#104 Data, Technology, & Human Experience: A Recipe for EM Success - Interview with David Mejia

“It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data."This quote from the great fictional detective, Sherlock Holmes would accurately describe the the Emergency Management philosophy of David Mejia.David supports state and local governments during response efforts to major disasters including the COVID-19 Pandemic where he coordinated the effort to get millions of meals delivered to citizens and families in New York affected by or at risk of contracting the disease. He later spent time in Florida as part of the COVID-19 Vaccination Task Force.David has also spent time in California coordinating with Cal OES during wildfire season, helping create an analytical tool for emergency response and recovery operations.In this episode, David talks about the role data and technology have played in his career successes during times of crisis and how such analytics lead to better judgement calls on scene during disaster response. However, he also emphasizes the importance the human element when implementing it to the field of Emergency Management. David and John also address some of the "cringeworthy words" or clichés that Emergency Managers use way too often.Doberman Emergency Management owns and operates the Disaster Tough Podcast. Contact us here at: www.dobermanemg.com or email us at: [email protected] are proud to endorse L3Harris and the BeOn PPT App. Learn more about this amazing product here: L3Harris.com/ResponderSupport.The Readiness Lab is trailblazing disaster readiness. Early access for the highly anticipated course emergency management response for dynamic populations is currently live. Think you have what it takes? Join us in Atlanta for an immersive experience. Space is limited to 40. Go to thereadinesslab.com/training to learn more.