Carolyn J. Harshman, MPA, CEM
President
International Association of Emergency Managers – USA Council
Ms. Harshman, a Certified Emergency Manager® with more than 30 years of experience in the field, is the president of Emergency Planning Consultants based in San Diego, California. Plans, training, and exercises services are provided to a range of government entities. EPC specializes in hazard mitigation planning. Like many others, Carolyn entered the field of emergency management as a second career. Her first career was a professional land use planner for the City of San Diego and County of San Diego with a range of duties including subdivisions, development permits, zoning ordinance revisions, community planning, and redevelopment projects. Thanks to a random temporary assignment with the County of San Diego to update its Emergency Operations Plan, Ms. Harshman found a new career in emergency management.
Joining the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) 25 years ago, Carolyn has enjoyed several leadership opportunities including Conference Committee Chair, Membership Committee Chair, Leadership Symposium Chair, Region 9 President, and now IAEM-USA President. IAEM-USA has over 5,100 members and maintains the certification program offering Associate Emergency Manager® and Certified Emergency Manager®.
Ms. Harshman is proud to have participated in the first cadre of the National Emergency Management Executive Academy and FEMA new Vanguard Fellowship Program. A life-long native of San Diego, Ms. Harshman holds a Master of Public Administration from San Diego State University. She lives in San Diego with her spouse Mary Claire Cuthbert, RN.
