In the heart of Baltimore, Kimberly Matthews, a design manager with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Baltimore District, stands at the forefront of disaster mitigation efforts, orchestrating coordination between USACE engineers and architectural engineering firms. Following a full-scale training operation in early March, Matthews and her team applied their honed tactics and procedures to real-world scenarios.
Matthews, a Baltimore native, understands the vital importance of collaboration and notes the exceptional cooperation among agencies and skilled workers in disaster mitigation efforts.
"There are ups and downs with every disaster mitigation effort; however—this Unified Command is exactly that, unified," said Matthews. She emphasizes that her role is critical in ensuring effective communication between engineering teams and architectural contractors, which is essential for operational success.
Central to this approach is the recognition that no single agency can tackle such monumental tasks alone. The diverse array of stakeholders forms a cohesive team, with progress becoming more evident and operations growing stronger each day.
While office-bound colleagues may have limited visibility into frontline operations, Matthews maintains a direct connection through live feed videos, photos, and meetings.
"These glimpses into the ongoing efforts on the ground and in the water offer me a direct sense of pride in my job and mission," said Matthews. The response stands out for its emphasis on steady, precise action, prioritizing safety and accuracy over unrealistic benchmarks.
"The opportunity to witness firsthand the impact of our work is truly gratifying," said Matthews. "It underscores the significance of our mission and reinforces our commitment to serving our community in times of need."
Despite long hours away from home, her family takes pride in her role in the response effort.
"Overall, I'm impressed with how we have come together and love that I can see the progress from one day to the next," Matthews concluded.