Norma Atherton
Spring
Summary
Dynamic emergency management professional with extensive experience at the Houston Health Department. Demonstrated expertise in compliance analysis and disaster planning, effectively developing and executing emergency response strategies.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Staff Analyst
Houston Health Department
Houston
03.2014 - 04.2025
- Ensured compliance with all federal, state, and local emergency management regulations.
- Coordinated with local and federal government agencies to enhance rapid emergency response.
- Developed and implemented emergency management plans for natural and man-made disasters.
- Served as the liaison between the Houston Health Department and the American Red Cross to provide shelter management training for our responders.
- Aligned and incorporated Red Cross shelter specifications into the health department's shelter manual.
- Conducted thorough NIMS and Incident Command System (ICS) training for new employees (e.g., IS-00100.c, IS-00200.c, IS-00700.b, and IS-00800.d).
Red Cross Volunteer
American Red Cross
Houston
10.2019 - 02.2025
- Established connections between individuals and essential services, including housing, food, healthcare, and crisis support.
- Established referrals to community organizations to enhance access to essential resources.
- Earned recognition from American Red Cross for five years of committed service as volunteer Disaster Action Team member during Covid-19 pandemic.
Senior Trainer
Houston Health Department
Houston
07.2008 - 05.2014
- Planned, developed, implemented, and delivered specialized programs for community
- Educated personnel on public health emergency preparedness and epidemiological topics.
- Facilitated planning, response, recovery, and execution of public health emergency preparedness plans and drills for personnel of Houston Health Department.
Staff Epidemiologist Generalist
Houston Health Department
Houston
04.2004 - 06.2008
- Conducted routine surveillance and field investigations for food-borne disease outbreaks and bio-terrorism activities.
- Facilitated response preparations for emergency events and natural disasters, including contagious diseases.
- Assisted in managing responses to suspected bio-terrorist activities through comprehensive strategies.
Education
Master of Science - Chemisty
Clemson University
Clemson, SC08-1996
Bachelor of Arts - Chemistry
Winthrop University
Rock Hill, SC06-1969
Skills
- Disaster management and command
- Compliance assessment and planning
- Training facilitation
- Effective communication and team building
- Group collaboration
- Community outreach
Timeline
Red Cross Volunteer
American Red Cross
10.2019 - 02.2025
Staff Analyst
Houston Health Department
03.2014 - 04.2025
Senior Trainer
Houston Health Department
07.2008 - 05.2014
Staff Epidemiologist Generalist
Houston Health Department
04.2004 - 06.2008
Master of Science - Chemisty
Clemson University
Bachelor of Arts - Chemistry
Winthrop University