Valerie Desio
About Me
Turning Chaos into Coordination.
My name is Valerie and welcome to my professional portfolio. I am a Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) with seven years of experience in disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation. My expertise includes disaster response as part of an incident management team, designing and leading training exercises, developing comprehensive emergency plans, and implementing technology-driven solutions to enhance operational efficiency. This portfolio highlights my experience, key projects, and contributions to building stronger, more resilient communities.
Education
Emergency Management and Homeland Security
Arizona State University
GPA 4.0
Science in Health Science
University of South Dakota
GPA 3.78 Honors: Magna Cum Laude
Work Experience
I develop and manage emergency plans while maintaining constant EOC and response‑asset readiness, including oversight of the county’s command trailer and equipment inventory. I work closely with local, regional, and state partners to strengthen preparedness and ensure effective multi‑agency coordination during incidents. I lead the design and delivery of training programs and exercises to elevate operational readiness across disciplines, and I integrate GIS and Microsoft‑based tools to enhance situational awareness, streamline workflows, and support damage assessment.
I have led field operations and incident planning across more than 30 disaster deployments, serving in key ICS leadership roles such as Incident Commander, Operations Section Chief, Planning Section Chief, and Situation Unit Leader. My work includes coordinating personnel, equipment, and logistics; developing operational briefings and incident action plans; and delivering clear situational updates to guide decision‑making. I also conduct post‑incident evaluations, contribute to after‑action improvements, coach Command and General Staff, and recruit and train volunteers to maintain organizational readiness.
Certifications and Training
Continuous learning is a key part of my approach to emergency management. I actively pursue advanced training, certifications, and industry events to stay updated on best practices, technologies, and regulatory changes. I also engage with peers to share insights and innovative strategies, ensuring I’m always prepared to tackle new challenges with the most current solutions.
Certifications
- IAEM Certified Emergency Manager
- WI Professional Certified Emergency Manager
- FEMA Basic Academy
- FEMA Professional Development Series & Advanced Professional Series
Training
G-191
G-202
G-205
G-235
G-288
G-300
G-358
G-393
G-400
G-402
G-557
G-2300
K-2302
K-2304
K-2306
K-2308
L-105
L-146
L-449
L-962
L-969
AWR-362
MGT-403
MGT-414
MGT-416
O-305
PER-343
PER-344
PER-406
W-101
W-103
W-120
W-410
W-603
IS-5
IS-10
IS-15
IS-29
IS-42
IS-100
IS-120
IS-130
IS-200
IS-201
IS-230
IS-235
IS-240
IS-241
IS-242
IS-244
IS-247
IS-251
IS-271
IS-288
IS-393
IS-403
IS-520
IS-559
IS-632
IS-660
IS-700
IS-703
IS-706
IS-800
IS-909
IS-922
IS-1000
IS-1300
IS-2200
IS-2900
My GIS Products
My GIS products showcase innovative tools and dashboards designed to support data-driven decision-making, enhance situational awareness, and improve operational efficiency in emergency management and planning.
Speaking Engagements & Industry Presentations
I have had the opportunity to speak at industry conferences and events, sharing insights on emergency management, disaster response, and preparedness to help advance best practices in the field.
- 2025-Presenter-Leveraging GIS for Smarter Emergency Management [IAEM Conference]
- 2025-Presenter-EM SIG: Integrating GIS into Your Comprehensive EM Program [ESRI User Conference]
- 2025-Presenter-Leveraging GIS for Smarter EPCRA Planning [NASTTPO Conference]
- 2024-Presenter-Build Your Own GIS Dashboard [WEMA Conference]
- 2024-Speaker-GIS Dashboards [UWEC GIS Class]
Leveraging GIS for
Smarter EPCRA Planning
Presentation from the NASTTPO Conference on the EPCRA Special Facility and Populations Planning Tool, designed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of Off-Site Planning.
Leveraging GIS for
Smarter Emergency Management
Presentation from the ESRI User Conference on how Eau Claire County is leveraging GIS to enhance preparedness, response, mitigation, and recovery efforts.
[COMING SOON]
In the Spotlight
Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to be featured in the press for my work in emergency management and disaster response. In addition to recognition for specific efforts, I have contributed to discussions on emergency preparedness in the media, sharing insights to help enhance community safety and resilience. Below is a list of notable instances where my work has been highlighted in the press.
- Eau Claire County first responders train for disaster scenario (WQOW)
- Eau Claire County, Wisconsin, Uses GIS to Improve Emergency Management for Severe Weather Events (ESRI)
- County Dashboard Helps Residents Plan for Extreme Weather (Govtech)
- Experts say to review school emergency plans with kids (WQOW)
- First responders prepare for hazmat emergency (WEAU)
- Severe Weather Awareness Week: What do the weather sirens mean? (WQOW)
- With upcoming storm, local Emergency Management wants you to stay off the roads (WQOW)
- Prepare for emergencies during Winter Weather Awareness Week (WEAU)
- Flooding potential higher in Chippewa Valley as wet spring predicted (WQOW)
- Flood Safety Awareness Week (WEAU)
- Augusta High School hosts active threat exercise for law enforcement (WEAU)
- Local emergency agencies participate in an active shooter drill (WQOW)
- ‘Phenomenal’: Team Rubicon helps Polk County residents clean up after Hurricane Ian (WFLA)
- Volunteer organization helps Polk, Hardee residents whose homes were damaged during Hurricane Ian (Fox 13)
- Welcomed With Open Arms in Guatemala (Team Rubicon)
Simulating the Storm: Leadership in Disaster Exercises
Over the years, I have been a part of developing, designing, and evaluating emergency management exercises. My work has focused on improving response strategies and coordination, with insights shared to enhance preparedness in crisis situations. Below are notable instances where my exercise-related efforts have been highlighted.
Tabletop Exercises:
- Family Assistance Center – Exercise Director & Facilitator
- Active Shooter – Exercise Director
- Municipal EOC – Exercise Director
- Multi-Casualty Incident – Exercise Director
- Public Health Flooding – Exercise Facilitator
Functional Exercises:
- Long-Term Power Outage EOC – Exercise Director
- Multi-jurisdictional EOC Activation – Exercise Planning Team & Controller
Full Scale Exercise:
- Aviation Accident – Exercise Evaluator
- Active Shooter – Exercise Planning Team & Evaluator