Dawn Brantley, HRPDC Regional Special Needs Planner, accepted an invitation to join the Virtual Social Media Working Group (VSMWG). The VSMWG is a part of the Department of Homeland Security, Science and Technology Directorate's (S&T's) First Responders Group. 

The VSMWG provides recommendations to the emergency preparedness and response community on the safe and sustainable use of social media technologies before, during, and after emergencies. Additionally, the VSMWG is working to establish the First Responder Communities of Practice social media community as a “center of excellence” for current social media information relevant to homeland security and public safety field.  The invite is recognition of Ms. Brantley's significant experience and expertise with social media technologies in homeland security operations.

As the HRPDC’s Regional Special Needs Planner, Ms. Brantley leads the district's 16 jurisdictions in preparing to support individuals with medical needs and functional disabilities during emergency and disaster events. She is also responsible for the Ready Hampton Roads outreach and education campaign which includes the ReadyHR.org website, social media, direct outreach, and public information efforts. She joined the HRPDC staff in March 2013.

Prior to joining the HRPDC, Ms. Brantley served as an emergency manager and public information officer for the city of Anchorage, Alaska. During her time in Alaska, she utilized social media for multiple emergency response operations. Her programs to support individuals with disabilities in Anchorage were adopted throughout the State of Alaska and received recognition and attention from as far away as Red Cross headquarters and FEMA Region 3.

In addition to the VSMWG, Ms. Brantley serves on the HRT Paratransit Advisory Committee, International Association of Emergency Managers Children in Disasters Caucus, and International Association of Emergency Managers Special Needs Caucus.

Congratulations Ms. Brantley!