Devra Schwartz • United States of America
Devra Schwartz is a preeminent Safety and Security Consultant with an extensive career leading strategic and emergency planning, program development, and crisis management for diverse sectors, including the private sector, governmental bodies, and educational institutions. Her efforts have consistently helped expand market shares, reduce risks, and minimize impacts on security, reputation, and profitability. Known for her strategic insights and effective crisis management plans, she has significantly enhanced public safety, strengthened security measures, and supported corporate interests, establishing her as a pioneering leader in public safety and security.
Schwartz excels in building and guiding high-performance teams skilled in executing complex programs and managing emergency responses that effectively minimize disruptions and maintain operational continuity. Her expertise covers a broad range of crises, including data breaches, natural disasters, public scandals, and economic downturns. She is adept at analyzing existing security systems and business models, integrating innovative technology, and crafting stringent organizational protocols that bolster resilience and ensure business continuity.
Schwartz's career began in the educational sector, where she led significant initiatives aimed at promoting academic excellence and leadership skills among middle and high school students. She worked closely with educational leaders to implement programs that had a lasting impact on youths in underserved communities in New York City. In 2007, she transitioned to a vital role as the Emergency Management Coordinator for the City of Los Angeles, where she managed grants, developed effective response strategies, and collaborated with various levels of government during significant emergencies.
With over twenty years in leadership roles, Schwartz is dedicated to setting clear objectives and fostering an environment of collaboration and respect. She ensures that each team member's contributions are valued. Her leadership has helped numerous teams achieve ambitious objectives while maintaining a positive, team-oriented culture.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies from the University of California, Berkeley, an interdisciplinary program that explores the interplay between law and societal forces. She enhanced her education with international studies at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Israel. She later pursued a Master of Science in Strategic Planning for Critical Infrastructure from the University of Washington. This program equipped her with essential skills for managing risks and emergencies in critical infrastructures, shaped by the challenges and needs emerging post-9/11 and Hurricane Katrina.
Today, Devra Schwartz is the Principal Consultant at Total Resilience Consulting. In this role, she advises the City of Los Angeles on supply chain resilience and provides consulting services to higher education institutions aiming to enhance their security protocols. Her previous influential positions, including significant leadership roles at Loyola Marymount University and the LA Homeland Security Advisory Council, involved spearheading major security initiatives and technological advancements. She continues to be an influential figure in the safety and security sector, driving forward innovative solutions that enhance public safety and organizational resilience.