Ed Conley

Author. Speaker. Crisis Leadership Coach.

"History can be a guide to navigate in perilous times, a reminder of the solid reasons for hope."

- Doris Kearns Goodwin

Ed Conley

Author. Speaker. Crisis Leadership Coach.

Ed spent over 30 years in international disaster response (FEMA, NATO, Centers for Disease Control, State Department). Now, he coaches tomorrow's crisis leaders with a distinctive mix of personal stories, practical lessons, and infectious positivity.

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Speaker & Coach

Ed guides the next generation of crisis responders through their disaster leadership journey. His speaking engagements combine three decades of firsthand accounts, one-of-a-kind experiences, and practical lessons learned in the field, helping responders and emergency leaders navigate from preparation to recovery.

Ed Speaks about:

Becoming a disaster responder
Crisis leadership development
Leading during and after catastrophes

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Author

Ed’s first book, 'Promote the Dog Sitter: And Other Principles for Leading During Disasters,' lays out ten fundamental principles for impactful disaster leadership.

He mixes personal insights with practical advice, showing how to navigate crises with compassion and integrity. It's a straightforward guide from someone who's been in the thick of it, perfect for anyone looking to step up in tough times.

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This is a practitioner’s guide written in a clear, conversational style, with “big picture” insights mixed with how-to advice and a healthy dose of humor--a saving grace that comes from working under severe circumstances. Readers will also appreciate that Conley’s journey included bumbling miscues, personal setbacks and humbling failures.
"What sets this book apart is Conley's compassionate approach to leadership. He emphasizes the value of empathy and demonstrates how leaders can cultivate a genuine concern for the well-being of those affected by disasters. He effortlessly combines his extensive professional experience with relatable anecdotes, making complex leadership concepts easily understandable."
"A big-hearted, collaborative and compassionate spirit runs through this book. Promote the Dog Sitter honors emergency management’s noble mission of helping others in times of great need and is a trumpet call to anyone interested in public service. Ears ringing? Read this book."
"Frankly, this book should be required reading for all persons involved in emergency management. From the most experienced practitioner to the novice or student just getting into the profession. Then, once the book has been read, the reader would be wise to pack this powerful book into their go-kit and carry it wherever they go while deployed. "Promote the Dog Sitter" is THAT good."
"Promote the Dog Sitter is an excellent read for anyone in a leadership position, especially if you think you will be actively involved in a disaster. In fact it should be mandatory reading. Ed Conley has seen it, lived it, experienced it and has now offered his treasured insights on how to be a better leader and decision maker so you can be counted on when the unexpected disaster arises. His examples shine a beacon on how you can be effective and how you will fail if you miss these time honored principles."
"There's just something special about reading a book written by someone who has lived and breathed the subject. This book is rich with examples, direct experience, useful application, and powerful relatability about a subject of universal relevance! Highly recommend."
"I worked with Ed Conley on responses to the Columbine school shooting, Hurricane Katrina, the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center, and dozens of other US disasters. In the rubble of destroyed buildings, wading through flooded streets, and in the ashes of wildfires, I saw his approach to crisis response. Ed lived his ideals in every situation, and I was blessed to see it firsthand. His fearless honesty, indomitable optimism, and empathy make him a beacon in times of crisis. Throughout my career, I've shamelessly borrowed, stole, and copied Ed's approaches and strategies as best I could."
"I'm proud to have worked side-by-side with Ed in so many challenging and heartbreaking circumstances over the years. Quite simply, there was never a time when Ed didn't leave a place better and more hopeful than when he got there.”
“I spent much of my career as a member of one of FEMA’s national response teams. When I started in the business, higher education courses in emergency management were few and far between. Outside of FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute, most learning and study happened on the job. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to work with and learn from someone with one of the greatest approaches to emergency management leadership I have ever encountered - Ed Conley. I quickly saw that his principled practices were the most successful in the field.”
"People like Ed Conley are the heart of emergency management. I've worked with him many times over the years, in some very tough circumstances. Ed Conley is among the absolute best at what he does, and he cares deeply about helping others."
"This book is like chatting with a great mentor. He’s there for you. He believes in you. He has a lot of experience and shares great stories. The advice is practical – not abstract or academic. It’s a “how to” for leadership during times of crisis. And that kind of leadership is needed in so many ways – not just from people with “emergency manager” in their job title. If you want to help people, this book can help you."

Crisis Leader and Coach

Ed Conley spent 30 years with FEMA, directing disaster response efforts worldwide. He’s also worked alongside leaders from the Coast Guard, Secret Service, and State Department, assisting them in responding to international emergencies and National Special Security Events.

During his FEMA career, Ed's expertise in emergency preparedness led him on NATO assignments across Europe.

Before FEMA, he spent seven winters with the US National Ski Patrol as a medical responder.

Today, Ed travels internationally, coaching the next generation of crisis leaders, drawing on his experience in the field and his time as an instructor at the Center for Domestic Preparedness, National Emergency Training Center, and Naval Postgraduate School/Center for Homeland Defense and Security.

He uses a blend of practical lessons, one-of-a-kind stories, and a positive mindset to inspire and guide.

When he's not coaching future crisis leaders worldwide, Ed calls Seattle home.

Notable Engagements:

Responses to: 9/11, Hurricanes Hugo and Katrina, the 2010 Haiti Earthquake, Superstorm Sandy, and the 2010 Gulf Oil Spill - Deepwater Horizon.
International coaching and speaking engagements throughout Asia and the Western Pacific, as well as European NATO assignments.

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