Philadelphia Managing Director’s Office of Emergency Management MDO

Meet the Staff

Samantha Phillips, MPH Assistant Managing Director Office Phone: 215-686-4465 Email: samantha.phillips@phila.gov	As the Assistant Managing Director for Emergency Management (OEM), Sam is the principle advisor to the Deputy Managing Director for Emergency Management and is responsible for overseeing and managing the agency's operations and staff members. Previously, Sam served OEM as the Deputy Director for Planning where she oversaw the Planning Division including Health and Medical, Human Services, Recovery, Weapons of Mass Destruction, and Hazard Specific planning programs. In addition to her position at OEM, Sam is the Chair of the Human Services Workgroup for the Southeast Pennsylvania Regional Task Force. Prior to joining OEM, Sam worked with The George Washington University’s Office of Public Safety and Emergency Management (OPSEM). She also served as a member of the National Preparedness and Response Corps (NPRC) with the Southeast Louisiana Chapter of the American Red Cross. Sam received her Bachelor’s of Science from American University and her Master’s of Public Health from George Washington with a concentration in International Health Policy.
Ryan Abbott Energy Assurance Planning Coordinator Office Phone: 215-683-3255 Email: ryan.abbott@phila.gov	Ryan is the Energy Assurance Planning Coordinator for the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management. In this role, he is responsible for developing the City’s first Energy Assurance Plan, which will describe preparedness actions and coordinated response strategies designed to mitigate the effects of an energy emergency. Prior to joining OEM, Ryan worked as an Emergency Planning Specialist at the University of North Texas in Denton, TX where he led a wide range of emergency management projects, including the development of all-hazards emergency plans, policies, and procedures for the UNT campuses in Denton and Dallas. Ryan received a Bachelor’s degree in Emergency Administration and Planning from the University of North Texas.
Daniel Bradley Homeland Security Planning Coordinator Office Phone: 215-686-1138 Email: daniel.bradley@phila.gov	Dan Bradley serves as the Homeland Security Planning Coordinator for the Office of Emergency Management. He works closely with Philadelphia Police Department to develop emergency response procedures and Homeland Security plans. Additionally, Dan collaborates with federal, regional, state and local officials regarding initiatives to improve interoperability, situational awareness, and common operating protocols. Prior to joining OEM, Dan worked as a construction manager and designer for an Architecture and Planning firm in New York City. While in this position, he oversaw the implementation of prototype security devices serving the force protection perimeter surrounding the New York Stock Exchange. Dan has experience in evaluating and hardening critical infrastructure against interference using mechanical, electronic and environmental strategies. Dan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from the New Jersey Institute of Technology.
Byard Bridge Regional Integration Center Coordinator	Byard Bridge is a coordinator with the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management’s Regional Integration Center. As a Regional Integration Center Coordinator, Byard serves as a primary interface and point of contact for Emergency Management personnel to provide critical information, updates, and support during the monitoring, response and recovery phases of the emergency response cycle. Prior to joining OEM, Byard worked for the American Red Cross, starting at Southeastern PA Chapter in Philadelphia before taking the position of Regional Emergency Services Response Coordinator at the Central NJ Region in Princeton, NJ. His primary responsibilities were to manage and develop the volunteer base for the Emergency Services department and ensure that all requests for Red Cross disaster assistance were responded to promptly. Byard holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Sociology from La Salle University.
John-Paul Bruno Regional Integration Center Program Manager Office Phone: 215-686-4987 Email: john.p.bruno@phila.gov	Serving as the Regional Integration Center Program Manager for Philadelphia’s Office of Emergency Management, John-Paul Bruno is responsible for the design, build-out, implementation, and management of the City of Philadelphia's first Regional Integration Center. Prior to his role as Regional Integration Center Program Manager, John-Paul held the position of Training and Exercise Program Manager. Prior to joining OEM, John-Paul worked in Human Resources for Johnson & Johnson’s Global Talent Management Team and served as a project manager for the global expansion of Johnson & Johnson’s Education and Development Service Center. John-Paul holds a Bachelor of Science Business Administration Degree in Organizational Management from La Salle University.
John DiSpaldo Regional Integration Center Coordinator	John DiSpaldo is a coordinator with the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management’s Regional Integration Center. As a Regional Integration Center Coordinator, John serves as a primary interface and point of contact for Emergency Management personnel to provide critical information, updates, and support during the monitoring, response and recovery phases of the emergency response cycle. Prior to joining OEM, John worked as a communications officer for the West Chester University Police Department and assisted the West Chester University Department of Public Safety with emergency planning projects. John facilitated Emergency Operations Center operations during times of activation as well. John has also created and delivered training classes for the West Chester University Department of Public Safety. John received his Masters of Science in Emergency Management from Jacksonville State University and holds a Bachelors of Arts in Political Science from West Chester University.
