Lori Rizzo’s initial experience in emergency response and continuity of operations was obtained while working in local government at Manatee County, Florida (Probation Division, Human and Veterans Services Division, Redevelopment & Economic Opportunity Division). As part of her service to Manatee County, she supported the Public Safety Division during several emergency hurricane events by working in the EOC call center during the response and damage assessment teams during recovery. Her other related experience includes service on the Safety Committee Team with Goodwill Industries, Manasota, Florida, and with other local NGOs within her community. She has participated in shelter training with the American Red Cross taken courses with the International Fellowship of Community Chaplains. She has partnered with the local Network of Hope community emergency support organization during periods of disasters.
As a Planning and Analysis Associate for The Olson Group, Ms. Rizzo has assisted several Virginia localities in developing and planning emergency operations (EOP) and Continuity of Operations (COOP) Plans. In addition to emergency plan development, Ms. Rizzo has helped collect and analyze data for several organizations, assisting in creating After Action Reports relating to the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters.