Donald Grantham

Disciplined, experienced and adaptable professional with 30 years of experience exceeding expectations and requirements getting the job done. Seeking position in St. Louis, MO that allows me to contribute my emergency management experience to my local community.

Department of Homeland Security (FEMA), Region 4 – Southeast

FEMA Integrated Team Public Assistance SME IC-12 | 06/2025–Present

• Serve as on-site subject matter expert (SME) for Public Assistance (PA), guiding applicants on policy, closeout, and mitigation.
• Lead Preliminary Damage Assessments (IA/PA), deliver technical trainings (Final Inspections, 406 Mitigation, Closeout), and brief at conferences.
• Support Recovery planning (housing, sheltering, mass care) and facilitate STT-led disaster closeout reviews.

Department of Homeland Security (FEMA), Region 1 – New England Sustained Operations Unit

Supervisory Emergency Management Specialist (Recovery) Level 2 IC-13 | 03/2023–06/2025

• Supervised a team of 3 supervisors and 30 staff delivering Public Assistance for COVID operations across Region 1.
• Applied regulatory frameworks and statutory requirements to inform decisions and ensure compliance.
• Directed recovery operations, site inspections, and large-scale grant programs.
• Drafted clear, accessible written guidance to support stakeholders in understanding and applying emergency management programs.
• Streamlined documentation reviews (RAND, DI, RTM) to accelerate closeout compliance.

Department of Homeland Security (FEMA), Region 1 – Deployed Residence of Record (ROR) (Rhode Island)

Public Assistance Group Supervisor (PAGS) IC-13 | 08/2022–03/2023

• Oversaw sensitive, high-dollar projects and workload prioritization.
• Provided technical guidance to state, local, and tribal partners on PA compliance.
• Strengthened partnerships with SLTT and NGO stakeholders to enhance resiliency.

Department of Homeland Security (FEMA), Region 1 – Deployed ROR (Rhode Island)

Program Delivery Task Force Leader | 09/2021–08/2022

• Directed team of Program Delivery Managers; ensured compliance with Stafford Act and PA policies.
• Managed multiple complex projects; provided conflict resolution and applicant guidance.
• Briefed senior leadership and external partners on recovery operations.

Department of Homeland Security (FEMA), Region 1 – Deployed ROR (Maine)

Program Delivery Manager IC-12 | 06/2020–09/2021

• Guided 36 applicants in 96 projects totaling $9.1M (with $8.7M obligated).
• Mentored new staff; developed strategies to improve PA efficiency and applicant outcomes.
• Analyzed disaster data, provided solutions for operational challenges, and evaluated policy impacts.

Department of Homeland Security (FEMA), North Carolina Deployments (4393DR & 4465DR)

Emergency Management Specialist (Recovery) IC-12 | 09/2019–03/2020

• Reviewed grant proposals; developed recovery strategies for applicants.
• Delivered disaster recovery programs and technical guidance for state/local partners.

Veterans Canteen Service, St. Louis, MO

Operations Specialist GS-12 | 09/2014–08/2019

• Developed emergency response plans and training programs.
• Managed food safety and staff operations across regional facilities.

U.S. Army, Georgia National Guard

Course Manager/Instructor, Sergeant First Class | 06/2010–09/2014

• Managed officer training programs, instructed 300+ hours of graduate-level courses.
• Led risk assessments and developed OCS training schedules.

U.S. Army, Afghanistan

Mentor/Team Leader, Staff Sergeant | 01/2009–06/2010

• Mentored Afghan National Police and Army units; oversaw $1.5M in equipment.
• Directed joint operations, training, and counterinsurgency planning.

Graduate Certificate, Emergency Management, American Military University, 2019

Master of Business Administration, University of Arkansas-Grantham, 2019

Bachelor of Science, Business Administration, University of Arkansas-Grantham, 2008