A public health emergency preparedness professional, Emma Hunter currently serves as Regional Coordinator for the Association of Bay Area Health Officials. In her role, Emma supports the work of a wide range of health professionals, from public information officers to hospital preparedness coordinators. . With experience in both state and local systems, Emma brings a comprehensive lens to her collaborative, regional work. Previously, Emma served as a Planning Section Chief in the Texas State Medical Operations Center and as an Emergency Preparedness Analyst for San Mateo County Health and contributed to the emergency planning process for the Special Olympics 2022 USA Games. In 2022, California Women in Homeland Security presented Emma with the Trailblazer Award for outstanding impact in early career. In 2019, the California Department of Public Health awarded Emma two Promising Practice Awards for her work addressing the medical and behavioral health needs at general population shelters and for continuity of operations planning. Emma also received the Bill Singer Award from the California Emergency Services Association in 2018. Emma holds a Master of Public Health, Disaster Management from Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine.