Harmonizing Hazard Mitigation: Perspectives from Across Government
From the Mitigation, Response, and Recovery Unit at Washington State Emergency Management to the Hazard Mitigation Directorate at FEMA, this profession looks different at the state, local, private sector, and federal level. This presentation explores the distinctive perspective each sector brings to the table and challenges that arise when trying to align these varied viewpoints into a coherent approach to hazard mitigation. By highlighting successful strategies and lessons learned, this session aims to facilitate mutual understanding of how different things can look based on where you are sitting.
About the Presenter
Derrick Hiebert serves as the Assistant Administrator for the Hazard Mitigation Directorate within FEMA’s Office of Resilience, where he leads a dedicated team committed to connecting our most vulnerable communities to federal risk reduction resources through technical assistance, grants, and collaborative planning.
Prior to joining FEMA, Mr. Hiebert built and led hazard mitigation efforts for Washington State and King County and served government clients as a consultant. His involvement also extended to various disaster response and recovery roles in state and local emergency operations centers, supporting efforts related to wildfires, severe storms, and public health emergencies.
Mr. Hiebert holds a Master of Urban Planning from the University of Washington, and a BA in Geography, International Affairs, and GIS from The George Washington University in Washington, DC. He now lives in Maryland with his wife and two children.