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 Patricia Nelson, a Senior Environmental Planner and Environmental Officer in Cal OES’ Recovery Directorate. Her duties include providing environmental and regulatory expertise on new, current and legacy disasters, as well as supporting subject matter expertise on how disasters and emergency work affect the environment in which the disaster occurred.
“I am passionate about my job because it’s an opportunity to streamline the federal, state and local regulations to benefit our disaster survivors,” Nelson said.
She is passionate about streamlining federal and state compliance, and helping public assistance applicants receive funding which supports California communities on the road to recovery, through programs like the Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG), which provides states with federal assistance to support a comprehensive, all-hazards emergency preparedness system.
Nelson previously worked as an Environmental Services Manager in the private sector before joining the Cal OES Environmental and Historic Preservation Unit supporting the Recovery Directorate.