Ryan Christen

About Ryan Christen

Ryan Christen is a nationally recognized emergency management/ crisis leader with 25+ years of experience directing emergency / crisis preparedness, response, and recovery operations across 27 states, in the private and public sector. A former Fire Battalion Chief, and Special Operations and USAR Team Commander, Ryan combines field-tested command experience with operational strategy to deliver results in complex, high-stakes environments—from austere field conditions to State command centers and Joint Field Offices.Ryan supported the 2025 Los Angeles Wildfires as the Cal OES Operations Section Chief overseeing field Ops for over 4,500 personnel. Ryan has also supported one of California’s most devastating floods overseeing recovery across 54 counties with Presidential Disaster Declarations. Ryan’s expertise focuses on restoring critical lifelines, core capabilities, optimizing processes / workflows, and leading high-performing teams. His impact includes the successful coordination of whole-community recovery during multibillion-dollar disasters in major metropolitan centers. Ryan has also directly supported the development of numerous successful Disaster Declaration requests submitted to the White House under three presidential administrations.A strategic thinker with experience in technology integration, Ryan consistently delivers data-informed, outcome-driven solutions that streamline operations and enhance situational awareness. He has spearheaded process improvements and modernized agency workflows developing innovative tools. His work includes authoring critical statewide playbooks, crisis decision-making guides, and debris management frameworks, as well as leading After-Action Reviews and Improvement Plans.With a Master’s in Public Administration, Ryan’s expertise spans program design, operational planning, as well as the design and delivery of immersive training (HSEEP Instructor certified) and mentorship programs that build operational depth to cultivate future leaders.In an era of shifting FEMA policy and federal assistance, Ryan’s expertise empowers jurisdictions and agencies to prepare for and recover from crisis and disasters independently of fluctuating federal resources, strengthening resilience and ensuring continuity. Ryan thrives in high-pressure environments, managing complex projects with a relentless focus on mission outcomes and efficiency. He is as comfortable in the field as he is in the command center or office position —and is passionate about helping communities and companies rebuild stronger, faster, and smarter.

Experience

1. Operations Chief, 2025 Los Angeles Fires, Dr-4856

   Hagerty Consulting

   Jan 2025 — Present · Los Angeles, CA, US

   Serving as Deputy Operations Section Chief at the Joint Field Office (JFO) for the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) to coordinate recovery operations for 54 (out of 58) counties included in two Major Disaster Declarations. Additionally served as Operations Lead for the Advanced Planning Unit (APU) at the State Operations Center during the initial 30 days during the response phase.

Education

• St. Petersburg College

  AA General Education

• St. Petersburg College

  A.S. Fire Science Technology, Fire Science/Fire-fighting

• St. Petersburg College

  Bachelor's degree, Public Administration

• Barry University

  Master's degree, Public Administration

  2016