Primary Job Title Principal Consultant Primary Organization 
Total Resilience Consulting
Location Los Angeles, California, United States Regions Greater Los Angeles Area, West Coast, Western US Gender Female
Website www.total-resilience.com/ LinkedIn View on LinkedIn
Devra Schwartz is a seasoned Safety and Security Consultant. She is esteemed for her decades-long career spearheading strategic and emergency planning, program development, and crisis management across the private sector, government, and educational institutions. Her leadership has been pivotal in aiding colleagues and partners to expand market
share, minimize risks, and mitigate impacts on security, reputation, and profitability. Her extensive experience and composure in high-pressure situations have solidified her reputation as an innovative leader in public safety.
In her role, Schwartz has proven exceptionally skilled at building and leading high-performing teams prepared to implement complex programs and respond to emergencies effectively, minimizing disruptions and maintaining operational continuity. She has managed a wide array of crises, including data breaches, natural disasters, public scandals, and financial downturns. Her approach includes a detailed analysis of existing security systems and business models, leveraging innovative technologies, and instituting robust organizational protocols that bolster resilience.
Schwartz's professional journey began in the educational sector, where she managed several initiatives aimed at enhancing academic excellence and leadership among middle and high school students. She collaborated closely with school leaders to implement development programs targeting young people in marginalized New York City communities. In 2007, she transitioned to a pivotal role as the Emergency Management Coordinator for the City of Los Angeles, where she oversaw grant management and developed effective response and recovery strategies in cooperation with municipal, county, state, and federal agencies.
With over two decades of leadership, Schwartz places a strong emphasis on setting clear goals and fostering a collaborative environment where every team member feels valued and empowered. Her guidance has consistently led teams to achieve significant goals while promoting a positive, inclusive work culture.
Devra Schwartz holds a Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies from the University of California, Berkeley. This interdisciplinary program explores the interplay of law with political, economic, and cultural forces. She furthered her education at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Israel, and later pursued a Master of Science in Strategic Planning for Critical Infrastructure from the University of Washington. This program initiated post-9/11 and Hurricane Katrina, focused on risk management and emergency management principles critical to national security.
Currently, Schwartz serves as the Principal Consultant at Total Resilience Consulting, where she advises on supply chain resilience for the City of Los Angeles and consults on safety and security measures for higher education institutions. Her prior roles include significant positions at Loyola Marymount University and the LA Homeland Security Advisory Council, where she led significant initiatives like the development of a transformative GIS-based technology platform used widely across Los Angeles.
Notable for her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, Devra Schwartz's role in planning the 2019 Democratic Presidential Debate, and co-creating SALUS, the acclaimed GIS-based crisis and event management tool, her career is marked by a commitment to innovation and excellence in emergency management. She continues to be a respected voice in safety and security, relentlessly pushing for advancements that enhance public safety and organizational resilience.
