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Emergency Management Alumni Spotlight: Amanda Fox

Emergency Management and Disaster Science alumna, Amanda Fox, shares how her degree helped her snag a stellar job in the field.

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One goal in the Emergency Management and Disaster Science Program is to stay connected with alumni. The program is interested in career paths that graduates have selected. This month, we are highlighting Emergency Management alumna, Amanda Fox.

After graduating from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in December of 2016, with a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management, Fox moved to Wisconsin. She started a job as the Emergency Management Specialist for the Manitowoc County Emergency Services Division. In Manitowoc, the Emergency Services Division encompasses three key components: Emergency Management, the Joint Dispatch Center, and the HAZMAT team.

Because the county is in close proximity to a nuclear power plant, Fox frequently collaborates with the plant’s emergency preparedness team. Fox is the lead exercise planner and grant administrator for the county.

Fox is most passionate about her role with community outreach and exercise planning. Her passion stems from reading Amanda Ripley’s book, “The Unthinkable.” The nonfiction book had a huge impact on Fox, helping her determine the importance of community outreach projects. She is working hard to ensure that “the inherent expectations for the public are brought to the public,” says Fox. In other words, she educates local businesses on preparedness. She also developing a Community Organizations Active in Disaster volunteer group. Fox is fulfilling a crucial role as an emergency manager by reaching out to the community about preparedness and planning.

When asked about advice for current and future emergency management students, Fox emphasized the importance of taking the Federal Emergency Management Agency Emergency Management Institute courses offered online. She said, “Take as many as you can! Those certificates will move you to the top of the resume pile and you’ll be much closer to getting state-certified as an emergency manager.” She also highly recommends speaking up in class. “Getting involved in the classroom is a great way to demonstrate what you know and a chance to learn more,” says Fox.

The EMDS Program is proud of the work Fox is doing with her emergency management degree!