Discourse in Democracy hosts director of Homeland Security and Emergency Management for Austin

Staff Reports

SAN MARCOS – Juan Ortiz, director for the city of Austin Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, will speak at Texas State University on Wednesday, Oct. 27 in a Common Experience event.

Ortiz will speak on “Compassion in the delivery of public services after a disaster” 6:30-7:30 p.m. in room 105 of the Undergraduate Academic Center.

The event is free and open to the public, although advance registration is required at https://bit.ly/3FgU2DP. The program is hosted by Discourse in Democracy in the Department of Political Science and the International City/County Management Association (ICMA-TXST).  

Ortiz will discuss how the city of Austin Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management is the coordinating focal point before, during and after emergencies for Austin. Like a conductor leading an orchestra, the office ensures that each city department has the resources it needs to function during a disaster. This allows residents to continue receiving valuable services to minimize disruptions to their lives.

Ortiz received his Bachelor of Science degree in emergency administration and disaster planning from the University of North Texas in 1994. Since then, he has coordinated emergency response departments in Corpus Christi (1998-2003), Fort Worth (2003-2017) and Austin (2017-present).

During his tenure as Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Response for Austin, Ortiz has coordinated the city’s response to Hurricane Harvey, Hurricane Laura, the Colorado River flood, COVID-19 and Winter Storm Uri. He is a member of the Emergency Management Association of Texas, the International Association of Emergency Managers, International City/County Management Association and the Local Government Hispanic Network.

For additional information, contact Marc Wallace at maw301@txstate.edu.