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Russ Strickland

Executive Director, Maryland Emergency Management Agency

About Russ Strickland

Mr. Strickland joined the University of Maryland Center for Health and Homeland Security in 2015. Mr. Strickland has an extensive background of experience, training, and education in the field of emergency services and first responder activities, which includes fire and rescue services, emergency medical services, hazardous materials mitigation, law enforcement, fire inspection, fire investigation, communications, and emergency management. Mr. Strickland has served in a number of positions in his areas of expertise, ranging from a field provider to a program, department, and agency leader.

Among his many skills, Mr. Strickland's greatest strengths include the ability to lead and manage projects to a successful conclusion, the skill to build a strong rapport with others through the establishment of an atmosphere of trust and openness, the ability to work effectively under pressure, offer objective and fair decisions, and give clear, logical direction.

His previous positions include Senior Law and Policy Analyst for the University of Maryland Center for Health and Homeland Security, Director of the Department of Emergency Services Harford County, Manager of the Division of Emergency Operations Harford County, and an adjunct faculty member at several institutions.

Mr. Strickland has also contributed to several publications as a writer, developer and research development lead. Publications include Chlorine Gas Cloud Response and Mitigation, Pipeline Security and Incident Recovery Protocol Plan, Essentials of Fire Fighting and Fire Department Operations, Emergency Management Handbook and The Fire chief's Handbook.

Mr. Strickland has a B.A. in Criminology from the University of Maryland and a M.S. in Management from Frostburg State College.