Mayor Nutter Appoints Samantha Phillips as Deputy Managing Director for Emergency Management

Philadelphia, June 12, 2012 – Mayor Michael A. Nutter announced Monday the appointment of Samantha Phillips to the position of Deputy Managing Director of the Office of Emergency Management (OEM).  Phillips will assume the post that was vacated by Liam O’Keefe, who recently returned to his home state of New York. In this role, Phillips will collaborate with City departments and external organizations to develop comprehensive emergency management plans to mitigate the impact of emergencies and guide the city through recovery efforts. 

“Sam has demonstrated strong leadership capabilities that have helped guide our city through several major winter storms during the past few winters, as well  as Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee,” said Mayor Nutter. “Because of her proven track record of steering multiple agencies, both public and private, in a coordinated effort during emergencies, I have every confidence that Sam’s role in leading OEM will make Philadelphia a more secure and resilient city.”

Chief of Staff and Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Everett Gillison added, “In addition to her leadership skills, Sam has consistently shown her commitment to serving Philadelphians, especially those most in need during times of emergency.

In addition to her position at OEM, Phillips currently serves on the Executive Board of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Regional Task Force. Previously, she served as the Chair of the Task Force’s Human Services Workgroup. Phillips was recently named Chair of FEMA Region III Regional Advisory Council.

“I am very grateful to have been selected to lead the Office of Emergency Management,” said Phillips. “This is a tremendous honor and I look forward to leading our staff as we continue to enhance Philadelphia’s emergency preparedness plans, response and recovery efforts, and the city’s relationship with public and private emergency response partners throughout the region.”

Phillips has held several positions at OEM, most recently serving as Assistant Managing Director. Prior to that, she served as the Deputy Director for Planning where she oversaw the agency’s planning efforts, including Health and Medical, Human Services, Recovery, Weapons of Mass Destruction, and Hazard Specific planning programs.

Prior to joining OEM, Phillips worked with The George Washington University’s Office of Public Safety and Emergency Management. She also served as a member of the National Preparedness and Response Corps with the Southeast Louisiana Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Phillips received a Bachelor of Science from American University and a Master’s Degree in Public Health from George Washington. She is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Security Studies from the Naval Postgraduate School, Center for Homeland Defense and Security.