Glen Woodbury

Glen Woodbury is a nationally recognized leader in homeland security, emergency management, and executive education, bringing decades of experience helping organizations prepare for and navigate complex crises. As the Former Director and Professor of the Practice Emeritus at the Naval Postgraduate School’s Center for Homeland Defense and Security, he spent nearly 20 years guiding the nation’s premier institution for homeland security education and advancing strategic programs that strengthened federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial preparedness.

Prior to his academic leadership, Glen Woodbury served as the Director of the Emergency Management Division for the State of Washington, where he led statewide responses to major disasters and security events—including the 1999 World Trade Organization disturbances in Seattle, the 2001 Nisqually Earthquake, the TOPOFF II national exercise, and the post–September 11th national mobilization. His leadership shaped statewide crisis management capabilities during one of the most consequential eras in modern emergency management.

A former President of the National Emergency Management Association, Glen Woodbury has contributed extensively to national policy and operational frameworks, serving on advisory boards and working groups across the homeland security enterprise. His earlier service as a U.S. Army communications officer and as a volunteer firefighter reflects his lifelong commitment to public service and operational readiness.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Engineering Sciences from Lafayette College and a Master of Arts in Security Studies from the Naval Postgraduate School. His achievements have been recognized with numerous honors, including the Naval Postgraduate School’s David L. Williams Outstanding Professor Award, the National Emergency Management Association’s Lacy Suiter Distinguished Service Award, and the U.S. Navy’s Superior Civilian Service Award.