April Tyson
U.S. Citizen Top Secret - SCI / DOE Q
***** *** **. #*** ******, MD 20707 301-***-**** (H) 240-***-**** (M) ************@*****.***
Branding/Capability Statement
Emergency Response Liaison/Coordination Officer offering in-depth demonstrated proficiencies related to:
Principles articulated in National Incident Management System (NIMS) and related components, capabilities and resources identified in National Response Framework Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) 1-15.
Coordinating with Federal, State, and local emergency coordinators and other appropriate personnel involved in developing emergency preparedness and continuity of operations plans, capability assessment methodologies, contingency measures/conditions, and risk/vulnerability assessment methods.
Emergency communications systems as it pertains to emergency preparedness and continuity of operations, monitoring and directing mobilization of employees, equipment, vehicles, communication capabilities, and operational facilities for on-site emergencies and re-location efforts.
Establishing/maintaining effective working relationships with appropriate staff of Department of Homeland Security, State Department, Department of Defense, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, National Operations Center, and other Federal Government agencies that interface with National Response Framework and back-up Continuity of Operations (COOP) support planning organizations and advising senior policy makers, providing guidance and counsel on business continuity and emergency preparedness issues.
Leading and coordinating homeland security and emergency response functions and activities outlined in the National Response Framework as it relates to emergency response to terrorist use of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) attacks, natural disasters, and other emergencies or contingencies.
Professional Profile
Nov 2017 * Present – Emergency Management Planner FEMA – HQ. Washington, DC 20472
Emergency Manager Planner Develop, design the Project Management Office. Collect analyzes data and statistics of Supplemental funds policies and program issues .Track performance matrix for leadership and other audiences. Develop tools to track funding, policies within Joint Field Offices and agencies.
Jan 2016 * Jan 2017 – Emergency Management Program Specialist, District of Columbia Department of Corrections
Washington, DC 20003
Emergency Management Program Specialist Develop Emergency Response Plan, programs, and training curriculum. Conduct evacuation response drills. Coordinate with various state and federal correctional facilities in developing evacuation plans. Advise the Director, Deputy Director, Management and front line staff of the nature, magnitude and effects of various emergencies. Plan, organize and execute assignments which entail determining the approach methods and procedures that will most effectively and expeditiously accomplish work. As a Liaison Officer, work closely with Homeland Security Emergency Management Agency and Federal Emergency Management Agency to conduct exercises and drills for the Department of Corrections. Collaborate Office of Unified Communications to assess, test, and monitor radio equipment.
Nov 2014 * Feb 2015 – Watch Officer, Social Security Administration Office of Security Emergency Preparedness(OSEP)
Baltimore, MD 21235
Watch Officer Collected, researched, analyzed, and disseminated data dealing with suspected fraudulent SSA concerns.
Contribute to the development of SSA-SOP. Contributed results of research and analysis to SSA Physical
Security Specialist for reports and ongoing investigative coverage and follow-up.
Sept 2011 July 2014 – Information Analyst, Department of Homeland Security, Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO), 1125 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20528
Information Analyst Provided technical and operational support to Federal, State and Local Stakeholders. Monitored data of radiological/nuclear material. Conducted trend and link analysis of detection alarms, including known or suspected radiological and nuclear-trafficking incidents, nuclear and radiological threats in support of GNDA strategy and response. Brief the Director of any nuclear threats. Provided training and outreach to GNDA Stakeholders. Assisted in maintaining JACCIS database and RFI systems. Corresponded with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) at National Laboratories.
Sep 2008 Aug 2011 – Analyst /Watch Officer, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Excalibur Associates,
700 N. Fairfax St, Suite 500, Alexandria, VA 22314
Watch Analyst Reviews and evaluates incoming reports, information, and programs to ensure timely and effective response to incidents and/or developing emergencies in which USDA may be involved. Collects information from other government agency SITREPS, SPOTREPS and RFI during emergency situations in order to prepare reports that keep the Secretary informed of threats or issues related the Department mission. Conduct incident analysis, recommend, and develop courses of action for incident response. Assess capabilities gaps, recommend solutions, and develop contingency plans.
Manpower Development Work within training team environment to train newly hired watch officers utilizing Instructional Systems Design model, Standard Operation Procedures, and agency training and performance support.
Operational Analyst/Reporting Generate time sensitive reports for submission to reviewing authorities as mandated by timelines. Input and extract data from search and retrieval systems for reports. Research tracking system data for completeness and accuracy to ensure proper execution.
Interface Ability Research, analyze and disseminate emergency management information to key personnel. Ensure immediate notification and warnings issued promptly. Co-function with command centers, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies for outreach, awareness, and information sharing regarding emergency response. Provide demonstrably superior service with highest degree of integrity and responsiveness coordinating support. Fully cognizance of value associated with creating network of contacts. Develop and implement communication plans providing continuous, timely, and accurate information. Direct and shape command information and strategies based on short deadlines and rapidly changing situations requiring quick response plans and actions.
