Terri Richards

Emergency Management is my passion! I bring 10+ years of combined experience in disaster response, planning, radiological preparedness, and health physics to my role as Principal Partner at Adaptive Resiliency.

My mission is to work closely with each client, helping them identify and mitigate risks to ensure they’re well-prepared for the unexpected. What truly excites me is the opportunity to empower small businesses through education and the practical application of emergency planning. I love helping small business owners become better prepared for the unexpected.

Having responded to disasters at all levels (local, state, and federal), as well as worked in air search and rescue for over ten years, I offer a depth of experience in this field. My educational background includes a BS in Biology and Master’s in Emergency and Disaster Management and Intelligence Studies. I’m currently pursuing a PhD in Public Policy.

I’m an active member of several professional associations, including the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM), the Health Physics Society, and the North Carolina Emergency Management Association (NCEMA). My training includes certifications in Incident Command System (ICS), Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program, Radiological Emergency Preparedness, and HAZMAT Planning, among others.

On a personal note, I’m happily married to Jayme, and we have five sons and one granddaughter. Beyond my professional pursuits, I’m an avid practitioner of fiber arts, including crocheting, knitting, spinning, and weaving. I’m also interested in forestry and wildlife management. Volunteering is a cornerstone of my life, and I’m actively involved with the Capital Area Regional Advisory Committee – Medical Reserve Corp (CAPRAC MRC), Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), and Radiological Emergency Volunteer Corp (REVC).