Tom Emerick

Background

About Tom Emerick

Over 24 years as a managing counsel, strategist, risk manager, and policy advisor. I’m an expert in public policy, strategy development, organizational change, leadership, and risk management. Currently the District Counsel for the Army Corps of Engineers in the Norfolk District where I lead a 10 person team in advising leadership on a diverse set of legal issues to include environmental, regulatory, procurement, and ethics. Recently retired Coast Guard Officer and Judge Advocate. In my last position with the Coast Guard I was the the Commanding Officer/Senior Partner at the Coast Guard Legal Service Command, where I led and managed nearly 90 attorneys and other professionals in providing outstanding full service legal and risk management advice to over 70 client commands representing over half of the Coast Guard. I embrace change and am always looking for ways to make things better. Using a collaborative and innovative approach, I have successfully designed and executed the following organizational improvements:• Developed and implemented 1st ever strategic restructuring of the Coast Guard Legal Service Command. • Led cross-discipline team in developing and implementing strategic changes in how the Coast Guard investigates its major operational mishaps. Efforts reduced investigation times by 80%, improved transparency, saved resources, and improved final product. I displayed policy and strategy skills in co-authoring:• The 2011 DHS White Paper on the Coast Guard, a strategic document that was created to highlight the value the Coast Guard provides to the Nation, and • The Deepwater Horizon National Incident Commander report, which captured strategic issues associated with the historic spill, to include the political, social, policy, and legal challenges in conducting the response.My colleagues know me as a team player with an optimistic personality. I am ready to explore new opportunities where I can continue to make a positive impact.