Lynn Fisher Regional Integration Center Coordinator	Lynn Fisher is a coordinator with the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management’s Regional Integration Center. As a Regional Integration Center Coordinator, Lynn serves as a primary interface and point of contact for Emergency Management personnel to provide critical information, updates, and support during the monitoring, response and recovery phases of the emergency response cycle. Prior to joining OEM, Lynn served as the Communications Technical Coordinator for the City of Midland, Texas Public Safety Communications Center. In this position, she was the administrator for many of the communications systems used by the city and surrounding west Texas counties. Lynn has experience working closely with first responders, city and county officials, and the public. Lynn holds a Bachelor of Science from Appalachian State University in Outdoor Experiential Education.
Noëlle Foizen, MSSW Volunteer Management Coordinator Office Phone: 215-683-3252 Email: noelle.foizen@phila.gov	Serving as the Volunteer Management Coordinator, Noëlle Foizen is responsible for the planning, implementation, and management of the Office of Emergency Management’s first volunteer program. She also collaborates with OEM planners to identify volunteer needs within their response plans, and is tasked with developing procedures and policies pertaining to volunteer credentialing and managing unaffiliated volunteers during emergency response. Noelle works closely with Southeastern Pennsylvania Volunteers Active in Disaster (SEPA VOAD), Citizen Corps, and other regional volunteer management coordinators. Prior to joining OEM, Noëlle worked in the nonprofit sector. She has experience in program management, program evaluation, and research. She also served as an Americorps Team Leader in Philadelphia with National School & Community Corps and as a member of New York City’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). Noëlle holds a MS in Nonprofit Administration and Social Enterprise from Columbia University School of Social Work, and a BA in Political Science from Temple University.
April Geruso Deputy Director for Planning Office Phone: 215-686-4978 Email: april.geruso@phila.gov	April Geruso serves as the Deputy Director for Planning for Philadelphia OEM. In this position she oversees the Planning Division including Health and Medical, Weapons of Mass Destruction, Human Services, Recovery, Energy Assurance, Logistics, Volunteer Management, and Hazard Specific planning programs. Prior to this role, April was the Human Services Planning Coordinator with OEM, where her responsibilities included the development of plans for disaster assistance centers, shelter and mass care services, emergency rest centers, and interim housing. Before joining OEM, April worked as a project manager for a planning and urban design firm, where she developed plans for municipalities across the country, including a redevelopment plan for a brownfield in Jersey City, New Jersey and a corridor plan for Austin, Texas. Additionally, she worked on the development of supportive housing for transitioning homeless in Austin at Foundation Communities, a nonprofit dedicated to generating affordable and supportive housing. April received a Bachelor’s degree from Virginia Tech, and a Master’s degree in Community and Regional Planning from The University of Texas at Austin, where she focused on community development and housing.
James Guckin Information Technology Program Manager Office Phone: 215-686-2156 Email: james.guckin@phila.gov	James Guckin is Office of Emergency Management's IT Program Manager. Since 2010, he has been responsible for the design and maintenance of all the agency's technology needs. James has an Associates degree in Network Engineering Technology, and worked in the IT field for over 10 years. Before joining the office James has worked in the Law, Retail and Project Management fields as well as worked as a consultant. His main areas of focus are Network Administration and Design, Disaster Recovery and Technology Training.
Brendan Isard Logistics Planning Coordinator Office Phone: 215-683-3251 Email: brendan.isard@phila.gov	Brendan Isard is the Logistics Planning Coordinator for Office of Emergency Management. In this position he serves as the lead planner for citywide logistics and resource management plans and develops resource mobilization plans for large-scale emergencies. Prior to joining OEM, Brendan had worked in the construction management field in human resources and as a project manager where he developed employee relations programs, managed daily business operations and established and oversaw various residential, commercial, institutional and infrastructure projects throughout Pennsylvania. Brendan holds a Bachelors degree in Political Science from Lynchburg College.
Robert Keehfuss Resource Inventory Coordinator Office Phone: 215-686-4997 Email: robert.keehfuss@phila.gov	Robert Keehfuss serves as the Resource Inventory Coordinator for the Office of Emergency Management and is currently building a database to identify city owned assets that could be used in emergencies. Prior to joining OEM, Robert has spent 16 years with the Philadelphia Housing Authority as a Non-Routine & Emergency Supervisor. He has also worked with numerous city departments including Licenses & Inspection and the Philadelphia Fire Department. He was a member of the Pennsylvania Urban Search & Rescue Team as a Logistics Manager being deployed to Hurricane Floyd in North Carolina and to the World Trade Center in New York City.
