Director, Office of Emergency Management Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida Naples, Florida, United States
Tribal nations face many of the same hazards as surrounding jurisdictions, yet often operate within vastly different legal, geographic, and resource environments. This session provides a practitioner-focused discussion on the realities of tribal emergency management, including sovereignty considerations, funding challenges, continuity planning, intergovernmental coordination, and operational preparedness in underserved communities. Drawing from real-world experience leading emergency management programs for tribal governments in Florida and the Northeast, the presentation examines how tribal emergency managers navigate federal and state systems while maintaining sovereign governance structures and protecting culturally unique communities.
The session will also explore recurring gaps in preparedness funding, the importance of relationship-building before disasters occurs, and practical strategies for improving coordination between tribal, local, state, and federal partners. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of how tribal emergency management differs from traditional municipal or county models and why meaningful inclusion of tribal nations strengthens national preparedness as a whole.
This presentation is intended for emergency managers, planners, homeland security professionals, and public safety leaders seeking a better operational understanding of tribal emergency management and intergovernmental collaboration.
