With over 20 years of experience in disaster recovery and emergency management, Valarie Philipp has played a crucial role in helping communities, local governments, and nonprofits navigate the complexities of federal disaster funding. As Vice President of Disaster Recovery Programs at GrantWorks, she leads efforts to ensure effective and efficient recovery from major disasters, securing funding that supports long-term resilience.
Throughout her career, Valarie has managed over $1 billion in FEMA Public Assistance (PA) funding across 25 federally declared disasters. Prior to joining GrantWorks, she served as Associate Managing Director of Infrastructure at Witt O’Brien’s, overseeing disaster recovery projects in 14 states and assisting over 200 local government, education, healthcare, and nonprofit clients nationwide. Her expertise spans strategic guidance, technical assistance, and program compliance for FEMA PA funding, with notable projects including $445 million in COVID-19 recovery efforts, $103 million for Hurricane Irma recovery, and $35 million in FEMA Disaster Debris Monitoring.
Valarie’s extensive knowledge of FEMA programs and her ability to streamline complex recovery processes make her a trusted leader in disaster recovery. Her work continues to help communities rebuild stronger and prepare for future challenges.