Dec. 10, 2020
Congratulations to Curry Mayer – New Director of the Seattle Office of Emergency Management (OEM)
Lakewood, WA – The Center of Excellence for Homeland Security Emergency Management (CoE-HSEM) would like to congratulate Curry Mayer for her appointment as Director of the Seattle Office of Emergency Management (OEM). Curry has been a Board member for the CoE-HSEM since 2014 and became Co-Chair of the Board in 2016. She also wrote the first draft of the HSEM Bachelors of Applied Science Degree Statement of Need, which set in motion of the establishment of a BAS degree in HSEM at Pierce College. “We are all so thrilled and excited for Curry to take over the Seattle position. She has helped to grow the training and education program for HSEM in Washington State, along with our other All-Hazard Emergency Management career pathway programs. Curry has been instrumental in helping the Center reach its goals over the past six years as an Advisory Board member, Co-Chair, and educator,” said Linda Crerar, Director of the CoE-HSEM.
Curry Mayer will join the City with over 20 years of emergency management experience at the local, state, national levels. Most recently, Curry served as Emergency Manager for the City of Bellevue, overseeing the design and implementation of comprehensive emergency management programs. She has considerable local government experience and knowledge of regional relationships. At the City of Bellevue, Curry led a diverse team and has extensive experience encouraging communities to take a proactive stance towards emergency preparedness. As OEM Director, Curry will ensure the City’s emergency response advances through a lens of inclusivity, centering underserved populations, and will join the City in December 2020.
“Seattle has a proud history of excellence in emergency management, exhibited most profoundly by leading the nation with its COVID-19 emergency response. Thank you, Mayor Durkan. I am honored to step into the leadership role of this great agency with such talented staff and I look forward to working across departments to help spearhead a resilient and equitable post-COVID recovery,” said Curry.
Curry came to Washington after 20 years in California supporting state and local emergency management programs. Her experience includes serving as the emergency management advisor to the CA Department of Food & Agriculture, as Director of Training & Exercises for the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, and as a Master Trainer for the White House Military Office in Washington D.C.
Curry has developed emergency management and homeland security programs and tools for all levels of government. Her work in Washington D.C. included projects for the United Nations, the Department of the Army, the National Guard Bureau, and the White House Military Office. During her time in California, she supported the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, myriad CA State Departments, and local governments. She holds certifications in the Homeland Security Exercise & Evaluation Program (HSEEP) and Master Exercise Practitioner Program (MEPP), and is certified to teach in both programs.