Erin Sutton
Meet Erin
Erin Sutton is a Partner at McChrystal Group, specializing in public sector engagements focusing on emergency management. With over two decades of experience, she excels in developing high-performing emergency management teams, integrating innovative technologies into emergency management processes, and serving as an expert in leadership development for emergency managers.
Before joining McChrystal Group, Erin served as the Chief Deputy State Coordinator for the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM), where she oversaw daily operations and led organizational and digital transformations within the agency. Her leadership was instrumental during numerous local, state, and federal disasters, including Hurricanes Matthew (2016), Florence (2018), and Dorian (2020), as well as winter storms, flooding events, tornadoes, hazardous material incidents, and the COVID-19 pandemic at both local and state levels. Notably, Erin provided critical initial leadership during the Afghan repatriation at Dulles Airport and responded to the mass shooting in Virginia Beach.
Erin’s expertise encompasses stakeholder engagement, crisis communications, emergency plan development, strategic planning, exercise development and implementation, fiscal management, and after-action reviews. She has played a pivotal role in evaluating and refining emergency response strategies through structured after-action reviews, ensuring continuous improvement and readiness for future crises. In collaboration with Dominion Energy, Erin led VDEM’s modernization efforts to Virginia’s notification system for its two nuclear power plants. As the lead Public Information Officer for Virginia Beach Public Health and the Office of Emergency Management, she effectively managed communications during critical incidents. She is known for leveraging technology to enhance processes and build effective teams capable of responding to complex emergencies.
A Certified Emergency Manager, Master Exercise Practitioner, and Project Management Professional, Erin was honored as the Emergency Management Professional of the Year for Virginia in 2019.
Erin holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Radford University and a Master of Science in Microbiology and Immunology from Wright State University. Her deep experience and leadership in high-stakes situations make her an invaluable asset to McChrystal Group and its public sector clients.
B.S. Radford University
M.S. Wright State University
Written Articles/ Materials
Case Study
Florida Establishes Nation’s 1st Leadership Program for Emergency Managers
Facing the evolving challenges of emergency management, the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) partnered with McChrystal Group to create the first-ever Mid-Level Leadership Development Program for Emergency Managers. This groundbreaking initiative bridges critical leadership gaps by enhancing decision-making, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and building strategic foresight.
Building the Future of Emergency Management: FEMA Vanguard Executive Leadership Program
Today’s leaders in emergency management (EM) face a level of complexity, interconnectivity, uncertainty, and volatility far beyond anything seen before. Leading in this environment—where events have far-reaching impacts—requires integrative thinking, advanced problem-solving, predictive analysis, and coordinated communication across a range of organizations and teams. So, with such a daunting problem set, what's to be done? The FEMA Vanguard program was born out of the new reality facing emergency management to provide purposeful connections, enhance role awareness across all facets of EM, introduce new leadership frameworks focused on innovation, inclusion, and adaptability, and address pressing and emerging issues and solutions.
Insights
The Hidden Cost of Failing to Learn: Unlocking the Power of AARs
Great teams don’t just reflect—they adapt. After-Action Reviews (AARs) turn lessons into action, strengthening shared consciousness and preventing repeated mistakes. Learn our proven framework to embed AARs into your team’s operating rhythm for smarter, faster decisions.
Florida Establishes Nation’s 1st Leadership Program for Emergency Managers
Facing the evolving challenges of emergency management, the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) partnered with McChrystal Group to create the first-ever Mid-Level Leadership Development Program for Emergency Managers. This groundbreaking initiative bridges critical leadership gaps by enhancing decision-making, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and building strategic foresight.
