In a world where climate change, aging infrastructure, and public health risks increasingly
converge, Shawn Corrigan stands at a pivotal intersection. As the Resilience &
Sustainability Practice Director at Carollo Engineers, Shawn brings a uniquely layered
perspective to water sector challenges—grounded in years of diverse experience and a
future-forward mindset.
Shawn Corrigan’s Journey to Emergency Management
Shawn’s story begins in the rugged landscapes of wildland firefighting, where he
specialized in fire behavior analysis and planning. That hands-on exposure to crisis
management laid the foundation for his evolution into public health emergency
management, nuclear security, and eventually, water infrastructure resilience. Each step
brought new certifications and deeper expertise—from Certified Emergency Manager to
Envision Sustainability Professional.
Today, he leads a dynamic practice at Carollo Engineers focused on four pillars:
Operational Resilience, Sustainability Assessment, Resilience Management, and
Greenhouse Gas/Emissions & Energy Management. “Resilience in water infrastructure is
about recognizing that the world is constantly shifting and that we need to adapt
accordingly,” Shawn explains. “It’s not just about ticking a box. It’s about actively…
preparing systems and teams to handle disruptions.”
Training for Tomorrow’s Crises
One of Shawn’s beliefs is that scenario-based training is one of the most
effective ways to prepare water and wastewater operators for real-world challenges. These
immersive simulations provide participants with the chance to test emergency plans, make
critical decisions, and refine communications in real-time—before disaster strikes.
The AWWA’s Resources for Emergency Preparedness notes that the mark of a utility
effectively prepared to respond to an emergency is “a strong preparedness culture.”
Evidence of such culture can be seen when an emergency response plan (ERP) is kept
current, staff have been properly trained, resources are up to date, and a management
process is in place for corrective action
Shawn’s philosophy agrees and goes further to note mitigation and preparedness are key.
“The worst time to meet a critical response partner is in the middle of a crisis,” he says.
“Exercises allow you to establish those relationships ahead of time.” For Shawn, scenario-
based training is not just about drills—it’s a form of organizational development, part of a
continuous improvement process that strengthens systems and people alike
Redefining Risk in the Water Sector
When it comes to risk assessment, Shawn urges the industry to move beyond fixed views of
risk. “Risk isn’t static. It’s always shifting,” he says. A few of those threats according to
Shawn? Climate adaptation, cybersecurity hazards, and supply chain disruptions.
Addressing these evolving concerns requires a more agile and adaptive methodology. He
advocates treating emergency preparedness with the same rigor as compliance-driven
areas like water treatment and public health, saying, “I believe utilities need to focus on
building… practical contingencies, and embedding continuous learning into their workflow. It’s about making resilience part of the organization, not just a project or a report.”
He believes that emergency management principles should be integrated more
intentionally into the certification process for water and wastewater operators. That
includes exposure to business continuity tools, hazard analyses, and scenario planning
early in an operator’s career. “It’s making sure that operators are not just handed plans but
are involved in developing and refining them… that their on-the-ground insights are valued,” Shawn emphasizes. “We need to recognize them as central contributors.”
Finding the Balance Between Technology and Humans
Part of that mission to adapt systems involves updated technology. Shawn sees great
promise in technologies like GIS, AI, and remote sensors, though he emphasizes that these
tools only work when human capacity is developed alongside them. “Access to information
and the ability to analyze it accurately and quickly is essential,” he says, “but the key is
empowering people to use them effectively. It’s not just about having the latest tools—we
also need… the right people.”
Mentorship, Mindset, and the Next Generation
Despite the technical demands of his work, Shawn returns often to the human element.
“The most rewarding part of my work is the people,” he says. “Every time we’re able to
come together and create solutions that have a real-world impact is rewarding. The sense
of purpose and collaboration is what keeps me excited about my work.”
For young professionals entering the water and emergency management fields, Shawn
offers simple but powerful advice: learn broadly, stay curious, and look beyond disciplinary
boundaries. “The people who make the biggest impact… are the ones who… challenge
assumptions and connect the dots between different fields and ideas.”
A Vision for a Resilient Future
Looking ahead, Shawn underlines that resilience is not a destination but a process.
It’s about embedding adaptability, foresight, and learning into every level of utility
operations. Whether it’s building emergency scenarios, applying Envision frameworks, or
mentoring the next generation of professionals, he’s helping shape a sector that’s not only
prepared for what’s next—but one that’s actively creating a stronger, more sustainable
future.
When asked how we can engage our readers and support the advancement of resilience,
Shawn notes that there is almost always a broad array of ways to get involved in your
community, and you should be on the lookout for those opportunities. A good start,
however, is to live by your values
“If you care about resilience, sustainability, and building a stronger future, let that show up
in the choices you make, conversations you have, and the way you approach your work…
The personal commitment is where momentum begins.”
Shawn Corrigan is a dedicated business leader with 30 years of experience across water utilities, wildfire, public health, nuclear, marine search and rescue, education, and consulting. As Vice President and Resilience & Sustainability Technical Practice Director at Carollo, Shawn guides initiatives that help organizations and communities become more sustainable, strengthen their resilience, and advance their emergency preparedness. With a strong academic background and professional certifications, he brings practical expertise to complex challenges. Shawn remains engaged both professionally and in his local community, working to advance positive change and support a more resilient, sustainable future.
