Associates

Jerry Colivas

Currently working as Special Consultant at the Center Collaborative Policy in the field of emergency management, Jerry Colivas had over 20 years experience in the field of emergency management before his recent retirement. During that time, he worked every major disaster in California. His experience includes managing both the response and the recovery aspects of a disaster. His early experience included planning and preparedness for a local government in Northern California. After moving to Sacramento, he began a career working for the State of California, rising to the position of Regional Manager for the Governor's Office of Emergency Services. During disasters, Jerry held positions in the State's Operations Center as Operations Chief, Logistics Chief, Deputy Director and Director. He also worked during the recovery phase at the Joint Federal/State Recovery Center as the Assistant State Coordinating Officer, among other positions. His last position before retiring was with the City of Sacramento as Manager of the Joint Office of Emergency Services and Homeland Security.

Since his recent retirement, Jerry works part-time with the Center and other consulting groups and volunteers his time with the Sacramento Region Citizens Corp Council and with the Safely Out Campaign. Because of his interest in building an effective volunteer-in-disasters program in California, Jerry has been working the Center on projects that support volunteer development. His projects include development of a medical volunteer program, the Community Emergency Response Team project and supporting the statewide Citizen Corps Council. He also specializes in teaching National Incident Management System and Standardized Emergency Management System courses.

Jerry is part of a national cadre of emergency managers that review and accredits emergency management programs across the country and is a FEMA Disaster Assistance Employee, serving as needed during major disasters. He holds master's degree in public administration and teaches emergency management courses when his schedule allows.