Strategic Communications

Emergency management is all about working together — and that is the focus of the Strategic Communications Division. This team is responsible for external communications, public messaging and warning, cross-bureau/cross-divisional communications, community outreach and inclusion, and stakeholder engagement.

Communications

The Strategic Communications division works to educate the public about emergency preparedness, and spreads awareness of VDEM’s activities to prepare for, respond to, and recover from all hazards. The division heads up comprehensive public outreach programs, preparedness marketing efforts, social media, news releases, the VDEM website, media relations, and outreach to elected officials. Strategic Communications staff manage the state’s Joint Information Center and work to ensure that messaging is looked at from a community impact lens to promote accessibility of information for all Virginians and visitors.

Resources

Contacts

Lauren Opett

Director of Strategic Communications & Senior Advisor

lauren.opett@vdem.virginia.gov

Jason Elmore

Deputy Director of Strategic Communications & Chief Agency Spokesperson

jason.elmore@vdem.virginia.gov

Nathan Simpson

Webmaster

nathan.simpson@vdem.virginia.gov