Our success as emergency managers is many times determined by the relationships we are able to build with other individuals and agencies/organizations.
Over time we form some pretty strong bonds with people who are key supporters and who "get what we do" and are part of the solution vs. being part of the problem. When there is an EOC activation you can count on them to show up and be supportive.
Then, eventually, sometimes quickly--they leave. This then is the Emergency Manager's Curse. Just when you have things going good in one area, you have to start all over again. This can happen when a chief elected official leaves office, or when a key supporter departs.
Just such a thing happened when the Seattle Times had a story that included Alan Painter, the director of the Department of Human Services is getting the axe
As you go up in the ranks the "serve at the pleasure" aspect of your job is something you live with and understand. Alan was a huge supporter of emergency management in the City of Seattle. I know the folks in OEM there will miss him dearly.
And--rebuilding a relationship with the Department of Human Services will start all over again.
Thanks Alan for your many years of support for emergency management in the City of Seattle!!
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Over time we form some pretty strong bonds with people who are key supporters and who "get what we do" and are part of the solution vs. being part of the problem. When there is an EOC activation you can count on them to show up and be supportive.
Then, eventually, sometimes quickly--they leave. This then is the Emergency Manager's Curse. Just when you have things going good in one area, you have to start all over again. This can happen when a chief elected official leaves office, or when a key supporter departs.
Just such a thing happened when the Seattle Times had a story that included Alan Painter, the director of the Department of Human Services is getting the axe
As you go up in the ranks the "serve at the pleasure" aspect of your job is something you live with and understand. Alan was a huge supporter of emergency management in the City of Seattle. I know the folks in OEM there will miss him dearly.
And--rebuilding a relationship with the Department of Human Services will start all over again.
Thanks Alan for your many years of support for emergency management in the City of Seattle!!
