Krista Houk is the Director of Planning and Preparedness at IEM, bringing over 24 years of experience in emergency management, including extensive service at the local level. She effectively leads her team using a client-focused, outcome-driven approach. Krista has managed significant planning projects across the country, aiding communities in identifying, training for, and exercising their capabilities, as well as developing comprehensive plans for response and recovery.
Krista previously served as a manager in the planning and preparedness sector, successfully leading diverse teams through complex projects. Her project management experience included overseeing a variety of initiatives, including those funded by the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI). Her work involved planning for COVID-19, managing supply chains, accommodating access and functional needs, developing recovery strategies, ensuring continuity of operations, conducting Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments (THIRA), and creating Emergency Operations Plans. Additionally, she has facilitated numerous training sessions and exercises and developed detailed after-action reports (AARs). Krista’s contributions have been vital in enhancing the readiness of states and localities, strengthening their disaster response and recovery efforts.
Before joining IEM in 2014, Krista served as the Director of the Madison County Emergency Management Agency in Ohio and later worked as the Emergency Services Manager for the City and County of San Francisco (CCSF) in California. During her tenure in the Bay Area, she implemented a comprehensive Emergency Operations Center (EOC) training program for the city, supported the execution of the City’s strategic plan, and served as the EOC Manager.
Krista holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration and Community Development from Illinois State University. She also holds several emergency management certifications, including Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP), Incident Command System (ICS), emergency planning, and threat assessment.[Edit]