Nelson Corteway

Background

About Nelson Corteway

With over 30 years of leadership in public safety, including my tenure as Chief of Police, I am known for driving innovation, building trusted partnerships, and delivering results in high-stakes environments. Today, I bring that same vision and expertise to the San Mateo County Department of Emergency Management, where I focus on strengthening preparedness, response, and resilience across our communities. As Chief of Police, I led 38 dedicated professionals and oversaw a $14M budget while spearheading transformative initiatives: establishing a regional digital forensics lab, launching a Drone as First Responder program, and modernizing a 24/7 public safety communications center. These initiatives not only improved operational effectiveness but also set new benchmarks for collaboration and innovation in the region. My expertise in tactical operations, emergency management, and stakeholder collaboration, bolstered by my experience as a SWAT Team Operator and Incident Commander for VIP protection and critical events, enable me to make sound decisions under pressure, coordinate multi-agency responses, and lead with calm precision in complex situations. I am focused on leveraging these experiences to enhance San Mateo County’s emergency preparedness and response. By fostering cross-agency collaboration and building resilient systems, I remain dedicated to safeguarding our communities and ensuring their ability to thrive in the face of evolving challenges.