Melissa Duckworth

Melissa is a dedicated and experienced Emergency Management professional of more than 19 years with a strong background in planning, exercise design and development, and grant management. Melissa has been involved in the regionalization of Homeland Security and Emergency Management creating and coordinating regional initiatives in training and exercises; her focus on the intent of required tasks and making them applicable to each jurisdiction or agency rather than just checking a box on paper. She thrives on thinking outside the box in fast-paced dynamic environments.

My favorite quote: "The most dangerous phrase in the language is, 'We've always done it this way.'" ~Grace Hopper

The natural talent I was gifted with: Cooking (according to my husband)

Where I find inspiration: In the people that surround me. My family, friends, and colleagues.

My favorite motto: Seek out knowledge and never stop learning.

At the top of my bucket list: Travel to Romania

One thing most people don’t know about me: My degree is in Entertainment Management (a business degree with specialized courses) and I had every intention of being an Event Planner until finding Emergency Management by chance and putting my skills in event planning to use in a different way. I love when the opportunity for creating Contingency and Event Action Plans for special events arises and I can merge my two worlds.