NVERS exists as an organization to enhance all facets of emergency preparedness of local response agencies, healthcare organizations, and their partners. While its stakeholders are committed to the Mission, they also have limited resources and a primary responsibility to their respective jurisdictions, health systems, and agencies. Having a dedicated staff allows NVERS to enact the policies and programs developed by the Board of Directors and Steering Committee, support the stakeholders directly, and manage the projects that achieve strategic priorities.
- Kristin Nickerson, MA - Executive Director
As Executive Director, Kristin designs and implements the strategic vision for a complex, sensitive and mission critical organization and is responsible for the day-to-day operations of NVERS to include staff leadership and development, business development and communications, and programmatic excellence. She serves as a liaison to partners in the National Capital Region and nationally. Prior to joining NVERS nearly a decade ago, Kristin worked in healthcare administration and international affairs. Kristin is passionate about bringing people together to solve the problems most pressing in public safety and healthcare preparedness. - Andrew Slater, MA - Deputy Executive Director
As Deputy Executive Director, Andrew supervises the development and execution of the organization’s project portfolio and strategic initiatives. Before joining NVERS, Andrew worked for the Central Virginia Healthcare Coalition as the RHCC Manager, and then as the Director, overseeing the Hospital Preparedness Program in Central Virginia. Andrew has also held positions in state government as a Public Policy Analyst for the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice and the Office of the Virginia Secretary of Public Safety & Homeland Security. In his free time, he volunteers as a Medic for Tuckahoe Volunteer Rescue Squad in Henrico County, Virginia. Andrew holds bachelor’s degrees in Political Science & Business Administration from the University of Richmond. He obtained his master’s degree in Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness from Virginia Commonwealth University. - Julie Gall, PhD - Manager of Public Safety Programs
Julie received a Doctor of Philosophy in Criminology, Law and Society from George Mason University; her dissertation examined patterns of domestic lone wolf terrorists. In her current position, she serves as Manager for Public Safety Programs for NVERS, supporting regional committees and managing grant funded public safety initiatives. Julie’s prior experience includes managing the implementation of Northern Virginia’s Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC) program, developing strategic policy for the homeland security and public safety agencies of the National Capital Region, and instructing undergraduate criminal justice courses. - Harry Gruenspecht, MS, CEM - Manager of Healthcare Preparedness Programs
As Manager of Healthcare Preparedness Programs, Harry manages a range of preparedness activities to support the region's healthcare coalition including planning, training and exercises, and coordination with partners. Before joining NVERS, Harry worked for the Prince William County Service Authority as the agency's Emergency Preparedness Manager. Harry has also held positions in local public health and served in the United States Air Force as a Medical Service Corps Officer. A Certified Emergency Manager, Harry holds a bachelor's degree in Community Health and a master's degree in Healthcare Administration. - Corrie Silcox, MPH - Manager of Healthcare Preparedness Programs
As Manager of Healthcare Preparedness Programs, Corrie supports the NVERS healthcare coalition’s expansive portfolio of preparedness activities, with an emphasis on partner engagement, planning, and training and exercise. Corrie’s prior experience includes public health emergency preparedness and response leadership positions in Virginia and Indiana, and graduate course design and instruction for the University of Saint Francis. Corrie worked for several EMS agencies in Indiana as a paramedic with CCEMT-P and NREMT-P certifications. Corrie holds a master’s degree in Public Health from A. T. Still University and a post-graduate certificate in Biostatistics and Epidemiology from Drexel University. - Megan Li - Hospital Project Coordinator
As the organization’s Hospital Project Coordinator, Megan supports the regional Hospital Emergency Managers Subcommittee and coordinates the procurement of resources in support of hospital preparedness. Prior to joining NVERS, Megan supported federal, state, local, and private correctional facilities nationwide seeking accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Corrections. Megan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Virginia Commonwealth University. - Chelsea Bates, MPH - Hospital Project Coordinator
As Hospital Project Coordinator, Chelsea supports hospitals and coordinates resource procurement in support of hospital preparedness, primarily in the western portion of the NVERS region. Before joining NVERS, Chelsea worked at the Erie County Department of Health in Erie, Pennsylvania as the Public Health Preparedness Coordinator. Chelsea has also served as the Cities Readiness Initiative (CRI) Coordinator and the Medical Countermeasures (MCM) Coordinator at the Maryland Department of Health, Office of Preparedness and Response. Chelsea earned her master’s degree in Public Health from the University of Florida and holds a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the Virginia Military Institute. -
