Meet Desiree, Emergency Planning Specialist at Central Hudson.

She helps plan and prepare for emergencies—so teams and communities are ready when it matters most.

Much of the work that keeps Central Hudson prepared for emergencies happens long before a storm ever appears in the forecast. For Desiree, that behind‑the‑scenes preparation is where reliability begins.

Desiree works closely with teams across the company through plan updates, training, drills, exercises, and real‑world response efforts. That collaboration gives her a unique perspective on how every role at Central Hudson contributes to safe, effective operations—especially during major events. “Each role is valuable,” she says. “And every one becomes critical during response and recovery.”

While customers may never see the day‑to‑day planning that goes into emergency management, Desiree knows its impact is significant. Her team is constantly focused on preparedness—looking for ways to improve reliability, efficiency, and coordination before an emergency occurs. “When something goes wrong,” she explains, “our goal is to give customers peace of mind, knowing we’re working tirelessly to restore stability and help return things to normal.”

One of the moments Desiree finds most meaningful is simply explaining what Emergency Management does. Sharing how the team balances operational response with the broader principles of emergency planning reminds her why the work matters. But what stands out most to her is the people.

“My colleagues are deeply invested,” she says. “They bring care, passion, and purpose to the work every day—and that leaves a real impression on the communities we serve.”

Desiree’s work directly supports how both Central Hudson and its customers recover from major events. By developing and maintaining response plans—and coordinating drills and exercises with internal teams and external partners—she helps ensure everyone is prepared when it matters most.

Outside of work, Desiree is a lifelong learner. She spends her time studying how communities around the world prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. That curiosity fuels her approach on the job: stay resourceful, stay resilient, and always keep learning—because customers depend on it.

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