Public Administration Professor to Teach Course at Training Summit on Emergency Preparedness Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Robert Skertich, Ph.D., School of Business assistant professor and program director of public administration and the undergraduate organizational leadership programs, is teaching a 16-hour Advanced Incident Command course May 23-25 at the Integrated Medical, Public Health, Preparedness and Response Training Summit in Nashville, Tenn.
The summit is an annual training event and conference for the disaster response elements of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. According to Skertich, the Advanced Incident Command course is a standardized management structure for organizing personnel and resources to respond to emergencies and disasters. This advanced course covers catastrophic disasters, such as hurricanes and terrorist events, that would involve local, state, federal and non-government organizations.
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 degree in public administration and public policy from the University of Pittsburgh.