NOVA Welcomes New Emergency Management Coordinator

The NOVA Public Safety team is excited to welcome our new emergency management coordinator and planner, Ionela Manown, to the team. Ionela officially joined the Office of Emergency Management and Safety (OEMS) on November 11 and is currently focused on completing her onboarding process. In the coming weeks, she will begin an extensive field training program that will familiarize her with our campuses, team and procedures.

Ionela brings more than 12 years of experience in public health, emergency management and disaster planning to NOVA. She previously served as an assistant public health emergency management coordinator for the Virginia Department of Health, located in the northern Virginia area, where she was responsible for leading public health emergency response planning and coordinating efforts across multiple agencies. Her expertise in managing complex emergency situations will be a great asset to the NOVA community as we continue to strengthen our safety and preparedness protocols.

Originally from Romania, Ionela holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in public administration with a concentration in emergency and disaster management. Her background and credentials further enhance her ability to think critically and adapt to the dynamic challenges posed by emergency management. Throughout her career, Ionela has garnered several prestigious awards, including:

• A Commitment and Service Award during the pandemic response, issued by the State Health Commissioner and the State Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) Coordinator, recognizing her outstanding contributions to public health and safety during a time of unprecedented challenges.
• A Proclamation from the City of Alexandria, presented by Mayor Justin Wilson, acknowledging the efforts of the Alexandria Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) for its unwavering dedication, support, and selflessness during the pandemic.
• The Community Response Award from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, recognizing her role in COVID-19 Call Center Operations and COVID-19 Logistics Support, both critical components of the nation’s pandemic response.

Ionela’s impressive background speaks to her commitment to public safety and her ability to lead with precision and care during times of crisis. As she settles into her new role, she will be actively engaged with our campus community, collaborating with teams across NOVA. In the coming weeks, Ionela will be visiting all campuses, and can also be reached at IManown@nvcc.edu. The NOVA OEMS and Public Safety teams are thrilled to have Ionela on board and look forward to her contributions to the safety and well-being of the NOVA community.

Submitted by:
Lt. Tony Ong, Interim Chief of Police, TOng2@nvcc.edu