Katie Gamble is a FEMA certified Master Exercise Practitioner (MEP) and a Senior Associate with The Olson Group, Ltd. Ms. Gamble has served as the Region 4 and Region 6 Exercise Liaison under contract with the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) Regional Capability Project for 12 years, from November 2006 to November 2018. In this role, her responsibilities included obtaining regional input for an exercise strategy, and development of exercise plans, schedules, documentation, conduct and evaluation of exercises. She has also assisted in other VDEM Regions and on other Olson Group exercise projects as requested, conducting studies and analysis, prevention and planning activities, and related tasks. She is well versed in the use of HSEEP methodology.

Served as the Region 4 & 6 Exercise Liaison under the CRA, Inc. contract with the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) Regional Capability Project for over 6 years, from November 2006 until January 2013. In this role responsibilities included obtaining regional input for an exercise strategy and development of exercise plans, scheduling, supporting development, conduct and evaluation of exercises, assisting in other VDEM Regions as requested, conducting studies analysis, prevention, planning and related tasks. Versed in the use of the HSEEP toolkit and entry of data into NEXS, DDS, and CAPS and was responsible for Region 4 and 6 follow up on related issues.

Coordination and responsibility for all public information activities as outlined in the project plan or as deemed necessary by the E 911 Committee to inform the citizens regarding the purpose, progress, benefits, and proper use of the E 911 System. Coordination and delivery of public information focusing on Emergency Preparedness to various community groups.Responsible for review and preparation of the annual operating budget for Emergency Services and E 911, monitored and authorized expenditures in accordance with established guidelines for both departments Responsible for revision and continuing updates to the county Emergency Operations Plan, Local Capability for Readiness Assessment, Hazardous Materials Plan,ThreatAssessments, ISIP, etc.Liaison between local government, six volunteer fire departments, volunteer rescue squad, local law enforcement, Virginia State Police, Virginia Department of Emergency Management, Virginia Department of Transportation, Virginia Maintenance Systems, Virginia Department of Health, Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, Virginia Department of Conservation & Recreation, Virginia Department of Forestry, Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries, US Forest Service, and other agencies to provide for the efficient delivery of emergency services to residents and visitors of Bland County Coordination and response to local hazardous materials incidents, primary contact for clean up companies and all others with regard to hazardous materials related issues, maintained files and responsible for SARA Title III reporting by local industriesCoordination and response to local disasters, initial damage assessments, local declarations, online situation reporting, and requests for assistance. Research and pursuit of grant opportunities as appropriate to enhance emergency services response and training,, responsible for all Office of Domestic Preparedness Grants and follow up reporting.

Communications Operator Bland County Sheriff’s Department from April 1992 through December 2000Receive and dispatch all calls for service both routine and emergency in nature for 8 road officers, 6 volunteer fire departments, and volunteer rescue squad Maintain accurate radio, vehicle, and other logsProper receipt and dissemination of sensitive informationVCIN/NCIC query and entry of data Assist the general public with inquiries and provide proper recommendations, referrals Promoted to Communications Supervisor May 1999Scheduling for 6 Communications OperatorsVCIN Terminal Agency Coordinator (TAC) for agencyResponsible for coordination and completion of audits with Virginia State Police relating to the Virginia Criminal Information Network System (VCIN) Assist with delivery of special programs locally, (Dare Program, Personal Security Program, Community Watch Group Program, Coordinate and lead tours of facility for school groups, Boy Scouts, etc. All regular communication operator duties