Staff

John Sadler, Emergency Management Administrator

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Mr. Sadler joined the HRPDC’s Emergency Management staff in 2007 as a Regional Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) Planner where he served as a liaison between federal and state officials and local stakeholders on matters concerning homeland security and emergency management. He coordinated and facilitated working relationships and formal agreements between multiple agencies, and coordinated the region’s UASI program including administering all aspects of the homeland security grant process.  More recently, as a Senior Regional Homeland Security Planner, he continued his UASI duties and supported other homeland security, emergency management, and hazard mitigation initiatives. In addition, he has provided staff support to regional committees including Urban Area Work Group (UAWG), Regional Emergency Management Technical Advisory Committee (REMTAC), and Hampton Roads Interoperability Communications Advisory Committee (HRICAC).  As a result of his experience, Mr. Sadler understands Hampton Roads’ unique challenges and his familiarity with the region’s Emergency Preparedness Stakeholders provides a level of trust no other candidate could offer.  His promotion affords continuity in regional emergency planning and forward momentum.

As Emergency Management Administrator, Mr. Sadler will serve as an advocate of emergency management, homeland security and hazard mitigation initiatives and support the HRPDC, REMTAC, and the UAWG for the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI).  As Administrator of the HRPDC Emergency Management Department he will supervise professional and technical personnel and work with varying groups and agencies inside and outside of governments to promote cooperation and understanding of emergency management, homeland security and hazard mitigation principles. Mr. Sadler will be instrumental in securing grants for emergency management programs and the management of those programs.

He is a 2007 graduate of the College of William and Mary, and while working full-time for the HRPDC, he gained his Master’s degree (Professional Studies in Security and Safety Leadership) from The George Washington University in 2012.

Riana Rich, Emergency Management Planner

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Ms. Rich joined the HRPDC’s Emergency Management team in October 2021 as All Hazards Emergency Planner. Alongside the Regional Emergency Management Administrator, Mr. John Sadler, she provides regionally oriented emergency management and homeland security planning for the Hampton Roads region. In this position, Ms. Rich works to enhance regional public safety and resiliency through the management and implementation of several programs including the Urban Areas Security Initiative and regional hazard mitigation planning. She also serves as an advocate of regional preparedness by providing support to the HRPDC, the Hampton Roads All Hazards Advisory Committee (AHAC), and AHAC subcommittees.

She is a 2009 graduate of Sweet Briar College and received a Master’s degree in Sustainability and Environmental Management from Harvard University in 2019. While studying at Harvard, she worked full time managing federal grants for Virginia Cardiac Services Quality Initiative. Following graduation, she worked as a consultant for Consumers for Sensible Energy where she produced impact assessments on natural gas infrastructure in Massachusetts, lead legislative and field operations, and helped organize a statewide campaign advocating for sustainable energy policy.