Emergency managers play a crucial role in safeguarding communities during crises, making their expertise essential. Their deep understanding of risk assessment, resource coordination, and crisis response ensures effective preparedness and swift action when emergencies arise. Expertise in emergency management helps streamline communication, deploy resources efficiently, and implement strategies that minimize impact and save lives.
Veoci recognizes the value of practical experience in emergency management and hires seasoned professionals like Kent Cawley to enhance its offerings. These experts bring real-world insights and hands-on experience to the table, ensuring that Veoci’s solutions are grounded in practical, field-tested knowledge.
Early Years: Building a Strong Foundation
Kent’s journey into the field of Emergency Management began over 20 years ago. His initial introduction into Emergency Management was driven by the tragic events of 9/11, which spurred his decision to shift from his previous career path to the field of Crisis Management. His strong desire to help people and ensure their safety has driven him to where he is today and he continues to be deeply committed to making a meaningful difference in the field.
Kent’s career took off with early positions focusing on hazmat and weapons of mass destruction at the Pine Bluff Arsenal. His role included providing technical assistance to local jurisdictions nationwide in choosing, using, and maintaining personal protective equipment (PPE) related to weapons of mass destruction. Over the years, Kent’s career expanded to encompass various roles, including a notable position as a solution architect during Super Bowl L, where he provided on-site support for Crisis Information Management software.
Today’s Role: Leading with Expertise
In his current position as a Strategic Solutions Consultant at Veoci, Kent is working towards enhancing the company’s approach to Crisis Information Management. His role allows him to work on various diverse projects, such as managing complex software implementations.
Kent’s responsibilities are multifaceted as he is deeply involved in understanding and implementing technology adoption strategies, and is currently transitioning into a role where he’ll oversee significant software implementations. His commitment to learning and contributing to both the company and the Emergency Management field is evident.
Outside of Veoci, Kent teaches online courses in Emergency Management at Western Illinois University. He proudly boasts that he wants to continue to make an impact in the field of Emergency Management and teaching allows him to do this in an unconventional way by educating the next generation of emergency managers. Additionally, Kent has contributed his expertise to a recently published textbook titled “Current and Emerging Trends in the Management of International Disasters”.
In his free time, Kent regularly reads and updates his very own Crisis Management blog. During the interview for his profile he repeatedly emphasized his passion for the field as he immerses himself in the vast world of Emergency Management both in and out of the workplace.
The Practitioner’s Perspective
Kent’s experience has given him a unique perspective on the industry and its changes over the years. He claims advancements in data analytics and AI are set to revolutionize emergency management, and while he recognizes the many wonderful opportunities like predictive modeling and decision support, there are also challenges associated with using artificial intelligence in this industry.
While AI and data analytics has the potential to enable a more proactive posture in emergency management, Kent preaches caution about over-reliance on the technology. He emphasizes the need for self assessment and maintaining hands-on skills and practices.
Words of Wisdom:
To wrap up our conversation, I asked Kent if he had any personal anecdotes or advice to offer. Kent highlighted the importance of doing the necessary research and striving for originality. He recommends voracious reading habits, advocating for a multi-source approach to forming your own truth. Kent also emphasized that originality is crucial not only professionally, but for personal growth.
Learning from Experience
Kent’s career embodies the principle that experience is the best teacher. His journey has been marked by a balance between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Kent remains dedicated to leveraging his extensive field experience to advance the field of Emergency Management and to support others in becoming more resilient and prepared.
As Kent continues to drive forward with his expertise and commitment, his impact on the industry and Veoci will undoubtedly inspire and elevate the practice of Emergency Management.
