Our Emergency Management Agency (EMA) works around the clock to make sure Macon-Bibb is prepared in the event of an emergency. Whether it’s a pandemic, a weather event, or other dangerous situations – our team of highly educated and experienced professionals are always learning. Deputy Director Robert McCord has a long list of professional and educational accomplishments including his recent graduation from FEMA’s National Emergency Management Advanced Academy (NEMAA). That’s why he’s this week’s staff spotlight!

Robert McCord is in his 10th year working with our EMA, which followed him working in emergency management for the Georgia Department of Public Health. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Service, and a Master’s in Emergency and Disaster Management, and has a long list of professional designations which include being a Certified Emergency Manager through the International Association of Emergency Managers, a Georgia Advanced Certified Emergency Manager, an All Hazards Communications Unit Leader and more. Robert’s mission to help people and serve those around him started more than 20 years ago when he joined the U.S. Marine Corps. He carries on that life-long goal through continued education and certifications.

“The key to success and Emergency Management is having a highly trained and dedicated staff. With his graduation from this nationally recognized FEMA Academy, Deputy Director McCord has shown that he is dedicated to protecting the citizens of Macon-Bibb County by ensuring that he has the best training possible to accomplish that mission. I am proud that he is on our team and continues to excel in his position,” says EMA Director Spencer Hawkins.

For this recent accomplishment, Robert traveled to the Emergency Management Institute in Emmitsburg, Maryland for an intensive program to bolster those skills and abilities. Over the last year, as part of the NEMAA, Robert completed the four week-long resident courses in the Advanced Academy including: Application of Advanced Individual Concepts in Emergency Management, Assessment of Teams in Professional Emergency Management, Contemporary Issues in the Emergency Management Organization and Advanced Concepts and Policy in the Emergency Management Profession. Additionally, Robert completed a NEMAA research paper detailing why effective redundant communications systems are vital to support public safety during disaster response.  His paper is now published in the National Emergency Training Center Library to assist emergency management professionals throughout the nation in building more prepared and resilient communities.

In his free time, Robert enjoys spending time with friends and family. He’s a little league baseball coach, a Cub Scout leader, an avid Star Wars fan, and enjoys the outdoors with his family while fishing, hiking, skiing, snorkeling, SCUBA diving and just being in nature. Congratulations, Robert! We feel a whole lot safer by having you on #teammaconbibb.

About FEMA’s NEMAA: 

FEMA’s National Emergency Management Advanced Academy (NEMAA) reinforces the qualities needed to lead emergency management programs, provides relevant management theories and concepts, and utilizes appropriate case studies. By working within their series, Advanced Academy participants work within a collaborative environment on projects and establish a network of their peers. The Academy is designed for emerging leaders and mid-level managers wanting to advance their skillset. Students learn skills critical to performing leadership responsibilities such as program management and oversight, effective communication at all levels, integrated collaboration, and strategic thinking.  The Advanced Academy provides students the opportunity to demonstrate their critical thinking ability through a NEMAA paper. Students apply the key learning concepts from the Advanced Academy curriculum relative to their own skillsets and abilities within their organizations, and their own performance environments.