“Stay safe, stay focused.”
Michael K. Harryman is a distinguished senior executive whose career spans more than a quarter century at the intersection of emergency management, public health preparedness, and organizational resilience. His professional life has been defined by leadership in some of Oregon’s most critical government agencies, where his steady presence, strategic clarity, and dedication to safeguarding communities have shaped policies, built resilient infrastructures, and guided high-stakes emergency responses. His commitment to service is not only rooted in his extensive public-sector experience but also in the discipline and integrity shaped by over two decades of honorable military service.
From the earliest days of his career, Mr. Harryman demonstrated a strong ability to lead through complexity. His rise through the Oregon Department of Human Services and Oregon Health Authority reflects a deep understanding of crisis response, program development, and the integration of public health and emergency management systems. Early roles in the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife and the Public Health Systems allowed him to refine his skills in financial oversight, administrative leadership, and strategic operations—competencies that became cornerstones of the influential positions he would later assume.
One of the most defining chapters of his career began when he entered the Oregon Health Authority’s Public Health Division, eventually becoming Director of Emergency Operations. In this capacity, he directed statewide preparedness and response efforts for a broad range of hazards, from pandemics to natural disasters. His leadership during Oregon’s H1N1 response—spanning multiple waves and involving coordination with tribal nations, local health officials, federal partners, and hospitals—earned him recognition for his ability to marshal diverse teams toward unified action during times of uncertainty.
As Director of Emergency Operations, Mr. Harryman oversaw critical functions supported by both CDC and ASPR cooperative agreements. His strategic oversight fortified the state’s capacity to anticipate emerging threats, strengthen public health systems, and optimize communication protocols for first responders and healthcare organizations. His work also modernized the state’s emergency preparedness infrastructure, advancing key programs such as the Strategic National Stockpile and state trauma coordination networks. These accomplishments underscored his talent for operational integration and systems-level planning.
In 2016, Mr. Harryman was appointed by the Governor as Oregon’s first State Resilience Officer, a role that positioned him at the forefront of statewide disaster readiness and long-term resilience planning. Reporting directly to the Governor’s Chief of Staff, he became the primary point of contact for resilience across state agencies, federal partners, tribal governments, Canadian provinces, and numerous non-governmental organizations. He guided seismic safety initiatives, Continuity-of-government strategies, state’s COVID-19 response, and statewide hazard mitigation efforts, ensuring that both near- and long-term resilience goals aligned with equitable outcomes for all communities.
His tenure as State Resilience Officer was marked by ambitious, forward-thinking initiatives, including the three-year project to develop a comprehensive continuity-of-government document for the executive branch. This undertaking required collaboration across 33 state agencies, monthly coordination calls, and the development of robust frameworks capable of sustaining governmental operations during catastrophic events. His work became foundational to Oregon’s resilience doctrine, reflecting his deep commitment to safeguarding critical infrastructure and essential services.
Since 2023, Mr. Harryman has served as Resilience Manager and Director of Continuity of Operations/Continuity of Government for the Oregon Department of Human Services. In this role, he ensures that mission-essential state functions can be rapidly restored following emergencies. His leadership includes maintaining and testing continuity plans, training staff across the largest agency, and guiding crisis action planning during Joint Department Operations Center activations. This chapter of his career continues to expand his influence as a trusted advisor and strategist during some of Oregon’s most significant emergency preparedness initiatives.
Complementing his public-sector leadership, Mr. Harryman founded MKH Resilience Strategies, LLC, where he applies his extensive experience to advisory and consulting work. His ability to bridge public and private sectors, navigate complex regulatory frameworks, and strengthen organizational preparedness has made him a valued partner to organizations seeking guidance rooted in realism, operational excellence, and long-term strategy. His work reflects a philosophy anchored in integrity, collaboration, and the unwavering belief that resilient communities begin with informed leadership.
Mr. Harryman’s contributions extend beyond professional duties. A 23-year U.S. Army veteran and combat veteran of Desert Shield and Desert Storm, he brings a profound sense of service, discipline, and mission readiness to every leadership role. His involvement with organizations such as the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Keizer Elks Lodge, and multiple emergency management associations reflects his dedication to community, mentorship, and public stewardship. These roles speak to his commitment not only to professional excellence but to strengthening the broader fabric of civic life.
His academic foundation—a Master of Arts in Emergency & Disaster Management with Honors, complemented by a Bachelor of Science in Business Management—supports a career marked by continuous learning and professional development. With extensive training through FEMA, DHS, CDC, and the Naval Postgraduate School, Mr. Harryman remains deeply engaged in advancing best practices in emergency management, public health preparedness, resilience planning, and continuity strategy.
In every role he has held, Michael K. Harryman has embodied the belief that resilience is not just an operational priority but a societal imperative. His work has strengthened systems, empowered agencies, guided policymakers, and safeguarded communities. As he continues his professional journey, he remains committed to using his strategic insight, deep institutional knowledge, and collaborative leadership to support organizations seeking clarity, preparedness, and a steady hand in an increasingly complex world.
Character:
Michael Harryman demonstrates character through a consistent commitment to service, integrity, and accountability, shaped heavily by his military background and public-sector leadership roles. He approaches every challenge with a grounded sense of responsibility and a dedication to fairness, transparency, and ethical decision-making. His credibility is reinforced by decades of trusted relationships with government partners and community stakeholders who rely on his steady judgment.
Knowledge:
His knowledge spans emergency management, public health systems, organizational resilience, and multi-agency coordination, built through more than 25 years of hands-on operational leadership. He possesses a rare ability to integrate technical expertise with policy insight, enabling him to translate complex systems into actionable strategies. His ongoing pursuit of professional development demonstrates a lifelong commitment to deepening his understanding and expanding his expertise.
Strategic:
Mr. Harryman embodies strategic leadership through his capacity to anticipate emerging risks, design future-focused resilience frameworks, and guide large organizations toward long-term stability. He has repeatedly demonstrated an ability to align diverse agencies under unified objectives, ensuring continuity of operations and equity-focused resilience planning. His strategic perspective allows him to strengthen not only organizational structures but the communities and systems they serve.
Communication:
His communication style is clear, collaborative, and grounded in real-world experience, making him an effective connector across multiple sectors. He excels at translating complex emergency management concepts into language that resonates with policymakers, technical teams, and community leaders alike. His ability to foster trust through open dialogue has been essential to building the partnerships that define his leadership legacy.
