At Veoci, experienced emergency management professionals like Libby Adkins help shape our products and solutions for customers. Libby brings both academic knowledge and hands-on experience to her role as Senior Emergency Management Consultant for our government clients. Here’s a closer look at what makes her perspective so valuable.
Expertise Grounded in Real-World Experience
Libby’s diverse journey, which she describes as “never boring,” is backed by extensive operational experience. She first studied Finance and Management at UWGB and Park University, and later continued her education to receive her MBA and PhD in Emergency Management. Her career in public safety began with service in the US Air Force Reserves in 2010. Libby was more interested in the work behind the scenes, rather than full-time active duty, and worked as an Emergency Management Specialist, first for the US Air Force Reserves and then for FEMA, for 14 years.
Her commitment to public safety, however, remained unwavering even after leaving the federal emergency response workforce. Libby decided to transition to a role where she could apply her practical knowledge on the business side of emergency management. She took on a Project Manager role at IEM, providing support for emergency response, but from a consultative perspective. In 2024, she received her accreditation as a Certified Emergency Manager, adding another badge to her impressive resume.
Libby’s move to Veoci was inspired by a former colleague at IEM who was familiar with the platform. Her journey has provided her with valuable insight into the field of emergency management. Today, she leverages her subject matter expertise to offer value-added services, ensuring our solutions meet the exact needs of emergency managers.
A Vision for Modern Emergency Management
What drives Libby’s role is translating her on-the-ground experience into practical, enhanced solutions for our government clients. She is passionate about improving communication and overall efficiency in the field, ultimately, helping people. Her goals in this role are centered on adding value for government clients, paving the way for more practitioners-turned-consultants, and further expanding Veoci’s impact within the government sector.
Libby notes that the field of emergency management is constantly evolving, increasingly relying on technology, automation, and AI—all areas where Veoci provides solutions such as exercise planning. However, she stresses the enduring challenge of technology failure, like power loss, highlighting the need for robust backup plans and strong foundational communication.
Words of Advice
For those entering the field, she advises getting involved locally to gain hands-on knowledge, emphasizing that practical experience is often more valuable than degrees and certifications alone. Libby’s commitment to the field extends beyond her role here at Veoci, as she serves as an adjunct faculty member for Emergency Management at South College.
With a career spanning the Air Force, FEMA, and consulting roles, Libby is a great example of why Veoci values practitioners with extensive field experience. Experts like Libby ensure that Veoci’s solutions are functionally resilient and directly address the real-world operational challenges faced by emergency managers today, helping communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from any event.