Professor Co-Authors Article on Economic Stress and Disaster Resilience Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Robert Skertich, Ph.D., assistant professor and program director of public administration and the undergraduate organizational leadership programs at Point Park University, recently co-authored an article titled "A Bad Time for Disaster: Economic Stress and Disaster Resilience" which was published in the scholarly journal, Administration & Society.

The article examines demands and constraints that are placed on government agencies in providing public safety and public health services. Skertich and co-authors David E. A. Johnson and Louise K. Comfort recommend building cooperation between organizations to maximize the use of existing staff and resources. The authors argue that moving from "organization-centric thinking" toward a more coordinated effort will build resilience for the whole community.

Skertich has an extensive background in public and nonprofit administration with a primary focus on public safety and emergency management. He currently serves as a deputy commander for the Disaster Medical Assistance Team based in Pittsburgh, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Disaster Medical System, and is a certified paramedic and chief of the Hampton Township Fire Department in Allison Park, Pa. Skertich earned his doctorate in public administration and public policy from the University of Pittsburgh.

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