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My role at the Airport is Government Affairs Manager, where I assist in preparing and presenting legislative packages for the Board of Supervisors on behalf of the Airport, monitor legislation, and provide input on legislative impacts. I enjoy my current role immensely, and I use a lot of the knowledge and expertise I gained while working as a Legislative Aide for the Board of Supervisors for five years.
When I was called to serve at the City’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) as a liaison to the Board of Supervisors stationed at the EOC, I assumed it was because of that experience and knowledge. I was nervous but ready to assist the City’s efforts in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. I knew that, as a City worker, I could be deployed at any time as a Disaster Service Worker (DSW) during an emergency, but this was my first deployment in seven years of working for the City.
The EOC’s operations had moved from the Department of Emergency’s headquarters near City Hall to Moscone Center South. The operation was immense – a couple hundred employees spread out over three conference room floors. I had seen the EOC in operation before – for events like the Pride Parade and the SF Giants Parade – but I had never seen it at such a large scale as this. On the first day, I checked in and met with my section. Everyone was separated into sections – Management, Logistics, Operations, Communications – and were identified by the colored vests they wore. Luckily, I had taken the Airport’s A-CERT classes (which I highly recommend all Airport employees to do) so I was familiar with emergency management and the Incident Command Structure.
At the end of every day, we were asked to submit a log of our daily activities. Mine included meeting with the staff of the Supervisors reporting to the EOC that day and connecting them with relevant staff to help answer questions from their colleagues. The questions ranged from how vulnerable individuals in congregate living situations (shelters, jails, assisted living facilities) were being taken care of to which businesses were considered essential.
I was struck by the energy of the workers and everyone’s willingness to serve. Although we were separated by face masks and six feet of distance, you could feel people’s commitment and dedication to working together to reduce the impact of the pandemic. I saw several Airport workers assigned to different tasks like tracking supplies and managing transportation for vulnerable individuals. It made me proud to be an Airport and City employee. Together, we continue to protect our communities throughout the City and the Airport. Together, we are #SFOStrong.