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Alumni Spotlight: Anthony Picasso Makes Waves in Emergency Management

Story by Morrow Duszynski and Anthony Picasso
Photos provided by Anthony Picasso

If you ever find yourself in a coastal community within Alaska and come across the blue tsunami evacuation signs or hear the tsunami sirens, you are probably among the work of a 51�������� CBSM alumni, Anthony A. Picasso. As an avid outdoorsman and recreationalist, born and raised in Alaska with a passion for helping people and his home, Anthony currently serves as the Geohazard Mitigation Coordinator for the State of Alaska within the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. In his capacity, he holds the position of Program Manager for Alaska's Tsunami – National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program and Earthquake – National Earthquake Hazard Reduction Program.

Collaborating closely with some of Alaska's most prestigious Geoscientists and Emergency Managers, Anthony maintains active partnerships with key entities like the Alaska Earthquake Center, National Weather Service, National Tsunami Warning Center, and Alaska Division of Geological Geophysical Survey.

The accomplished emergency manager graduated with a Master's in Security and Disaster Management (MSDM) at 51�������� CBSM in the class of 2021. 

“Throughout my academic journey, Dean Cam Carlson and his team consistently demonstrated excellence. They guided me to delve deeper into issues, encouraging a proactive rather than reactive approach to mitigate the impact of incidents. Their emphasis on critical thinking has proven invaluable in my professional endeavors.” - Anthony Picasso

Initially, Anthony aspired to be a police officer after receiving a bachelor’s degree in justice. Eventually, the drive to support communities within Alaska, the remote environment, passion for serving, and interest in natural disasters led him towards a new path. In his current position, he works with his team to minimize the impact of tsunamis on coastal communities. While traveling through the state, he leaves a meaningful and lasting impression through change and helping people in challenging times.

“While the MSDM equipped me with fundamental building blocks, applying this knowledge in the unique context of Alaska has taught me that a one-size-fits-all, textbook response does not always suffice for the communities in Alaska. The dynamic nature of the region demands adaptability and creative solutions to cater to the specific needs and challenges faced by Alaskan communities.” - Anthony Picasso

Though Anthony has been excelling in his career, he never misses an opportunity to continue learning. Last year alongside CBSM Dean Cam Carlson and faculty member John Pennington, he took part in a training with the FEMA National Emergency Management Advance Academy. This cohort allowed him to be around a diverse group of professionals who have similar passions and the heart of service.

“I consider myself incredibly fortunate to be part of Alaska's inaugural cohort, alongside some of the brightest Emergency Managers from all corners of the State of Alaska. The cohort comprises individuals with diverse roles such as mayors, directors, public information officers, park rangers, tribal government officials, and more. This diversity has provided me with a rich learning experience, unlocking new methods of thinking.”

Hear more from Anthony about his journey and insight in a brief Q&A:

What has been one of the most rewarding aspects of your career and why?

It's truly rewarding to give back to the people of the great state of Alaska. We have communities in Alaska that resemble those in third-world countries, and this reality has been a profoundly eye-opening experience—one I might never have witnessed without a career in emergency management.

Despite being a born and raised Alaskan, my work has exposed me to a side of Alaska that isn't discussed enough. Working for the Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management has provided unexpected opportunities. Leadership has allowed me to contribute to missions beyond my primary role – having leadership that trust my abilities is very important and has allowed me to grow professionally and take that role of leadership and making decisions. 

In my initial six months with the Division, I assumed the responsibility of relieving a senior staff member of their duties and took on the role of Branch Supervisor for the federally declared disaster, Typhoon Merbok. Over the span of two years, I embarked on extensive journeys to Alaskan Native Villages scattered across the state. Living out of a 45-liter backpack for a week at a time, I aided communities through various means, including travel by bush plane, boat, ATV, and snowmachines. 

Moreover, I took on the crucial role of State Liaison for additional Interagency Recovery Coordination missions throughout Alaska. These experiences have been both challenging and immensely fulfilling, allowing me to immerse myself in diverse communities and make a meaningful impact in the realm of disaster recovery. The varied modes of travel underscore the unique challenges faced by different regions in Alaska, further emphasizing the importance of adaptability in emergency management.

Do you have any advice for students who are interested in HSEM or related fields?

The most notable challenge I encountered was securing a position with my agency, a journey that required four applications before I successfully landed the role, leveraging my newly acquired degree. Government applications are tough if you’ve never experienced the process. It seems like I’m a part of the new wave of emergency managers who intentionally chose this profession as their primary career, rather than viewing it as something to pursue post-retirement. It's relatively uncommon to encounter emergency managers who kick-started their careers directly in emergency management.

If any students find themselves in need of assistance or advice on breaking into the field, please don't hesitate to reach out. I've been in your shoes, experienced the same uncertainties, and am more than willing to offer guidance. Reflecting on my journey, I believe an enhancement to the MSDM program that could have been valuable is the inclusion of guest speakers throughout. Emergency Management is a vast and diverse field, and while the program provided a solid foundation, exposure to various perspectives through guest speakers would have been invaluable for shaping career direction. As you step into the field, you'll realize the multitude of opportunities available, making it a dynamic and ultimately rewarding journey.