About The CESA Annual Conference
Hosted by the California Emergency Services Association (CESA), the 2025 CESA Annual Conference in Burlingame, CA, is an opportunity for emergency management professionals from a diverse variety of disciplines to work jointly to build effective preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery strategies.
Why Connect with Tidal Basin
California faces some unique disaster challenges, from wildfires and earthquakes to droughts, and that’s where Tidal Basin steps in. We focus on preparedness, response, grant management, and mitigation services to help state and local agencies strengthen their emergency plans and build resilience.
On the preparedness side, we work on strategies and policies that tackle California’s specific risks, so communities are ready before disaster hits. When something does happen, our response team is there with operational support to coordinate efforts and reduce immediate impacts.
We’re also experienced in navigating FEMA’s Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation programs, making the process smoother and ensuring the funding is put to use as quickly as possible. For mitigation, we emphasize long-term solutions, helping communities take proactive steps to minimize future risks.
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Meet Our Team
Jeremy Speaks is Deputy Director and Engagement Manager at Tidal Basin Group, where he leverages over 12 years of public assistance and grant-management expertise to guide federal- and state-funded recovery programs. In this role, he oversees grant portfolios for more than 20 government and NGO clients, mentors senior project managers, develops strategic project plans with measurable timelines, and ensures every initiative is delivered on time, on budget, and in full compliance with evolving FEMA regulations.
Throughout his career, Jeremy has been on the front lines of some of the nation’s most challenging disasters. He supported recovery operations for Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma in the Gulf Coast; led long-term rebuilding efforts following Hurricane Sandy in New York; and managed closeout and grant-administration activities for Hurricane Irene, Tropical Storm Lee, Hurricane Florence, Tropical Storm Michael, and Hurricane Ida. More recently, he directed the State of Illinois’ COVID-19 pandemic response, overseeing the closeout of over 1,900 projects totaling $1.6 billion, and coordinated severe winter-storm and flood recovery in Texas and Iowa.
Jeremy’s technical acumen spans drafting comprehensive Project Worksheets (PWs), administering Section 428 Alternative Procedures, and conducting regional financial analyses that help clients secure progress and closeout payments. As an Applicant Authorized Representative in FEMA’s Grants Portal, he has guided stakeholders through complex policy changes, appeals processes, and funding requirements to retain essential project resources.
Prior to joining Tidal Basin in 2013, Jeremy served as a FEMA PA Project Specialist with Scion Management Solutions, where he authored PWs and managed grant submissions for Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Wilma, and Sandy across multiple jurisdictions, earning “Outstanding Employee Recognition”.
He holds a B.S. in Criminal Justice/Police Science from the University of South Carolina and has completed numerous professional trainings and certifications, including HSEEP; ICS 200, 300, and 400; and NIMS courses in Multiagency Coordination Systems, Public Information Systems, and Resource Management. This blend of field experience, technical expertise, and formal training makes Jeremy a trusted partner in building resilient communities and maximizing public-investment returns.
Education
- BS, Criminal Justice/Political Science
Disaster Experience
- Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Wilma in Louisiana
- Hurricanes Sandy, Irene, and Ida and Tropical Storms Florence and Michael in New York
- COVID-19 Global Pandemic for Illinois and Michigan
- Severe Storms and Tornadoes in Iowa and Texas
Training
- HSEEP
- IS-00100b Intro to ICS; IS-00200b ICS-200; ICS-300; ICS-400
- IS-00235.c Emergency Planning; IS-00362.a Multihazard Planning for Schools
- ICS-00546.a COOP Awareness; ICS-00547.a Continuity of Operations
- IS-00700a NIMS; IS-00701a NIMS MACS; IS-00702a Public Information System; IS-00703a Resource Management
Our Services
Preparedness
Our preparedness services support communities and organizations in creating emergency management plans, conducting risk assessments, and organizing training exercises. These strategies mitigate risks, protect resources, and support operational continuity.
Response
We provide expert operational support and incident management to help communities overcome the challenges of disaster impacts. Our services help with coordination, strategic resource use, and effective recovery to stabilize and restore affected areas with precision.
Recovery
Our team provides expert guidance in disaster recovery and grant management. With a focus on funding strategies, regulatory compliance, and the implementation of recovery programs, we support efforts to rebuild stronger and more resilient systems.
Grant & Program Management
We provide grant management services, specializing in funding strategies, regulatory compliance, and effective program implementation. We partner with clients to optimize resources, ensure accountability, and deliver solutions that foster stronger, more resilient communities.
TB Technologies
TB Technologies specializes in technology-driven disaster recovery solutions, focusing on system resilience and operational continuity. We prioritize innovative tools and strategies to safeguard critical operations, ensuring communities and organizations are prepared to respond effectively to challenges.
Featured Brochures
Featured Job Openings
Associate Project Manager Development Program
CESA Annual Conference FAQs
CESA stands for the California Emergency Services Association. It is a professional organization dedicated to advancing the field of emergency management.
The mission of CESA is to promote excellence in emergency management by providing education, networking opportunities, and advocacy to support emergency professionals and enhance community preparedness and resilience.
The CESA Annual Conference is dedicated to transforming California’s emergency preparedness landscape, bringing together experts, leaders, and professionals in the field of emergency services.
The conference is taking place at the SFO Marriott Waterfront in Burlingame, CA.
- Disaster Preparedness
- Disaster Recovery
- Mitigation Planning
- Grant Management
- Emergency/Crisis Communications
- Earthquake Awareness, Preparedness, Response
- Emergency Management
- Public Health & Mass Care
- Community Resilience
- Homeland Security
The conference is designed for professionals, decision-makers, and stakeholders in the emergency services sector who aim to stay at the forefront of innovation, collaboration, and policy development.
The conference draws participation from emergency service providers, government agencies, technology innovators, and other key stakeholders in the industry.
The conference offers the opportunity to provide cutting-edge insights, foster connections with industry leaders, and contribute to shaping the future of emergency services in California.
The conference includes comprehensive networking sessions designed to facilitate connections with key players and innovators in emergency services.
CESA hosts conferences, training workshops, and networking events to foster collaboration, professional growth, and knowledge sharing within the emergency management community.
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