Brittany Miller
Brittany Miller is an accomplished Emergency Management Supervisor for Washington County, Oregon, where she leads a team of coordinators overseeing all facets of county emergency management—including mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. In this role, she manages the County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and the Training and Exercise programs, ensuring Washington County remains resilient and ready to respond to crises of any scale. With over 20 years of experience in emergency management, Brittany has built a distinguished career marked by leadership, strategic planning, and an unwavering commitment to public safety.
Before joining Washington County, Brittany served as the Emergency Preparedness Coordinator for the Santa Rosa Fire Department, where she oversaw citywide preparedness initiatives, managed critical emergency programs, and led EOC operations during major incidents. Her earlier roles with the Washington State Department of Transportation and the Military Department’s Emergency Management Division as well as Pierce County Emergency Management provided her with extensive experience in program development, large-scale exercise design, and interagency coordination. Brittany’s expertise has been instrumental in shaping emergency preparedness frameworks that enhance readiness and foster collaboration across local, state, and federal levels.
Brittany holds a Master’s degree in Homeland Security from the Naval Postgraduate School’s Center for Homeland Defense and Security and two Bachelor’s degrees in Criminal Justice and Criminology and Communications Studies from Arizona State University. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys crafting, spending time outdoors, and attending live music events. A proud dog mom to her pug Otis, Brittany brings the same passion, creativity, and care she applies in her work to every aspect of her life.
• MEP
• ICS Instructor
• Naval Postgraduate School - MA
• International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM)
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my tenacity and my constant drive to improve myself, both personally and professionally.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Never be afraid to ask questions or speak up on an issue. Everyone's insights and perspectives are valuable.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to learn from those who have walked the path before you. Trust your instincts, speak up with confidence, and don’t hesitate to share your insights — your voice and perspective matter.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
It is an extremely volatile time to be in the emergency management industry. From a greater frequency of disasters, to shrinking local budgets, uncertainty of grant funds, and an increased demand and expectation from the public - we sometimes feel like we are treading water. We need sustainable funding and to be recognized for the indespensible asset we are to the response community.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Trust, accountability, and follow through.