Lauren Opett Serving as the acting State Coordinator for the Virginia Department of Emergency Management

RICHMOND – Beginning on May 18, 2026, Lauren Opett will serve as the acting State Coordinator for the Virginia Department of Emergency Management.

The State Coordinator leads the agency and also serves as the Governor’s chief advisor on disaster preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery. Lauren currently serves as the Chief of Preparedness for VDEM where she oversees the Planning, Awareness & Intelligence, Communications, and Training, Education, & Exercises Divisions, and Legislative Affairs.

Lauren has vast experience across local, state, and federal levels. She previously served as VDEM’s State Exercise Officer and as the Director of Strategic Communications and Senior Advisor on the agency’s executive team. As a member of the Virginia Emergency Support Team, she served as External Affairs Chief, directing the state Joint Information Center and coordinating public information among federal, state, and local partners. She has supported response efforts for disasters of all sizes and hazard types for more than a decade at VDEM.

Lauren holds a master’s degree in emergency and disaster management and a BA from Virginia Tech. She also holds multiple certifications, including Certified Emergency Manager (CEM), Virginia Professional Emergency Manager (VaPEM), and Master Exercise Practitioner.

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For more information, please contact us at PIO@vdem.virginia.gov