This presentation outlines how the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) developed its first ever Data Strategy. From research to development to publication, attendees will be able to utilize this multifaceted case study to guide their own approach to creating a Data Strategy.

Starting with an agency-wide data maturity assessment and conversations with 20+ Chief Data Officers from other federal agencies, FEMA used the findings to determine priorities and approaches to modernizing data enablement. To lay the foundation for the modernization of data processes, policies, and capabilities, FEMA elected to produce three documents: a Data Strategy, Implementation Plan, and Sustainment Plan.

The presentation will discuss the order the documents were developed (it’s not what you’d think!), the iterative review process with working groups and summits, and the tactical lessons learned along the way. Participants can learn from our journey and leave with new ideas on how to build their own Data Strategy.

Speaker: Coral Holladay

Program Analyst, Federal Emergency Management Agency

Ms. Holladay has worked in the Data Management Branch at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) since 2020 and has helped lead the effort to overhaul data governance at the agency. In her role, she has led the FEMA Data Governance Council and FEMA Data Stewardship Community of Practice, always bringing an element of fun to keep meetings exciting. She has also coordinated development of standards, policies, and procedures, and is working to define and publish data and data governance terminology tailored to the FEMA audience. Ms. Holladay has a BS in Mathematics from University of Central Florida.

Speaker: Adrianna Steele

Data Enablement Branch Chief, Federal Emergency Management Agency

Ms. Steele is the current Data Enablement Branch Chief at FEMA’s Office of Policy and Program Analysis (OPPA). In this role she is responsible for conducting regular data maturity assessments, leading the creation and implementation of FEMA’s data strategy, and overseeing the development and management of FEMA’s Data Inventory Program, FEMA’s Data Policy and Procedures program, and the facilitation of FEMA’s Data Governance Council. Prior to this role Ms. Steele was the Analytics Branch Chief for FEMA’s Field Operations, where she helped implement standard data analysis for Emergency Response Operations. In addition to working on domestic data management and analytical needs, she has also worked in the international development industry conducting monitoring and evaluation work for general budget assistance. Ms. Steele has a MSc in Development Economics from the University of Sussex in Brighton, England and a BA in Economics from Villanova University.