2024 ReFED Food Waste Solutions Summit
June 11-13, 2024 | Baltimore, MD
Baltimore Convention Center
Russell J. Strickland
Secretary of Emergency Management
Maryland Department of Emergency Management
Bio:
Russell J. Strickland has been leading the Maryland Department of Emergency Management (formerly Maryland Emergency Management Agency, MEMA) since July 2015 and was reappointed Secretary of Emergency Management by Governor Wes Moore in January 2023.
In this role, Mr. Strickland directs a department that has the primary responsibility and authority for emergency preparedness policy, and for coordinating hazard mitigation, incident response, disaster recovery, the Maryland 9-1-1 Board, and the Office of Resilience for the State of Maryland. This includes serving as a direct advisor to the Governor during disasters and coordinating support for local governments as requested.
Mr. Strickland is an experienced emergency management professional who has more than 40 years of experience in the field of emergency services and first responder activities at the state and local levels of government, academia, and the private sector. This includes expertise in fire and rescue services, emergency medical services, fire inspection and investigation, communications, and emergency management leadership.
Directly prior to his appointment, Mr. Strickland worked as a Senior Law & Policy Analyst at the University of Maryland Center for Health and Homeland Security (CHHS), where he led CHHS’ work with the United States Department of State Anti-Terrorism Assistance Program and developed strategy for the Montgomery County (Md.) Fire Department to meet compliance with the National Incident Management System (NIMS). Mr. Strickland also has experience leading a cabinet-level emergency services department at the local level as the Director of Emergency Services in Harford County, Md. This position oversees emergency operations and communications, public safety answering points (the 9-1-1 center), training, and special operations among other responsibilities.
His executive responsibilities have also included previously serving the State of Maryland as Deputy Director of the Maryland Emergency Management Agency and the Assistant Director of the Field Programs Division at the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute, University of Maryland College Park.
Mr. Strickland has a Master of Science degree in Management from Frostburg State College. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology from the University of Maryland, College Park.
Schedule
Thursday, June 13
9:00am - 10:00am
Mainstage 3 | Behind the Baltimore Charm: A Deep-Dive into the City’s Food Waste Landscape
Mainstage Session
We love you, Baltimore! When it comes to reducing food waste, Baltimore is innovative, enthusiastic — and successful. From neighborhood composting to citywide waste policies, we’re excited to share some of what makes Charm City a model for food waste action across the nation. Featuring local leaders who will share how city policy is driving action on the state level, you’ll walk away knowing why Baltimore was our first pick for hosting this year’s Summit.