Over the past several years, the state has experienced an unprecedented number of emergencies and disasters. As these climate-driven natural disasters become more severe in California, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) staff has met each new challenge head-on.
The nearly 2,000 staff at Cal OES have responded to increasingly complex disasters in fresh and innovative ways, strengthening the foundation of emergency management to prepare for, respond to and recover from all types of emergencies and disasters.
This week, Cal OES welcomes you to learn more about Joe Hearn, Chief of Business Operations in the Office of Private Sector and Non-Governmental Organization Coordination at Cal OES. The work he does is vital to ensuring communities get support before, during and after a disaster. Through Joe’s coordination with businesses, associations, universities, nonprofits and philanthropic organizations at home and abroad, Cal OES is able to disperse aid and assistance to those in need.
“The goal of Cal OES is to help Californians respond to and recover from disasters and emergencies. We are helping people in their most vulnerable moments,” Joe said. “We have the most dedicated people here, so being a part of that team and helping contribute to the overall mission is very fulfilling.”
Joe has been with Cal OES since 2018, working as an Associate Governmental Program Analyst, before being promoted to Chief (Staff Services Manager I) in 2022. Prior to his career with Cal OES, Joe served in the military as a Naval Air Crewman. He also worked for a large national insurance agency handling claims. In his free time, Joe enjoys hiking, biking, snowboarding, and camping with his wife and two daughters.