After an extensive search, the Raleigh Fire Department selected Satwana Hurdle as its Assistant Director of Emergency Management.
Ms. Hurdle is an emergency management professional with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked with public and private sector partners within various levels of government to develop and implement comprehensive emergency preparedness plans and programs.
She began her emergency management career in public health during the H1N1 pandemic as a pandemic planner and strategic national stockpile coordinator. Over the years, she has held emergency management and continuity of operations positions at FEMA, Northrup Grumman, and the U.S. Department of Defense.
“With the addition of Ms. Hurdle, the City of Raleigh and Raleigh Fire Department will gain a qualified leader who brings a wealth of experience on various levels of government and a passion to serve and support a progressive community,” says Fire Chief Herbert Griffin. “Her leadership will help make Raleigh a more prepared and resilient city through her collaborative efforts.”
As Emergency Management Assistant Director, Ms. Hurdle will use sound risk management principles, all-hazard identification, risk analysis, and impact analysis to create and foster a robust emergency management and disaster response program for the Raleigh Fire Department.
“Disasters and emergencies begin and end at the local level. From an entire community approach, we must shift our focus from if an event occurs to when an event occurs and be well prepared,” she said.
Hurdle has a bachelor’s degree in emergency and disaster management from Upper Iowa University and a master’s degree in disaster and emergency management from American Military University. She is currently working on her doctorate in global security.
Her office will be located at Raleigh-Wake Emergency Communications Center and her scheduled first day is June 5.