Selected Projects and Impacts

Resilience Hubs and Networks Grant Program (2024)
Beginning with legislative concept, which became legislative bill, and eventually statue, we designed and administered a highly innovative statewide grant program designed to build resilience in communities through providing funding, equipment, and fostering resilience networks. Conducted a listening tour with more than 80 community-based organizations to learn how the grant could best build resilience in communities. Received more than 700 applications and issued more that 100 awards. Innovations included streamlining the application process and offering live assistance for anyone who needed help with their application. Eligibility was open to the widest range of individuals and organizations who wanted to build resilience in their community. Eligible activities included funding to improve or repair public spaces used as resilience hubs, funding for community outreach, vehicles, equipment, one-year worth of an AmeriCorp Resource Assistance for Rural Environments member, and “Typed Packages” of shipping containers full of equipment to sustain a community in a disaster response. Each package was deployed in new sea shipping containers to enhance local capacity during disasters. Directed program design, procurement specifications, and statewide coordination to ensure compliance with state funding requirements.

Cleaner Air Center Grant Program (2022)
Developed and implemented a competitive grant program enabling local governments, schools, and community organizations to create cleaner-air spaces during wildfire smoke and extreme heat events. Managed grant guidance, application scoring, and funding awards.

Warming and Cooling Center Infrastructure Grants (2023)
Coordinated an interagency initiative to provide equipment and capital improvements supporting emergency shelter capacity during extreme weather. Established eligibility criteria, cost-share provisions, and technical guidance to align with legislative intent and emergency management standards.

Disaster Recovery and FEMA Public Assistance (2021–2023)
Directed statewide efforts to document and recover eligible costs from multiple presidentially declared disasters, including the 2020 Labor Day Fires in Oregon. Worked with FEMA Region X and the Oregon Department of Emergency Management to improve compliance documentation and expedite reimbursements from FEMA’s Public Assistance Program to state and local applicants.

Legislative and Policy Development (2021–2024)
Collaborated with legislative staff, agency directors, and the Governor’s Office to design and advance key statutory and budgetary measures supporting resilience and emergency management establishing ongoing grant and infrastructure programs for local governments and nonprofits.

Grant Development and Administration for Local Government
Supported local jurisdictions in identifying and applying for federal and state funding opportunities to strengthen emergency management capacity. Drafted competitive grant applications, project narratives, and budget justifications for resilience, hazard-mitigation, and recovery initiatives.

Emergency Operations and Resilience Planning
Advises local governments, and state agencies on integrating resilience strategies into emergency operations plans, continuity of operations plans, and mitigation frameworks. Focuses on practical implementation, funding pathways, and measurable outcomes that enhance preparedness, response, and recovery.