Federal Grant Programs – Why They Are Still Needed

On 16 May 2017, DomPrep hosted a podcast recording with a panel of subject matter experts to discuss the topic of federal grant funding. The Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) Program focuses federal funds on dense urban areas where threats and consequences of attacks are significant. By enhancing the planning, training, and resources in these high-risk areas, the nation as a whole is more prepared for terrorist and other threats. By building and sustaining capabilities in these critical areas, all communities benefit. This podcast addresses potential federal budget cuts to the program, but these subject matter experts explain how cuts to the UASI program would be short sighted. As with any program, it has its flaws, but the regional collaborative support capabilities that it builds are an essential component to national homeland security protection. Listen to hear more.

Resources for Additional Information

Andrew Roszak, Moderator

Senior Director for Emergency Preparedness, Child Care Aware® of America

Andrew Roszak, JD, MPA, EMT-P, serves as the senior director for emergency preparedness at Child Care Aware of America. He’s worked at the National Association of County and City Health Officials, MESH Coalition and the Health and Hospital Corporation of Marion County, Indiana. Roszak was also a senior advisor for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; on the Budget and HELP Committees of the United States Senate; and at the Illinois Department of Public Health. He is admitted to the Illinois and District of Columbia Bars and is admitted to the Bar of the U.S. Supreme Court. Find him on Twitter: @AndyRoszak.

Judson M. Freed

Director, Ramsey County Emergency Management and Homeland Security

Judson Freed, CEM MA, has served as director of emergency management and homeland security for Ramsey County, Minnesota, since 2003. He is an adjunct professor at two public universities. For the past seven years, he has served as vice chair of the Emergency Management and Homeland Security subcommittee for the National Association of Counties (NACo) and represents NACo on the Emergency Management Accreditation Program Board of Commissioners. In 2015, he was elected president of International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) Region V; and was also appointed by former DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson to the Homeland Security Information Network National Advisory Committee. He holds an MA in Security Studies (Homeland Defense and Security) from the Naval Postgraduate School.

Donald (Doc) Lumpkins

Chief Financial Officer, Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA)

Donald “Doc” Lumpkins, J.D., MPA, has spent more than 20 years improving the security and resilience of his community and nation. He has played a pivotal role for foundational events in national preparedness, including development of Comprehensive Preparedness Guide 101, implementation of the National Preparedness System, execution of the National Exercise Program, and creation of active shooter guidance for schools and faith-based organizations. Turning theory into practice, he has served in operational roles in response to natural, technological, and human-caused hazards. He earned his B.S. in International Affairs from the Georgia Institute of Technology, J.D. from the University of Baltimore School of Law, and MPA from the University of Baltimore. He is a graduate of the Naval Postgraduate School’s Executive Leadership Program and active member of the Maryland Bar.

Jacob (Jake) Terrell

Associate Legislative Director – Telecommunications & Technology, NACo

Jake Terrell serves as National Association of Counties’ (NACo) associate legislative director for telecommunications and technology. He is responsible for all policy development and lobbying pertaining to the county role as a telecommunications regulator, service provider, and consumer, as well as cable services technology implementation, information technology development, implementation, and innovation, e-governance, and geo-spatial data collection and utilization. He previously served as a legislative assistant working with NACo’s Justice & Public Safety Steering Committee and the Large Urban County Caucus. Before NACo, he spent seven years working on Capitol Hill. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Virginia State University.