Samantha Phillips Resigns as Philadelphia Director of the OEM

Samantha Phillips Resigns as Philadelphia Director of the OEM

Samantha Phillips Resigns as Philadelphia Director of the OEM

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PHILADELPHIA PA - Mayor Jim Kenney today accepted the resignation of Samantha Phillips, Director of the Office of Emergency Management (OEM). Phillips is leaving OEM for a position as Director of the National Center for Security and Preparedness in Albany, New York. PHILADELPHIA PA - Mayor Jim Kenney today accepted the resignation of Samantha Phillips, Director of the Office of Emergency Management (OEM). Phillips is leaving OEM for a position as Director of the National Center for Security and Preparedness in Albany, New York.

The National Center supports the nation’s efforts to be secure from acts of terrorism and to be prepared to respond to incidents of high consequence and disasters through research, education, training, and technical assistance. In her new role, Phillips looks to leverage her experience gained in Philadelphia to expand upon the Center’s research and policy contributions to national security and emergency management. The Center is part of the College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity at the University at Albany.

Phillips started with OEM in 2007 and has been the Director since 2011. Under her tenure, the City has successfully coordinated two Secret Service designated National Special Security Events; Pope Francis’ visit in 2015 and the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in 2016. She also led response and recovery for four Presidential Disaster Declarations, helping the city to recoup nearly $12 million through FEMA Public Assistance. Under Phillips direction, OEM provided on scene support for over 500 emergency responses including Amtrak 188 and the 22nd and Market building collapse.

“It has been a privilege to serve as the Director of Emergency Management. I am incredibly proud of what OEM has accomplished and truly believe we have become a national leader in the emergency management community. I am deeply grateful to have had the opportunity to work with such wonderful colleagues in Philadelphia and throughout the region. I thank Mayor Kenney, Managing Director Michael DiBerardinis, and First Deputy Brian Abernathy for their leadership and support,” said Phillips.

The Mayor has named OEM Deputy Director for Operations Dan Bradley as Acting-Director while a search is underway for Phillips’ replacement.



“I feel personally indebted to Sam for her decade of service to Philadelphia. She has been a critical leader during our greatest tragedies, including the Amtrak derailment and Hurricane Sandy. She has also successfully overseen emergency operations for enormous special events, including the papal visit and the DNC. We are very sorry to see her go, and we wish her the very best in her future endeavors,” said Kenney. “I have absolute confidence that Dan Bradley will serve the city well as Acting-Director. His experience in homeland security and special events will continue the Office’s record of excellence.”

Bradley is currently OEM’s Deputy Director for Operations where he utilizes his vast knowledge of homeland security and emergency management. He established OEM’s homeland security program in 2011 and is the lead planner for large special events such as the World Meeting of Families and the DNC. He also managed the City’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during the Amtrak 188 derailment and numerous other severe weather incidents such as Winter Storm Jonas and Hurricane Sandy. He has extensive field response experience including on-scene coordination during the building collapse at 22nd and Market Streets. Dan is currently a master’s degree candidate at the Naval Postgraduate School Center for Homeland Defense and Security.



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