
• Prepared and analyzed damage assessments for 7,123 residents to receive FEMA assistance during
• Hurricane Matthew (2016) and Hurricane Florence (2018)
• Organized blood drives and free Covid-19 testing clinics and drive-thru sites
• Conducted emergency briefings with National Guard, State Guard, and Upstate Incident Management Team Partners
• Distributed 120 pallets of water, 500 sandbags, and 1,250 flu kits to Dillon County residents over 4-year period
• Prepared presentations and reports on overall emergency preparedness strategy, planning, and initiatives to be shared with various constituents
• Organized emergency response training for staff including damage assessment training and hurricane preparedness training
• Built and strengthened relationships with area governments, departments, and agencies to manage effective planning and implementation of emergency response strategies.
• Investigated practical and theoretical issues facing emergency services and identified effective resolutions.
• Supported Dillon County Local Emergency
• Planning Committee as Secretary, which includes scheduling meetings, drafting agendas, writing minutes, and communicating with committee members
• Procured funding from FEMA and SCEMD Hazard Mitigation Grant Program exceeding $500,000 acting as lead grant writer and project manager