Christopher McGrath is an experienced emergency management professional who has worked in multiple aspects of emergency preparedness and response at the state and local government levels, in higher education, and in public health. Before coming to OGL, Chris was Chief of the Operations Support Branch at the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency, where he managed interoperable communications systems for first responders and the overhaul of the Radiological Emergency Preparedness Program.
Chris played a vital role in the State Emergency Operations Center as the ESF #2 during various statewide emergencies and major planned events. A FEMA-Certified Master Exercise Practitioner, he also delivered training on topics such as NIMS and ICS. As Assistant Strategic National Stockpile Coordinator for the Rhode Island Department of Health, Chris prepared local agencies to distribute antibiotics and vaccines during public health emergencies. His efforts in developing plans and conducting statewide training and exercises were vital in the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine. Chris played a crucial role in operationalizing the health department’s personal protective equipment distribution warehouse, and co-led the State’s COVID-19 testing operations at the pandemic’s height in 2021.
Chris began his emergency service career as a volunteer firefighter in South Kingstown, RI and spent 23 years serving his community and training the new generation of recruits.