Rachael Weatherly
Senior policy advisor with expertise in national security, response and recovery, and emergency management.
Specialties & Interests
Policy Development
Developing and setting national policy in coordination with stakeholders across all levels of government to ensure desired outcomes are achievable and attainable, in line with existing authority
National Continuity
Leading the continuity programs that enable federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial governments to continue performing essential functions and delivering critical services when typical operations are disrupted by an emergency
Financial Management
Building and advocating for additional necessary resources across the spectrum of the process to include working with DHS, OMB, and the appropriations committees to ensure the Nation’s resilience
ABOUT
I think the biggest impact I can have in my field will be effectuating change. I look forward to bringing a fresh perspective to existing obstacles and new constructs and hope to influence the direction of where we head in the next few years. To do that, we need to develop in a few key focus areas; data analytics, risk assessment and mission delivery. Data analytics will help us set a baseline of current performance and readiness of an entity to deliver its mission. Risk assessment matters for planning and decision making. How an agency delivers its mission will certainly vary in many ways, but those methods depend on the mission itself. The way we look at continuity of government and how a department postures itself to accomplish its essential functions is evolving and how we look at the suite of options available for use on a regular basis, rather than in the event of a disruption, will greatly enhance our abilities to serve the American public.
I have not only worked in almost every part of FEMA, from recovery to preparedness but also across disciplines, like business management, policy development and exercise delivery. This experience has led me to build and maintain relationships with people in other offices and fields. In any job, collaboration is vital to success, and I value and invest in those relationships.
CHDS AFFILIATION
- Executive Leadership Program Graduate, Cohort 2202
With almost 20 years of experience, I am passionate about this field and always growing.
HIGHLIGHTS
Continuity Policy, Doctrine and Guidance
A suite of guidance for all levels of government to build out successful continuity plans and processes.