Villegas graduates from FEMA academy
Scott Kelberg, left, of the Federal Emergency Management Agency congratulates Wayne County EMA director Joe Villegas as he accepts his diploma from the National Emergency Management Advanced Academy.
Wayne County EMA director Joe Villegas recently graduated from FEMA’s National Emergency Management Advanced Academy at the Emergency Management Institute in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Villegas completed the curriculum of courses that provided him with the skills and tools needed by emergency-management professionals to develop a strategic approach to emergency response.
“During the course we looked at some historic disasters and determined what went right and what went wrong regarding the outcome of those responses,” Villegas said of the five-week course that was spread throughout the year. “One of our major roles is coordinating resources for response efforts. Our office is involved long after the rescue operation is complete. I coordinate the right people to ensure a successful operation. This training helped me to navigate that.”
The academy reinforced the qualities needed to lead emergency-management programs, as well as provided relevant management theories and concepts. It also utilized appropriate case studies. Advanced Academy participants worked in a collaborative environment on projects and established a network of peers.
The academy is designed for leaders and mid-level managers wanting to advance their skills. These skills are critical to performing leadership responsibilities such as program management and oversight, effective communication, integrated collaboration, and strategic thinking. Students apply the key learning concepts from the Advanced Academy curriculum to their own work environment.
“This course enables me to bring the next level of expertise to the residents of Wayne County,” Villegas said. “We are fortunate that we have county commissioners that really understand the value of this level of expertise. It is a big benefit to the community.”