Sarah Barker, an emergency preparedness expert, has been named Aliso Viejo’s new emergency management coordinator. She starts her new post on Nov. 19.
Barker comes to Aliso Viejo with a wealth of experience in emergency and disaster preparedness – having worked for the American Red Cross in San Diego since 2012.
As a Red Cross disaster services regional recovery program manager, Barker has managed daily disaster response and recovery efforts in San Diego and Imperial counties. She has trained Red Cross employees and volunteers as well as partner agencies in recovery processes, casework and software systems. She has worked in the Red Cross Disaster Operation Center (EOC) during large-scale disasters throughout the country.
In Aliso Viejo, Barker will be responsible for coordinating and updating disaster preparedness, emergency operations and homeland security plans. She will also coordinate the city’s annual Community Emergency Response Academy (CEPA).
Lt. John MacPherson, chief of Aliso Viejo Police Services, said Sarah will be an asset to Aliso Viejo.
“Police Services is really excited to have Sarah on our team,” he said. “She brings a wealth of training and experience in emergency management. Sarah has worked for the American Red Cross and worked in Incident Command Posts during wildfires. She has also worked with military emergency operation centers during drills and exercises. Sarah plans on partnering with residents and businesses to not only prepare for critical incidents but also to train volunteers to assist with the response. We are looking forward to working with Sarah to help her achieve these goals.”
Kelly Tokarski
KT Community Relations
