Natasha Abrams
Ham Lake
Summary
Emergency management professional with over 10 years of experience leading risk mitigation, disaster response, and continuity planning across military, government, and public health sectors. Proven ability to develop and execute complex preparedness strategies, facilitate cross-functional collaboration, and elevate community outreach to meet the needs of vulnerable populations. Strong background in tactical leadership, GIS applications, and regulatory compliance. Master’s in Emergency and Disaster Management.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Exercise & Evaluation Coordinator
City of Minneapolis – Emergency Management Department
Minneapolis
01.2023 - Current
- Led the development of the Integrated Preparedness Plan, which strategically planned preparedness activities for the city for the next five years.
- Led the planning and delivery of enterprise-wide functional and tabletop exercises supporting crisis response and business continuity.
- Designed GIS-based critical infrastructure mapping to inform equitable emergency decision-making.
- Partnered with FEMA and city departments to coordinate the Integrated Emergency Management Course (IEMC).
- Developed and implemented a strategic training plan, delivering over 12 ICS/NIMS-focused trainings and workshops.
- Worked with the MN National Guard to start developing a standardized request form.
Senior Emergency Management Specialist
Prince William County – Office of Emergency Management
Prince William
02.2021 - 10.2021
- Served as lead resource planner during COVID-19, overseeing situational reporting and IAP development.
- Developed and executed mobile vaccination clinic operations targeting underserved communities.
- Built GIS dashboards to guide public health outreach based on real-time vulnerability indicators.
- Authored County Fuel Shortage Contingency Plan following a major pipeline cyberattack.
Emergency Preparedness Specialist
Eau Claire City-County Health Department
Eau Claire
01.2019 - 01.2021
- Directed regional healthcare surge and alternate care site planning during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Served as interim Planning Chief and Public Information Officer in Incident Command.
- Updated pandemic and countermeasures plans and conducted multi-agency training on POD operations.
- Secured $7,500 grant to expand emergency sheltering for winter preparedness.
Captain / Officer (Various Roles)
United States Marine Corps
01.2013 - 01.2019
- Directed operational planning and risk management for 23 exercises involving 200+ personnel.
- Integrated aviation command systems between U.S. and South Korean forces during coalition operations.
- Reduced conflicting operational demands by aligning unit schedules with readiness goals.
- Recipient of Navy & Marine Corps, Army, and Air Force Achievement Medals for leadership and innovation.
Education
MPS - Emergency & Disaster Management
Georgetown University
Washington, DC01.2023
B.A. - Psychology And Sociology
Rutgers University
New Brunswick, NJ01.2011
Skills
- Crisis management
- Operational planning and exercises (HSEEP)
- ICS/NIMS Training
- Team leadership
- Project management
- Public-private coordination
- Emergency operations centers
- GIS decision tools
- Integrated preparedness planning
- Risk assessment
- Continuous improvement
- Research and presentation
Certification
- MN Basic Emergency Manager Certificate (2025)
- FEMA Professional Development Series | ICS 300/400 | IEMC (2024)
- Planning Section Chief & Situation Unit Leader (2024)
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Trained
- Secret Security Clearance
Awards
Wisconsin Rookie of the Year – Public Health Emergency Preparedness (2020), Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Army & Air Force Achievement Medals
Languages
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
Timeline
Exercise & Evaluation Coordinator
City of Minneapolis – Emergency Management Department
01.2023 - Current
Senior Emergency Management Specialist
Prince William County – Office of Emergency Management
02.2021 - 10.2021
Emergency Preparedness Specialist
Eau Claire City-County Health Department
01.2019 - 01.2021
Captain / Officer (Various Roles)
United States Marine Corps
01.2013 - 01.2019
MPS - Emergency & Disaster Management
Georgetown University
B.A. - Psychology And Sociology
Rutgers University