“Rethinking Readiness” with Jeff Schlegelmilch

May 11, 2022.

We recently met at the AthenaLab offices with Jeff Schlegelmilch to talk about his book “Rethinking Readiness”. He is an academic researcher and director of The National Center for Disaster Preparedness at Columbia Climate School, Columbia University. He also oversees projects related to disaster preparedness practice and policy, including the multi-award-winning Resilient Children/Resilient Communities Initiative. He is a professor at Columbia’s School of Professional Studies and his areas of expertise include public health preparedness, community resilience, and the integration of public and private sector capabilities. He was also an epidemiologist and emergency planner for the Boston Public Health Commission.

He has advised leaders on preparedness systems and policies at all levels of government. He is an opinion contributor for The Hill and is frequently contacted as expert for numerous media outlets. He is also the author of “Rethinking Readiness: A Brief Guide to 21st Century Mega-Disasters” published by Columbia University Press.

He has a Master of Public Health from UMASS Amherst in Health Policy and Management and a Master of Business Administration from Quinnipiac University.