About Telfany
“Preparedness is more than a plan—it’s a mindset. My mission is to equip leaders to respond with confidence, clarity, and compassion.”
Telfany Morgan, MBA, PMP, GA-ACEM, CBCP, is a nationally recognized expert in crisis and emergency management, continuity planning, and strategic leadership. With more than two decades of service across local, state, and federal agencies, the private sector and Higher Education, she has built a distinguished career focused on helping organizations and leaders prepare for and respond to critical events with resilience and excellence.
Telfany is the President and Founder of Disaster Relief and Emergency Management Services, a consulting firm she established in 2017. Through this platform, she provides expert guidance to institutions and communities on emergency preparedness, continuity of operations, crisis coordination, and strategic planning.
Her previous roles include serving as the Executive Director of Emergency Management and Continuity at Ivy Tech Community College, the largest singly accredited community college in the United States, supporting nearly 200,000 students across 75 communities.
Telfany also led the development of the Library of Congress’s first Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP), guided emergency strategy at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) through Guidehouse, and advanced community resilience initiatives with the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department. She also served as the unofficial, inaugural Emergency Management Coordinator for the City of Atlanta’s Mayor’s Office of Emergency Preparedness (MOEP).
Telfany’s commitment to service is matched by her dedication to professional growth. She holds an MBA from the University of West Georgia and a B.B.A. from Strayer University, along with certifications as a Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Emergency Manager (CEM), and Certified Business Continuity Practitioner (CBCP). She is also an alumna of Harvard Kennedy School’s Executive Education program.
Known for her charisma, clarity, and commanding presence, Telfany is a sought-after speaker and trainer. Her leadership has inspired the launch of groundbreaking programs such as the first Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) at Clark Atlanta University and the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department’s Camp Ignite—a leadership initiative for young women.
Telfany continues to use her voice and expertise to empower others, transforming complexity into clarity and helping leaders thrive under pressure.
Career Milestones
Developed the First COOP Plan for the Library of Congress
-
Telfany spearheaded the creation of the Library of Congress’s first Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP), laying the foundation for safeguarding one of the nation’s most treasured institutions during times of disruption. Her work ensured that the Library could maintain its essential functions in the face of emergencies.
Led Emergency Management Strategy for the CDC via Guidehouse
-
While serving as Lead Senior Consultant at Guidehouse (formerly PwC), Telfany provided strategic direction to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Office of Safety, Security, and Asset Management (OSSAM). Her leadership supported national emergency preparedness efforts during critical times, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
Advanced Community Resilience with Atlanta Fire Rescue
-As a Project Manager for the City of Atlanta’s Fire Rescue Department, Telfany championed multi-agency coordination and community-focused initiatives. Her work strengthened emergency response efforts and reinforced public safety infrastructure across the city. During her tenure, the CERT program she led received national recognition and was selected by the Department of Homeland Security to participate in a highly selective pilot initiative conducted across seven states. The year-long project involved strategic collaboration with DHS and focused on enhancing situational awareness and response readiness through a series of monthly, scenario-based exercises in high-security environments.
Established the CERT Program at Clark Atlanta University
-
Telfany created the first-ever Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program at Clark Atlanta University, equipping students with lifesaving skills and fostering a culture of preparedness within the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) community.
Co-Founded Camp Ignite for Young Women in Fire Services
-
Passionate about representation and mentorship, Telfany helped launch Camp Ignite—an empowering initiative designed to introduce young women to careers in fire services. The program promotes leadership, confidence, and public service through hands-on training and mentorship.
Education & Credentials
MBA
University of West Georgia
