Devra Schwartz

Devra Schwartz is an esteemed Safety and Security Consultant with an extensive background in strategic and emergency planning, program development, and crisis management across the private sector, government agencies, and educational institutions. Her work has substantially contributed to increasing market shares, minimizing risks, and mitigating impacts on security, reputation, and profitability. Renowned for her adept crisis management skills, she has significantly bolstered public safety, reinforced security protocols, and protected corporate interests, marking her as an innovative leader in the field.

Over her career, Schwartz has demonstrated a profound capability in assembling and mentoring high-performance teams. These teams are adept at executing complex programs and handling emergency responses efficiently, which crucially minimizes disruptions to operations. She possesses rich experience in managing diverse crises, including data breaches, natural disasters, public scandals, and financial crises. Her approach integrates a thorough analysis of current security systems and business models, the deployment of advanced technology, and the formulation of solid organizational protocols that improve resilience and ensure continuity in the face of business interruptions.

Starting her career in the educational sector, Schwartz managed several significant initiatives aimed at enhancing academic excellence and nurturing leadership qualities among middle and high school students. She collaborated extensively with educational leaders to deliver development programs that significantly impacted young individuals in marginalized communities within New York City. In 2007, she made a pivotal move to become the Emergency Management Coordinator for the City of Los Angeles. In this role, she was responsible for grant management, the development of effective response and recovery strategies, and coordination with various levels of government during significant emergencies.

With over twenty years of experience in leadership positions, Schwartz emphasizes setting clear objectives and promoting an inclusive work environment where each team member is appreciated. Her leadership style has guided numerous teams toward achieving ambitious goals while fostering a positive and supportive organizational culture.

She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies from the University of California, Berkeley, a program that examines the intersection of law with political, economic, and cultural forces. She furthered her education with an international experience at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Israel. She pursued a Master of Science in Strategic Planning for Critical Infrastructure at the University of Washington. This program equipped her with advanced skills in managing risks across critical infrastructures and emergency management principles post-9/11 and Hurricane Katrina.

Currently, Devra Schwartz serves as the Principal Consultant at Total Resilience Consulting, where she provides strategic advice on supply chain resilience to the City of Los Angeles and consults with higher education institutions on security improvements. Her prior roles at Loyola Marymount University and the LA Homeland Security Advisory Council saw her leading significant security initiatives and developing innovative technological solutions. Today, she continues to be a leading voice in safety and security consulting, relentlessly pushing for advanced solutions that enhance public safety and organizational resilience.