JOHN BIGGS – Battalion Chief, Los Angeles Fire Department
John Biggs is a 34-year veteran of the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) currently assigned as the Project Lead for Los Angeles/Long Beach Operational Area Alliance. In the course of his career, John has held the ranks of Firefighter, Engineer, Captain and Battalion Chief. His range of experience includes assignments in high incident, high value, Brush, Hazardous Materials and industrial portions of the City. In the early stages of developing Archangel’s Critical Asset Management System (ACAMS) database, Chief Biggs worked with members of the Los Angeles Police Department to provide the Fire Suppression response element to what would become a nationally recognized model for identifying, protecting, responding and recovering a City’s critical assets during times of disasters.
RYAN ROCKABRAND – Program Manager, Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Department
Ryan Rockabrand is responsible for the regional coordination plans and all hazards emergency management strategies for programs in the areas of emergency planning, training and exercise design, emergency public education, emergency public information, hazard mitigation, grants, and emergency response and recovery operations for the Los Angeles Operational Area. He serves as the co-chair for the Alliance, a planning team that develops projects for the Regional Catastrophic Preparedness Grant Program (RCPGP) and the Los Angeles/Long Beach Urban Area Security Initiative (LA/LB UASI) regions.
STAN BRAWER – Captain, Los Angeles County Fire Department
Stan has 22 years of service with the Los Angeles County Fire Department. He began his career as a Fire Suppression Aide on a Heli-Attack Fire Crew in Malibu and worked his way up through the organization, currently holding the rank of Captain. His service with Los Angeles County Fire includes assignments in the cities of Bell, Hawthorne, El Monte and Florence-Firestone districts respectively. Captain Brawer is a Fire Ground Survival National Instructor and also instructs at the Los Angeles County Fire Department Recruit Training Academy. Captain Brawer is a certified Peer Fitness Trainer, designing physical fitness training programs and mentoring recruits and in-service firefighters. Captain Brawer is assigned to the Alliance where he serves as the Section Lead for the Special Projects Unit.
JOHN C. CHUNG – Emergency Planning Coordinator, County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health, and Senior Disaster Analyst, Department of Health Services (DHS)/EMS Agency
John has a background in Health Science/Radiological Science as a graduate of CSUN and UCLA Medical Center and worked for eight years as a trauma C.T. Technologist at UCLA Medical Center before moving to Albany, NY to start his P.A. education. He has civilian P.A. experience in family practice, occupational medicine, and internal medicine throughout the greater Los Angeles area including care to many clients and patients in Adult Residential Facilities and Skilled Nursing Facilities throughout the South Bay Area. John’s interest in emergency planning and response occurred later as a physician assistant and U.S. Army Captain in the medical unit of the California Army National Guard’s WMD/CERFP Response Team in San Mateo in 2006, just after his return from a one-year deployment to Kuwait in 2005 in support of OIF III. John has past instructor certifications in CSTI WMD/Hazmat (First Responder Operations/Decon for Healthcare/Industry Tech), and CPR/First Aid (American Heart) before joining Public Health/EMS and the Alliance. Additional experiences as a CERT member, DMAT volunteer, and MRC volunteer have given John an understanding of the importance of community participation in disaster planning and response. In the work with his agencies, during the H1N1 response of 2009, John revised the Dept. of Public Health’s ICS Job Action Sheets as part of the Field Operation Guide, and completed a new distributive/tiering methodology at the EMS Agency using H1N1 meds and supplies for hospitals, clinics, and first responders. John has contributed reviews of both medical and non-medical sections of the Alliance Evacuation Guide, Mass Care Guide and Med/Health Annex, and Reception Guide.
TAMARA CHICK – Captain, Los Angeles Fire Department
Tamara has been a member of the Los Angeles Fire Department for 17 years and currently holds the rank of Captain II. Tamara has been assigned to two Hazardous Material Task Forces and one Urban Search and Rescue Task Force, as well as diverse assignments across the City of LA. Tamara earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Biomechanical Kinesiology and has developed and instructed a fitness and nutrition course for entry-level firefighters. Tamara is a certified Peer Fitness Trainer for firefighters and is currently a member of the LAFD Critical Incident Stress Management/Peer Support Team. Currently, Tamara is working on the development and implementation of the Alliance’s webpage residing with FEMA in the Virtual Joint Planning Office, or VJPO, allowing for internal communications and program management for current Alliance projects as well as networking with our Regional partners.
JOHN CVJETKOVIC - Department Emergency Coordinator - Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services
John has 24 years of service with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services. He has 9 years experience in Emergency Management and currently serves as the Department Emergency Coordinator (DEC). He has served as the Care and Shelter Branch Coordinator at the County Emergency Operations Center (CEOC) during all CEOC activations since 2005. John is an active member of Emergency Network Los Angeles (ENLA) and sits on over a dozen emergency preparedness committees. John also coordinates emergency preparedness training (i.e, Red Cross Shelter Management, Disaster Service Worker, Building Emergency Coordinator, National Incident Management System) for DPSS employees.
