2020 Airport Business Top 40 Under 40: Keila Y. Walker-Denis, MA, FPEM
As a young child growing up in Miami, Keila Walker-Denis thought a lot about decision-makers and their role during hurricane season. When people are told to evacuate, adhere to curfews and go to shelters, she wondered who made the decision, who was all involved in the process and what factors they weighed.
During an internship with the Osceola County emergency management department, Walker-Denis participated in an emergency operations center activation due to tropical storm Ernesto in 2006. Witnessing the controlled chaos of agencies, community stakeholders and departments coming together ignited a passion and she discovered her career path.
"I’m truly a public servant at heart. At Orlando International Airport (MCO), the emergency manager role requires me to be the principal liaison for external federal, state and local emergency management/emergency response support agencies,” Walker-Denis said. “Knowing that I have an opportunity to make a difference, even during the darkest hours. Whether responding to emergency incidents at the airport emergency operations center, main terminal or air operations area, it’s all very satisfying.”
As assistant director, emergency management for the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA), Walker-Denis oversees the department responsible for the emergency management at MCO and Orlando Executive Airport (ORL).
Walker-Denis acts as GOAA’s primary emergency management advocate for internal and external governmental and non-governmental emergency response organizations. She facilitates all aspects of compliance for FAA Part 139 Tri-Annual Exercises. She also serves as the point of contact and coordinator for the National Incident Management System (NIMS).
Walker-Denis led MCO’s effort at emergency management accreditation. She was successful in having MCO as the first airport to be accredited in the Emergency Management Accreditation Program.
Walker-Denis led GOAA’s effort in preparations for Hurricanes Matthew, Irma and Dorian and was instrumental with the activation of GOAA’s business continuity program after each of storm. Her relationships with other regional emergency management entities and the National Weather Service gave GOAA firsthand, up to date information to ensure a coordinated effort to cease operations and reopen operations, were in the best interest and safety of GOAA’s stakeholders.
She led community efforts, such as the Multi-Agency Response Center (MARC), which was created to unify community efforts and provide a one-stop resource center for displaced U.S. citizens from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands after Hurricane Maria.
Walker-Denis’ leadership skills and poise have been used to the fullest extent during the COVID-19 pandemic as she has used the same tenacity with ensuring GOAA’s emergency response considers the safety and well-being of stakeholders from the coronavirus as well.