In April 2018, Nicole Hawley joined the University of Connecticut as an Emergency Management Program Specialist. In her role, she continuously worked on enhancing UConn’s complex emergency management program by incorporating best practices in all emergency planning efforts, including but not limited to conducting trainings and exercises, public education, and community outreach. Nicole has lead the University’s Family Reunification Assistance Center Plan, logistics operations for the Host Community Reception Center, and oversees the Division’s social media platforms as well as participating in and reporting to a variety of meetings, committees, and professional associations.

Nicole comes to UConn from the City of Hartford, where for over 10 years she held various roles, including Public Health Emergency Preparedness Coordinator for the City of Hartford Health and Human Services Department. During her time there, she played a key role in the overseeing of sheltering efforts during major storms; employee trainings; and monitoring federal and state contract deliverables and reporting. Nicole also worked one-on-one with the State of Connecticut and Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), when monitoring travelers who were coming into the State of Connecticut from high-risked countries. But in her most recent role, her focus was on the health and safety of homes in Hartford, by assisting low-income homeowners in obtaining grants through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and other funding sources to fix up the housing stock and make homes safe.

Nicole has a strong background in community outreach, communications, and program development. She holds a Bachelors of Arts from Central Connecticut State University and a Master’s of Science from Springfield College in Organization Management and Leadership. In 2022, Nicole has earned recognition from the International Association of Emergency Managers by being among the group of professionals designated as Certified Emergency Manager (CEM).