COREY EIDE – Asst. Director of Capacity Building, American Red Cross Los Angeles Region
Corey is in his fifth year with the American Red Cross and has been with the Los Angeles Region since 2007. In his current position of Assistant Director of Capacity Building, he currently leads the region’s sections focused on Mass Care, External Relations, Personnel Resources, and Agreements. Prior to coming to Los Angeles, Corey served as the Response Manger for the Riverside County Chapter of the American Red Cross. It was during this time, he led the chapter in their response to the deadly Esperanza fire as well as county-wide Care & Shelter planning. Corey has participated on both State and National planning efforts and most recently has supported the development of a Mega-Shelter Best Practices with the International Association of Assembly Managers, INC. and the American National Red Cross.
QUENTIN FRAZIER – Emergency Management Coordinator, City of Los Angeles, EMD
Quentin has over 27 years of public safety experience. His diverse background includes four years with the United States Air Force and eleven years with the California State University Office of the Chancellor performing both physical security and emergency preparedness duties. Quentin also spent seven years working for the Cal State University Fullerton Police Department as the Emergency Management Coordinator, which included being the Liaison between the University and first responder agencies, surrounding jurisdictions, and other public and private entity stakeholders. Since 2007, Quentin has provided emergency management response capability for the City of Los Angeles during critical incidents, both in the Emergency Operations Center and during field operations. Quentin also is tasked with developing and coordinating City-wide emergency management training and exercise programs, including drills and exercises of emergency plans.
PAUL L. JERNIGAN Jr. – Sergeant, Los Angeles Sherriff’s Department
Paul is a 22 year veteran of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and currently holds the rank of Sergeant. His law enforcement career has consisted of patrol, investigations, specialized police tactics and procedures, and emergency planning. He was the investigating officer for several large-scale investigations and operations. Upon his promotion to Sergeant, Paul served as a custody supervisor and liaison with the County’s medical staff, responsible for inmate medical care. Paul is assigned to the Sheriff’s Emergency Operations Bureau and has been a member of the Alliance for the past year.
KAREN KNIPSCHEER COX - Captain, Los Angeles City Animal Services
Karen has been a member of the City of Los Angeles Animal Care and Control for 21 years. Karen holds the rank of Captain. Karen has been moved up through the ranks and held the positions of District Manager, Hearing Examiner, and Public Relations Director. Karen is now holding the titles of Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, Department Air Rescue Team, Volunteer Equine Emergency Rescue Team and Small Animal Rescue Team Coordinator, and in charge of Training. She has worked with Emergency Preparedness for over 12 years and worked every City Disaster and Major event for those years in different capacities, but normally holds the title of Agency Representative at Unified Command.
HALLA MAHER - MSW, County of Los Angeles Department of Mental Health, Emergency Outreach Bureau- Disaster Services
Halla is the Senior Disaster Analyst in the Disaster Services Unit for Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, Emergency Outreach Bureau. She is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Disaster Unit. She first joined the department in 2004 and is responsible for all disaster emergency plans, procedures, trainings and coordination of the disaster mental health teams. Halla is also the Homeland Security Grant coordinator for the department, and recently received recognition for her department’s contribution to the Los Angeles County Operational Area Family Assistance Center.
AMBER MORALES – Sergeant, Los Angeles Police Department
Amber is a 20 year veteran of the LAPD. She has worked a variety of assignments during her tenure with the LAPD, with an emphasis on field and small-unit operations. She has managed a gang unit and narcotics unit in South Los Angeles, and worked Vice operations as well as several investigative and administrative assignments. She is a Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician, and certified by the City of Los Angeles and LAPD as a Tactical EMT through Metropolitan Division. Amber has received training in Emergency Response and Preparedness through the United Stated Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, California Emergency Management Agency, California Specialized Training Institute, Joint Regional Intelligence Center, Texas A&M University Extension Service, and New Mexico Tech to include Terrorism, Response to Terrorism, Mass Fatality Incidents, Internet Intelligence Collection, Unified Command and Advanced Incident Management Concepts, and Disaster Planning for Access and Functional Needs.
STEVE MEISSNER - Mass Care Coordinator, American Red Cross, Los Angeles
Steve has 6 years of service with the American Red Cross and currently is the Mass Care Coordinator for the Los Angeles Region. He has worked in a variety of leadership roles in Mass Care sheltering during hurricanes Katrina and Gustav on the gulf coast, as well as various emergencies in California including the Esperanza and Santiago Canyon fires. His professional experience includes 5 years of planning and development of supply chain scheduling solutions for food manufacturing and distribution companies.
SCOTT R. NORWOOD, J.D. – Emergency & Homeland Security Preparedness Manager, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA)Scott is a Summa Cum Laude graduate of Pacific West College of Law where he earned his Juris Doctor. He has worked for over thirty years in the private and public sector. He has worked as a project manager for the State of California and as a consultant and project manager focused on analysis of complex civil matters in the private sector. Prior to beginning his current position at LACMTA, he was a professor of law for several years. Scott began working in emergency and homeland security preparedness over three years ago, and currently serves in that capacity for LACMTA performing emergency planning. Scott is currently the Chairperson of the Southern California Safety & Security Forum, advancing regional transportation issues. He is also a member of the California Emergency Services Association and the International Association of Emergency Managers.