June 2007 Aug 2008 – Senior Watch Officer, Health and Human Services (HHS), Technology Associates Inc. 5930
Priestly Dr. Carlsbad, CA 92005
Operations Officer Supported Department of Homeland Security (DHS), National Operations Center (NOC) Senior Watch Officer and its managing officers, HHS and its executive staff. Brief Senior Leadership on current situations being monitored. Subject matter expert in the areas of threats, hazards, and critical infrastructure protection. Analyzed information that was associated with potential threats and hazards affecting operations, personnel, and resources. Conducted detailed research involving source sensitive and classified national security information. Partnered with senior watch officers developing tabletop training exercises for review with watch officers from various government agencies.
Strategic Partnering Informed and updated Secretary’s Operation Center (SOC) using established incident and event reporting criteria. Coordinated with internal/external DHS entities and other federal agencies based upon knowledge of NOC, various agencies and their missions and capabilities, and knowledge of functions of U.S. government.
Policy/Plans Authoritative Led coordination and formulation efforts for contingency readiness plans and policies designed to provide maximum efficiencies for centralized operations and covered long-range logistical plans, objectives, and policies. Conducted gap analysis of current operations and presented shortfalls. Identified and resolved issues where no policy existed. Took innovative actions to address new needs. Authored/implemented local operating procedures/directives, and guidance letters that ensured effective management.
Sep 2006 Feb 2007 – Watch Stander/Watch Analyst, US Navy Operation Center, Halfaker and Associates, 2900 South Quincy Street, Suite 375, Arlington, VA 22206
Installation Security Maintained continuous situation awareness of any crisis or contingency that could have affected Navy installation or assigned personnel. Provided resource status information to Navy Operations Center and National Military Command Center for over 70 shore installations across 12 Navy regions worldwide. Monitored unclassified reports and briefed reports to the Command Duty Officer.
Dec 2003 Mar 2004 – Senior Law Enforcement Advisor, Dept. of Justice, SAIC, 1710 SAIC Drive, McLean, VA 22102
Knowledge Management Officer First civilian female instructor to serve under Department of Justice’s Coalition Authority in Iraq. Assigned to train newly hired police and correction officers. Instructional techniques consisted of lectures, demonstrations, and “hands-on" exercises to confirm business performance needs could be met.
Participated in roundtable discussions with senior leadership of the Iraqi government developing training material, promoting team building, improving business practices, and exchanging information on current developments. Promoted initiatives that incorporated “best practices” and most effective approaches. Devised and implemented performance measures to determine effectiveness of training. Instructional design met guidelines for adult learning. Efforts resulted in increased personnel efficiency.
Jun 2002 Feb 2003 – Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Instructor, Boeing - Advance Interactive Systems 665 Andover Park West. Seattle, WA, 98188
Workforce Training/Development Trained/cross-trained 400 Transportation Security Administration personnel during classroom and hands-on operational scenarios to analyze and research all material related to scanning travelers and baggage for explosive trace detection and calibrating equipment in accordance with Transportation Security Administration and Homeland Security guidelines all over the United States. Lead TSA personnel to develop solid decision making skills Lesson content was clear with concise objectives and course of action for multiple user requirements. Identified training delivery mechanisms and course presentations. Analyzed content and provided final quality control check on supporting material. Enhanced performance and professional competence among physical security personnel.
Sep 1986 Apr 2000 – Correction Officer, New York City Dept. of Corrections, 15-15 Hazen St. E. Elmhurst, N.Y 11370
Facility Security Specialist Maintained accountability of prisoners incarcerated at Rikers Island Prison, consisting of 10 major jails and with a combined capacity of nearly 17,000 inmates. Monitored prisoners. Used weapons, handcuffs, and physical force to maintain discipline/order. Investigated crimes. Searched prisoners and cells for weapons, valuables, drugs, or other contraband. Patrolled assigned areas. For infraction of rules. Tasked to train newly assigned officers as it related to working specific areas, proper escort/search procedures, and equipment checks.
Community Partnerships
Vice President-Laurel, MD Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) official Emergency Preparedness Program of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). In a team environment, facilitate development of community-based disaster response plan. Educate/prepare citizens for fire safety, light search and rescue, disaster medical operations. Created Emergency Public Awareness & Education Campaign detailing how to respond to /during emergencies or terrorist attack. Information distributed and presented in both brochure and classroom format. Skills taught aided first responders in the eventuality of large-scale man-made/natural emergencies or disasters.
Academic Showcase / Professional Development
Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program – HSEEP Feb 2011
Washington, DC Homeland Security Emergency Management – Emergency Liaison Officer Sept 2009
Certificate of Professional Development in Emergency Management - Emergency Management Institute July 2014
Certificate of Achievement in Emergency Management-Emergency Management Institute Nov 2006 Criminal Law, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, New York, NY Aug 1991
AAS Degree Business Admin. (20 S/H), Kingsborough Community College, Brooklyn, NY Jun 1984
Maryland Reserve Medical Corp July 2010
:
Information Management Systems
MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint
Professional Certifications/Affiliations
Black Emergency Managers Association International 2017
International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) 2013
Certified Provisional Instructor, Maryland Correctional Training Commission 2003
Certified Instructor, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) 2002
Fraternal Order of Police 1988
Honors/Awards
Letter of Dedicated Professional Development Training – Director, Prince George County Homeland Security 2013
Letter of Apperception Mayor of Laurel, Maryland 2012 Top Achievement Award 2009
Letter of Exceptional Contribution – Homeland Security- Director, National Operation Center 2008
Metro Transit Department Award 2006