Caitlin Kelly Hazard Mitigation Planning Coordinator Office Phone: 215-686-1151 Email: caitlin.kelly@phila.gov	Caitlin Kelly is the Hazard Mitigation Planning Coordinator for the Office of Emergency Management. Prior to joining OEM, Caitlin worked as a meteorologist and weather producer for the NBC affiliate in Lancaster, PA. In this position she was primarily responsible for synthesizing complex technical data into cogent daily forecasts and promoting public information through internet based discussions, and instructive graphics and icons. Caitlin currently holds a BS in Meteorology and a MS in Emergency Management from Millersville University.
Elizabeth Lewis Training and Exercise Coordinator Office Phone: 215-686-3261 Email: elizabeth.lewis@phila.gov	Beth is the Training and Exercise Coordinator for the Office of Emergency Management. Beth is responsible for a range of preparedness training and exercise activities. Prior to joining the OEM Beth spent a year serving with an AmeriCorps program in New Castle County Delaware where she worked with NCC OEM conducting CERT training ,doing community outreach and American Heart Association CPR / First aid training. Prior to that Beth worked for the State of Idaho EMS Communications Center as a Communications Specialist and assisted with training new employees. Beth started her career with Queen Anne’s County Department of Emergency Services in Centreville Maryland as a 911 Dispatcher where she was also involved with training and community outreach. Beth has a bachelor of arts in interior design from Mount Vernon College in Washington DC.
James Mahady Health and Medical Planning Coordinator Office Phone: 215-686-3497 Email: james.mahady@phila.gov	James currently serves as the Health and Medical Planning Coordinator for the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management. His responsibilities include writing and updating elements of citywide emergency plans related to health and medical issues, researching best practices for issues related to healthcare facility preparedness, disease control and prevention, and casualty and fatality management. He is also responsible for building and maintaining relationships with the health and medical community in the region. James began his work with the Office of Emergency Management as an intern assisting the planning division. After leaving the Office of Emergency Management to return to college James spent a year working with the City of Providence Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security. While at Providence EMA he assisted the agency with many tasks and wrote a Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment for the City of Providence, Rhode Island. James has also spent five years as a volunteer firefighter in Radnor Township, PA. James received a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Providence College
Scott Mildren Regional Integration Center Coordinator	Scott Mildren is a coordinator with the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management’s Regional Integration Center. As a Regional Integration Center Coordinator, Scott serves as a primary interface and point of contact for Emergency Management personnel to provide critical information, updates, and support during the monitoring, response and recovery phases of the emergency response cycle. Prior to joining OEM, Scott served 20 years with the Middletown (CT) Fire Department. While in Middletown he was a Fire Fighter and also the Assistant Commander of the Hazardous Materials Response Team. He was responsible for coordinating training of the hazardous materials technicians, maintaining equipment and assisting the Commander with on-scene responses. He also attended multiple WMD response related programs throughout the country. Scott has an A.S. in Fire Technology & Administration and a B.S. in Emergency Management.
Joan Przybylowicz Deputy Director for External Affairs/ Public Information Officer Office Phone: 215-686-4474 Email: joan.przybylowicz@phila.gov	As Deputy Director for External Affairs/Public Information Officer, Joan Przybylowicz oversees Ready Region/ReadyPhiladelphia, which is a citizen education campaign for personal preparedness. She also leads a five-county marketing effort for ReadyNotifyPA, a community alert system that provides text messages to the public during emergencies. Additionally, she chairs the Public Information Subcommittee of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Regional Task Force. Previously, Joan served as staff coordinator for the Public Information Subcommittee of the City of Philadelphia’s Emergency Preparedness Review Committee. She also served as the Public Relations Manager for the Philadelphia Water Department, and chaired the Public Relations Committee for the Pennsylvania Section of the American Water Works Association. Joan holds a Bachelors of Science in Marketing from LaSalle University.
Rick Stechman Information Technology Coordinator Office Phone: 215-686-1139 Email: ricky.stechman@phila.gov	Rick Stechman currenlty serves as Information Technology Coordinator for OEM. He has been with the Office of Emergency Management since January 2005. He has ten years experience in IT and 33 years experience in electronics. Rick began his career with the City of Philadelphia in May 1995 with the Department of Public Property with primary concentration on improving the City’s radio system. He was employed at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard from May 1982 until its closing in 1995. At the Shipyard, he performed repair and overhaul of complex electronic equipment for naval ships. He also served in the U.S. Navy maintaining ships’ weapons systems.
Edward Vassallo Ready Coordinator Office Phone: 215-683-3250 Email: edward.vassallo@phila.gov	Edward Vassallo works as the Ready Coordinator in the External Affairs Division of the Office of Emergency Management. There he manages the Ready Philadelphia Public Outreach Campaign, which focuses on educating the citizens of Philadelphia on the importance of emergency preparedness. Through press events, websites, brochures, newsletters, community outreach and social media, Ed promotes the Ready Philadelphia campaign in order to prepare the public for all possible emergencies. He's even been known to appear as the Wally Wise Guy, the Shelter-in-Place Turtle, all so that the citizens know what to have in their head, home and hand during an emergency. In addition to his position at OEM, Ed is the Public Outreach Chair of the Philadelphia Local Emergency Planning Committee (PLEPC) and an inaugural member of the Department of Homeland Security's Social Media Work Group. He regularly advises emergency managers from cities across the country as well as other authorities on the use of social media as a public relations tool. Ed joined OEM in June 2008 after years in print media and public relations. He also holds a BA in Journalism from Penn State University.