Meagan Doran, MPH - Medically Vulnerable Populations Coordinator
As Medically Vulnerable Populations Coordinator, Meagan supports skilled nursing, dialysis, home health, and other medically vulnerable population partners in the region. Before joining NVERS, Meagan led the National Association of County and City Health Officials’ (NACCHO) Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) Program where she worked to advocate and develop funding initiatives for 750 MRC units across the nation. Meagan also held positions supporting the Virginia MRC as the state COVID-19 Coordinator and Northern Region MRC Coordinator in the initial years of the COVID-19 response. Meagan holds a Master of Public Health degree from George Washington University, a Master of Science degree in International Relations and National Security from Troy University, and bachelor’s degree in History, Political Science and German. -
Christopher Cook, BS - RHCC Manager
As RHCC Manager, Chris manages the operational response of NVERS and coordinates with healthcare partners during emergencies affecting the NCR. Chris started with the Healthcare Coalition in 2012. Before joining NVERS, Chris worked at Reston Hospital, first as an Emergency department technician, and then as the Emergency Manager and EMS Liaison. Chris also Volunteered as a firefighter for 17 years in Prince William County where he served as an Assistant Chief before retiring in 2016. Chris graduated summa cum laude from Strayer University with a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice and a focus in emergency management. -
Adam Buckley, BBA - Senior Project Manager
As a Senior Project Manager at NVERS, Adam supports regional committees and initiatives, including administering the Patient Tracking System Program for Northern Virginia, ensuring interoperability across the National Capital Region. Adam has spent his career training, managing, and tracking people and resources during mission projects for local, state, and federal agencies, including Fire and EMS Agencies, Office of The Chief Medical Examiner, Federal Bureau of Investigation Task Forces, and the Defense Health Agency, He has also coordinated resource and response tracking efforts for events spanning local county gatherings up to Presidential Inaugurations. - Jordan Meservy, MSc - Project Manager
As a Project Manager, Jordan supports regional committees and coordinates regional preparedness activities. Prior to joining NVERS Jordan worked for the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments as a Homeland Security Planner. Jordan holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Brigham Young University. Jordan has also received a Master of Science degree in History from the University of Edinburgh. - Anicia Barrett - Jr. Project Manager
As Jr. Project Manager, Anicia is responsible for assisting the organization with administrative tasks. These tasks consist of preparing content for meetings and conferences, knowledge capture at board meetings, and monitoring the organization's event calendar. Before joining NVERS, Anicia graduated from James Madison University, obtaining her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design. - Thomas Li - Project Manager
As a Project Manager, Thomas supports regional committees and coordinates regional preparedness activities. Prior to joining NVERS, Thomas worked for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) as a Customs and Border Protection Officer. Thomas was charged with securing U.S. Ports of Entries at the San Diego Mexico land border. During his time with CBP, Thomas was part of the Anti-Terrorist and Drug Interdiction team charged with preventing weapons of mass destruction, drugs, illegal immigrants and contraband from entering the U.S. Thomas holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a Bachelor of Arts in Homeland Security from Virginia Commonwealth University. - Paul Norton, BS - Logistics and Special Programs Manager
As a Logistics and Special Programs Manager, Paul manages the NVERS warehouse of supplies and assets, coordinating with staff and stakeholders to ensure resources are efficiently deployed and accurately accounted for. Paul’s background as a police commander helps him support the team on various programs associated with his experience in emergency planning, crisis management, training, and policy writing. Paul also supports the operational needs of the Regional Healthcare Coordination Center as needed. - Edith Huang, PharmD - Pharmaceutical Manager
As the organization's Pharmaceutical Manager, Edith Huang oversees the procurement, inventory, and maintenance of cached and forward-deployed pharmaceuticals in the region. Edith received her bachelor's degree in Pharmaceutical Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She then obtained her PharmD degree from UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy. After graduation, she became a staff pharmacist at CVS/Pharmacy and was responsible for accurate medication dispensing, patient consultations and maintaining a steady level of pharmaceutical inventory. Prior to joining NVERS, she served as the Managing Director of SYNERGY HomeCare which provides high quality care to help older adults reside in their homes safely and comfortably. In that role, she oversaw day-to-day operations which included recruiting and motivating staff, managing client projects, and developing innovative marketing campaigns.