Preparedness Program Analyst
National Association of City & County Health Officials (NACCHO)
Fairfax, Virginia, United States
Leila Blais is a preparedness leader advancing the integration of public health and emergency management to strengthen whole-community resilience. She supports local and regional health departments nationwide in strengthening the implementation of all-hazards planning, integrating incident management principles, and building workforce readiness through initiatives such as Project Public Health Ready (PPHR). Known for translating complex preparedness concepts into practical, field-ready strategies, Leila emphasizes cross-disciplinary leadership, usable plans, and strong community partnerships to help agencies prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. Through her writing and technical assistance, she focuses on advancing resilient health systems, integrating public health into the broader emergency response community, and promoting continuous quality improvement across preparedness programs helping agencies move beyond compliance toward sustainable, capability-driven preparedness outcomes. She holds a Master of Professional Studies in Emergency and Disaster Management from Georgetown University's School of Continuing Studies. She is also a volunteer EMT and secretary at Fair Oaks Fire & Rescue Station in Fairfax County, Virginia.
Beyond the Annex: Using Public Health as a Strategic National Security Force Multiplier
Monday, November 9, 2026
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM PST