Full article by David C. Williams II, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness.
In the base camp of his fifth federally declared disaster this year, a disaster finance coordinator reflects on a friend’s recent question: “How can I best help in a disaster?” His answer might be surprising: be selfish and small-minded.
Learn how one emergency responder approaches disasters.
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David C. Williams II
David C. Williams II is the Incident Support Task Force disaster finance coordinator of Region 8 at the Texas Division of Emergency Management. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business management and brings over a decade of experience in finance and disaster management across federal, state, and local government roles. His career began as a contractor with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Voucher Program, where he oversaw the execution of rental assistance across the United States. David served eight years on the Nolanville, Texas, city council after leading as vice chairman and chairman of the Charter Review Committee and the Planning and Zoning Committee, respectively. He was also the first city manager of Kempner, Texas. Currently, he supports local fire departments with reimbursements and teaching T-600 Disaster Accounting Basics 101. David has participated in responses to six federally declared disasters, including fires, floods, hurricanes, and severe weather across the United States. Additionally, he is chairman of the board of directors for the Fort Hood Area Habitat for Humanity, where he has served as a dedicated board member for three years. He has completed FEMA’s Emergency Management Basic Academy and the Advanced Professional Series, bringing small-town experience and a local government perspective to state- and federal-level disaster recovery efforts.