Amy Verbofsky Recovery Planning Coordinator Office Phone: 215-683-3253 Email: amy.verbofsky@phila.gov	Amy Verbofsky serves as the Recovery Planning Coordinator for the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management. Her responsibilities at OEM include developing damage assessment and debris removal plans as well as coordinating reimbursement through the Public Assistance Program. Prior to joining OEM, Amy served as a Destination Fellow with the City of Philadelphia where she worked for both the Office of Housing and Community Development and the Philadelphia City Planning Commission. In her role at OHCD she implemented a pilot performance management and incentive program as well as proposed best practices for structuring housing and economic development agencies. At PCPC she developed ideas to revitalize Walnut Hill with a focus on transit-oriented development around the 46th and Market Subway Station. Previously, she was employed as a staff architect at a firm in Philadelphia that specializes in nonprofit institutions. Amy received a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania.
Kevin Wagner Regional Integration Center Coordinator	Kevin Wagner is a coordinator with the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management’s Regional Integration Center. As a Regional Integration Center Coordinator, Kevin serves as a primary interface and point of contact for Emergency Management personnel to provide critical information, updates, and support during the monitoring, response and recovery phases of the emergency response cycle. Prior to joining OEM, Kevin worked in Montgomery County, PA as a Municipal Planning Specialist in the Office of Emergency Management. Originally from Langhorne, PA, Kevin was a volunteer Firefighter/EMT with the Trevose Fire Company. Kevin earned his Bachelors of the Arts in Geography, specializing in GIS and Emergency Management from California University of Pennsylvania. While there, he was a producer and on-air meteorologist at the campus TV station. He also participated in two school-sponsored storm chases in the Midwest and he successfully intercepted a tornado in Kansas.
Rebecca Wetzler Human Services Planning Coordinator Office Phone: 215-686-2106 Email: rebecca.wetzler@phila.gov	Rebecca is the Human Services Planning Coordinator for Philadelphia’s OEM. Rebecca’s responsibilities include the development and maintenance of plans which address mass care, housing, and human services needs during emergencies, as well as long-term community recovery efforts for the City of Philadelphia. Rebecca’s previous experience includes working for Philadelphia Department of Public Health conducting community outreach in emergency preparedness, the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission advocating for the health benefits of trees, the University of Pennsylvania collecting and analyzing data on healthy food availability, and the Energy Coordinating Agency researching energy policy. Prior to this, Rebecca was a science teacher in New York City. Rebecca holds a master’s degree in City Planning (MCP) from the University of Pennsylvania, PA with a concentration in land use and transportation, a master’s degree in Urban Education (MS, Urban Education) from Mercy College, NY, and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology (BS, Psychology) from Trinity College, CT.
Greg Witmer Regional Integration Center Coordinator	Greg Witmer is a coordinator with the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management’s Regional Integration Center. As a Regional Integration Center Coordinator, Greg serves as a primary interface and point of contact for Emergency Management personnel to provide critical information, updates, and support during the monitoring, response and recovery phases of the emergency response cycle. Prior to joining OEM, Greg worked in the Environmental Health & Safety Department at West Chester University of Pennsylvania concentrating in fire safety. As a Certified Fire Protection Specialist from the National Fire Protection Association he was responsible for campus fire prevention and the various fire protection systems. Greg currently holds bachelor's degrees in Geography (Analysis/GIS) and History (American) from West Chester University of Pennsylvania and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Public Safety Management from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia.
Derek Ziegler, MCP Operations Planning Coordinator Office Phone: 215-683-3254 Email: derek.ziegler@phila.gov	Derek Ziegler is the Operations Planning Coordinator for the Office of Emergency Management. In this capacity, he is responsible for documenting policies and protocols for operational functions, such as public notification and command facilities. He is tasked with the development of Incident Action Plans for special events and large scale responses requiring interagency cooridination. He also assists in OEM’s Geographic Information Systems (GIS) program. Prior to his arrival at OEM in 2008, Derek was Executive Director of a non-profit in Camden, New Jersey, focused on expanding community access to data and information. He was also employed as a Management/Financial Analyst for a transportation planning and consulting firm in Philadelphia. In both of these roles, he was responsible for synthesizing information from multiple sources and providing concise analysis for a broad audience. Derek has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Drew University and a master’s degree in City Planning from the University of Pennsylvania.