RON CUNNINGHAM – Principal Inspector, Los Angeles Housing Department
Ron has been with the City for 23 years. He began his career as a Building Mechanical Inspector with the Department of Building & Safety in 1987. He was assigned to a variety of special assignments (Problem Property Resolution Team, Court Liaison, Citations, Contract Nuisance Abatement, and Council Liaison to then Councilmember Mark Ridley-Thomas. Ron’s emergency response experience includes the Whittier Narrows Earthquake, the 1992 Civil Unrest and the Northridge Earthquake. In 1999 Ron promoted to Sr. Inspector with the Housing Department. In that role he was instrumental in developing the Systematic Code Enforcement Program, which subsequently won Harvard’s Innovations in Government Award from the Kennedy School of Government. Ron promoted to Principal Inspector in 2004 and was assigned to his current role as Housing’s Emergency Management Coordinator to lead Housing’s individual and departmental emergency preparedness response efforts.
MARK FLORES – Sergeant, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
Mark is a 19 year veteran of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. During his law enforcement career, he has worked as a patrol deputy and was involved in the Community Oriented Policing team. In addition, he spent six years in a Vice assignment. When he promoted to sergeant he returned to patrol where he was the lead for several large-scale investigations and participated in Multi-Jurisdictional Task Force operations. He has served as a contract City Liaison Supervisor in which he was responsible for special events, incident operation planning, school safety programs, and the city’s disaster preparedness plan. Mark possesses a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the California State University of Long Beach.
DAVID REDDIX – Captain, Los Angeles Fire Department
David Michael Reddix Sr. is a Captain II with the Los Angeles Fire Department. David has 21 years of service and has served as a Station Commander, Engine Captain, Paramedic Battalion Captain, Batttalion Staff Assistant, and Firefighter/Paramedic. David’s knowledge and experience presides in emergency management, hazard mitigation, field training, fire prevention, administrative duties, and personnel management. Captain Reddix is responsible for assisting the Alliance in the development and revision process of guidance documents and their companion templates. David utilizes these guides and templates to assist the cities within the region in the development of their own strategic plans for managing a catastrophic disaster or event.
MARNIE SUSS – Disaster Response Agreements Specialist, American Red Cross Los Angeles Region
Marnie currently serves as an AmeriCorps VISTA member as the Disaster Response Agreements Specialist at the Red Cross Los Angeles Region. Marnie’s responsibilities include program development, capacity building and sustainability through volunteer recruitment, training and mentorship. Prior to AmeriCorps, Marnie served as the Government Affairs Representative in Washington, DC at the National Fire Protection Association, advocating on behalf of the fire service and fire and life safety codes and standards. She worked with Members of Congress, Federal agencies, and coalitions to improve and strengthen fire prevention programs, fire safety education, and federal codes and regulations. Marnie is a volunteer with the American Red Cross as a Disaster Action Team trainee, Disaster Services Government Liaison trainee and a Logistics service associate as well as a member of the Los Angeles Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). She is also the Director of Member and Community Outreach with the Young Government Leaders LA Chapter, and certified in CPR and AED for the professional rescuer and first aid. She holds a MA in Public Policy from George Mason University and a BA in Political Science from George Washington University.
KELLEY WASHINGTON – Sergeant, County of Los Angeles Sherriff’s Department
Kelley is a 16 year veteran of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Kelley has an extensive background and training in criminal investigations. Before her promotion to the rank of Sergeant, she was a detective for the Department’s Major Crimes Bureau in an undercover capacity. She is currently assigned to the Sheriff Department’s Emergency Operations Bureau and is one of three of the Department’s Earthquake Liaison Officers (ELO). Kelley is one of the newest members of the Alliance. She is currently a co-lead on the Area D Mass Evacuation Project and will be assisting in the upcoming Recovery Project. Kelley holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Occupational Studies and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration.
ANTOINE MCKNIGHT –Battalion Chief, Los Angeles Fire Department
Antoine McKnight was born and raised in the City of Los Angeles. He and has been a member of the Los Angeles Fire Department for 25 years. He is currently assigned to the Los Angeles/Long Beach Operational Area Alliance. Chief McKnight has held the ranks of Firefighter, Firefighter/Paramedic, Captain I, EMS Supervisor, Captain II and Battalion Chief. Chief McKnight has taught all components of the C.E.R.T. program and was one of the initial team of instructors from the Los Angeles Fire Department to launch the C.E.R.T. program nationally by teaching C.E.R.T. Train the Trainer at the Emergency Management Institute, in Emmetsburg, Maryland. During his tenure, Chief McKnight has gained experience in Hazard Mitigation including Brush fires, Structure fires, Multi-Casualty Incidents and physical rescues. Some of his other assignments have included the Disaster Preparedness Division, the Fire Safety and Education unit, Planning Section and the Community Service Unit as the Public Information Officer.
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