Some days, you just gotta burn the midnight oil at the office.
I’m not saying you work your fingers to the bone or sacrifice your health/well-being. But sometimes you gotta put a little more effort than other leaders.
If people think leadership is easy, then you are doing it right.
So as I sit in the office blaring Metallica, I also reflect for a bit as I had to advocate hard for my team this week. Seems like something so trivial, but standing firm for the team goes a long way.
What. A. Day.
Reporting live from the greenest office on campus…
Our 4th satellite phone came in today. Like gremlins, they are multiplying!
This Continuity of OPerations (COOP) effort is a phased plan that is imperative to everyone here.
It’s just another part of our COOP plan as Emergency Management leads the way for planning and coordination.
Think of it this way, it’s part of business continuity.
At any time, we have staff/SMEs around the world doing critical work. And we need instant communications with them and our global Exfil team that can deploy out immediately in an emergency.
In the near future, look to Argonne EM to lead the COOP effort for the area by providing high level training with our partners at FEMA.
Funny part, we are calling that part “Operation Kevins”
2025 Big City Emergency Managers in Chicago this week!
Along with all these pros from all over, I got a chance to meet the FEMA acting Administrator Tony Robinson
Nice guy!
Tony normally plays the role of the FEMA Region 6 Regional Administrator that covers Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and 68 federally recognized tribal nations.
Big City Emergency Managers in Chicago this week. Happy to see former FEMA Administrator Brock Long here to talk about the future of Emergency Management esp focusing in on the aftermath of disasters.
Brock served as the FEMA Administrator from June 2017-March 2019.
Sounds about right as it aligns with Hagerty.
Lots of convos on Stafford Act and how effective is recovery esp in this new world of disasters.
Starting out the morning with all the Big City Emergency Managers at Chicago OEMC’s Emergency Operations Center.
First up, IEMA-OHS Director Alicia Tate-Nadeau.
Sharing the challenges of Emergency Management and focusing in on statewide issues. Overcoming challenges and strengthening Federal relationships is key especially in the first few hours of a disaster.
Initial response will dictate the disaster tempo. If your tempo is off and your battle rhythm is askew, you will likely become another disaster. So please make sure your efforts are coordinated.
Diving deep into overcoming resources challenges early on so that we can serve our diverse communities.
Special thanks to all the rising stars in the 2025 Big City Emergency Managers Program.
I am honored to lead this Joint Information Center (JIC) with the US Secret Service.
I am incredibly thankful for everyone who participated with us from local, county, state, and Federal partners. Welcome to Illinois and the City of Chicago!
2024 Democratic National Convention Joint Information Center
Lots of dangers with these types of National Special Security Events (NSSEs), but through a well coordinated system with highly trained individuals,
Trust me, it took many months of introductions, planning, networking, scheduling, coordinating, and of course collaborating with our most trusted partners from across the country.
I’ve said it before, but it takes a certain skillset to be the agency’s PIO. No day is ever alike.
And no incident or event will ever be the same. Nothing is ever the same.
Proud of the work that was done this week to keep everyone safe.
Reporting live from the 2024 DNC’s Joint Information Center…
WASHINGTON – Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas delivered the oath of office to Deanne Criswell today, her first full day as the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
“Deanne’s career is one of commitment and service to our nation,” said Secretary Mayorkas. “That commitment now rises to the next level of leading the dedicated people of FEMA as they continue working to meet unprecedented challenges. I have full confidence in her ability to lead FEMA with compassion, fairness, integrity, and respect as she works to fulfill the agency’s ever-important mission: helping people before, during, and after disasters. It is my honor to welcome Administrator Criswell to the Department of Homeland Security.”
During the ceremony, Secretary Mayorkas highlighted Ms. Criswell’s extensive career in emergency management and the multiple challenges FEMA faces, including the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change.
Ms. Criswell was joined by her partner, Patrick Murphy. Senior Official Performing the Duties of Deputy Secretary, David Pekoske, former FEMA Acting Administrator Bob Fenton, and FEMA Acting Deputy Administrator MaryAnn Tierney also attended the ceremony. Secretary Mayorkas thanked former FEMA Acting Administrator Bob Fenton for his service and leadership.
Deanne Criswell was nominated by President Biden on January 15, 2021 and confirmed by the U.S. Senate on April 22, 2021. She is the first woman to lead FEMA since its creation in 1979.
Where is @rusnivek? 