Wise Oak Consulting, LLC
The Architect of Effective Emergency Management Programs

Wise Oak Consulting is driven by the mission of helping organizations develop robust emergency management programs based on the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) National Preparedness System (NPS). The company has a proven track record of assisting a wide range of clients, including Native American tribal nations, major urban areas, and state and national-level governmental organizations.

“We work closely with whole community members, including historically marginalized groups, to accumulate insights and input,” says Randy Brawley, founder, Wise Oak Consulting. “Through interactive risk workshops, we create an environment that encourages active participation from every stakeholder, turning a potentially tedious process into an enlightening and collaborative experience.”

Aligning with FEMA's Requirements

Brawley’s years of experience at FEMA drives Wise Oak Consulting toward success today.

During his tenure in FEMA Region IX, Brawley successfully managed the tribal liaison program, which extended its reach to over 150 tribes across the states of Arizona, California, and Nevada. Acknowledging that his experience at FEMA had been the pinnacle of his professional journey, Brawley’s wife encouraged him to transform his dedication to assisting tribal communities into a thriving entrepreneurial endeavor.

“And it has been rewarding,” says Brawley. “I meet tribes where they are based on their unique funding and staffing situation.”

The gratification comes from collaborating with government entities facing resource limitations and aiding them in the establishment of an emergency management program tailored to their specific risks and capabilities. Wise Oak Consulting typically engages in a multi-year commitment to assist them in conducting comprehensive risk assessments and securing funding through the Homeland Security Grant Program. The company also plays a pivotal role in crafting emergency plans, procuring necessary supplies and equipment, providing training sessions, orchestrating exercises, conducting thorough after-action reviews, and commencing the process anew in the subsequent cycle.

Brawley’s wealth of experience extends into Wise Oak Consulting’s operations, where he personally develops 5-10 risk assessments annually across various levels of government— tribal, urban, and state. His connection to this cause and extensive experience and knowledge underpins Wise Oak Consulting’s urge to delivering impactful solutions to resource-constrained governments today.

Translating Complex Concepts into Plain English

Wise Oak Consulting realizes that FEMA's risk assessment process possesses its own language and methodology.

The company’s objective is to simplify this process and act as the "easy button," allowing individuals to communicate with it using plain, straightforward English. It excels in the art of translating their requirements seamlessly into FEMA's prescribed format. But, completing risk assessments is just the initial step in establishing a robust emergency management program. Grant applications, organizational adjustments, training initiatives, planning efforts, exercise programs, and ongoing enhancements all derive from these risk assessments. Wise Oak Consulting supports the full breadth of emergency management program elements and develops each risk assessment with the ultimate goal in mind.

One innovative method Wise Oak Consulting employs to convey risk information effectively is the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). This is crucial to display complex data pictorially, making it easier for participants to grasp the key points. Imagine a map showing flood-prone areas, earthquake zones, or wildfire risks in a community. With GIS, the company creates visually compelling representations of the risks. This not only makes the information more accessible but also helps workshop participants identify potential threats in their local areas more intuitively.

I Meet Tribes Where They Are Based on Their Unique Funding and Staffing Situation

Wise Oak Consulting's dedication to staying at the forefront of risk assessment techniques is exemplified by its current effort to add the capability to gather detailed, up-to-date information for risk assessments through drone technology. This aerial perspective provides a level of accuracy and insight that traditional methods can't match.

Robust Emergency Management Programs
The company places a strong emphasis on offering individualized care to each client, thanks to Brawley's direct involvement. This guarantees a hands-on approach that allows it to deeply comprehend clients' specific objectives.

“I perceive Wise Oak Consulting as a small company. I like our niche and don’t intend to become a large company that competes with large players,” says Brawley.

Wise Oak Consulting’s primary goal is twofold: to equip local organizations and its stakeholders with tailored, practical emergency management solutions that address specific needs and to ensure that its efforts align with FEMA requirements. The company also subscribes to the National Institute of Building Sciences' belief that every dollar invested in mitigation generates substantial returns in disaster savings, encompassing financial resources and human lives.

Brawley also emphasizes the critical nature of establishing a business case, even within government initiatives. CEOs, council members of tribal, city, and county administrations face the issue of program halt due to limited funds. In such scenarios, focusing on the most pertinent challenges becomes paramount. Drawing from risk-based assessments, organizations can discern where to channel their remaining budget, making every dollar count.

Wise Oak Consulting considers it a privilege to gain insight into different government organizations' inner workings and requirements. It meets and collaborates with diverse individuals who play pivotal roles in emergency management and resilience efforts. This aspect of its work is both fulfilling and enjoyable, allowing Wise Oak Consulting to contribute significantly to the betterment of communities throughout the country.

"I Perceive Wise Oak Consulting As A Small Company. I Like Our Niche And Don’t Intend To Become A Large Company That Competes With Large Players"

Beyond Just a Professional Mission

As Wise Oak Consulting continues its journey, a deep-seated passion underlies every endeavor—a genuine love for the work it does. At its core, the company's focus remains on serving tribal nations, often situated in challenging circumstances without the luxury of a steady revenue stream from taxes. These tribal communities grapple with understaffed and underfunded homeland security and public safety departments.

The company finds itself in a position of significance, ready to support clients at various stages of program maturity, funding availability, and project timelines. The urge to assist these communities to develop and expand their programs is a professional mission and a heartfelt endeavor.

Take its work with a tribe in California, for instance. This tribe was vulnerable to the Pacific Gas & Electric Public Safety power shutoffs, which posed significant public safety implications. The loss of power necessitated the government to establish shelters and carry out welfare checks on vulnerable populations, placing an immense burden on available resources. Wise Oak Consulting took on the challenge and, over a span of a few years, worked with the tribe to establish emergency generators. These generators became a lifeline for the tribe during power outages, enabling them to maintain essential services and protect their members during emergencies. The ability to function independently during power outages was a game-changer. It not only enhanced the tribal group’s self-sufficiency but increased their resilience in the face of adversity. For a small, resource-limited community, this achievement was nothing short of remarkable.

Wise Oak Consulting realizes that the road to success is not always a swift one; it can take years to identify capability gaps, secure funding, and witness the fruition of projects. However, the true reward lies in witnessing the long-term impact of efforts. For Wise Oak Consulting, the ultimate gratification stems from the transformation of resource-limited tribes into resilient communities capable of self-sufficiency during emergencies. The journey of empowerment, from identifying needs to facilitating change, encapsulates the essence of the company’s unwavering dedication. This shared passion not only drives Wise Oak Consulting’s endeavors but defines its purpose as a steadfast partner for the progress of the tribal nations.