IEM Builds Rapid Response Cadre and Names Managers

RESEARCH TRIANGLE, NC, October 10, 2017 – IEM announces the launch of a new Rapid Response Cadre – a team of experienced professionals in disaster response and recovery who are available for deployment before, during, or after a disaster or emergency event. The Cadre is designed to further cement IEM as the leading firm providing emergency management and disaster recovery services across the United States and internationally.

To lead this unique new initiative, IEM has hired Bruce Lockwood as Cadre Manager and Reik Andersen as Training Manager. Lockwood will manage the Rapid Response Cadre and determine staffing needs, and Andersen will provide training to ensure that all Cadre personnel are responsive and flexible to the varying demands that may occur in the face of disaster.

“This year’s hurricane season has been extraordinary, and IEM is taking action to ensure federal, state, and local authorities have the experts they need to help communities recover,” said Madhu Beriwal, President and CEO of IEM. “Bruce and Reik both have long, distinguished histories in public service. They know disasters can strike anytime, anywhere, and that one of the most valuable resources we can provide our clients is qualified emergency management professionals who get the job done. We are excited to have them on our team.”

Lockwood is a Certified Emergency Manager through the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) and a subject matter expert in emergency planning. He retired in 2016 as the Acting Fire Captain for the East Hartford Fire Department in Connecticut, where he managed the Emergency Management Division. He previously served as Deputy Director of Emergency Management for the Town of New Hartford, the Director of Emergency Management and Fire Marshal for the Town of Canton, and the Emergency Response Coordinator for the Bristol Burlington Health District. Lockwood was appointed to serve as Commissioner on the National Commission on Children in Disasters in 2008. In this position, Lockwood chaired the sub-committee on Evacuation, Transportation, and Housing. In 2014, Lockwood served as President of the IAEM U.S. Council, and he currently serves as a U.S. Representative on its Global Board.

Andersen is a retired Lieutenant Colonel of the U.S. Army, where he held a number of leadership and key staff officer positions, including Mission Rehearsal Exercise Desk Officer with the Joint Staff, Lead Land Branch Planner for Homeland Defense with the U.S. Northern Command, and Battalion Executive Officer of the United Nations Command Security Battalion Joint Security Area in Korea. He has been on multiple combat tours including in Iraq and Afghanistan, where he served as a battalion commander. Most recently, Andersen served as the Deputy of the Education Support Division at the Army Training Support Center. His other training and education positions include Small Group Instructor at the U.S. Army Infantry School and Training Officer. Andersen has received several awards and decorations, including the Bronze Star. He retired from the U.S. Army in December 2016.