Strategic Consulting For Planetary Defense and Emergency Management

Specializing in cross-sector preparation for catastrophic risks, from asteroid impacts to space weather events and global crises

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Building Systems That Withstand the Unthinkable

With over four decades of experience leading emergency response, shaping national policy, and coordinating with scientific agencies, I help leaders and organizations build resilience from the inside out.

My approach centers on cross-sector collaboration—bridging the gaps between science, operations, and policy to create systems that are adaptable, coordinated, and future-ready. Whether planning for high-impact space hazards or complex crises here on Earth, the goal remains the same: readiness that withstands uncertainty.

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How We Can Work Together

  • Governmental and Public Sector Consulting

    Strengthening operational effectiveness and crisis management capabilities across local, national, and international levels.

    With 18 years in FEMA and DHS, I bring insight into what makes systems work under pressure. From auditing emergency response plans to shaping strategic frameworks, I support leaders in building aligned, sustainable preparedness strategies.

  • Space Policy and Planetary Defense

    Supporting governments, agencies, and private space actors in navigating the complexities of planetary defense.

    My work with NASA's Planetary Defense Coordination Office included helping develop U.S. response policy for asteroid threats. I consult on interagency and international coordination, mission planning, and public engagement strategies for space hazard readiness.

  • Crisis and Contingency Planning

    Designing advanced simulations and strategic response frameworks for high-consequence events.

    My experience spans from FEMA’s national operations to contingency planning for NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission. Every engagement is tailored to reveal gaps, test assumptions, and reinforce decision-making under stress.

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    Space and Technology Policy Consulting

    Bringing expertise in space hazards, national security, and emerging technology integration.

    I help defense contractors, coalitions, and space agencies craft forward-thinking policies that address the growing intersection of space, security, and public safety.

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    Global Emergency Response and Risk Management

    Advising international bodies and foreign governments on resilience strategies grounded in firsthand global collaboration.

    Drawing on experience representing FEMA in multilateral forums, I help build bridges across agencies and borders to strengthen global preparedness.

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    Get in Touch

    Let’s explore how we can strengthen your mission.

L.A. Lewis, a middle-aged African American man with glasses and a gray beard smiling in a well-lit indoor setting.

A Career Shaped by Urgency, Purpose, and Public Safety

After more than 40 years in public service, beginning with 20 years in the U.S. Navy and continuing through FEMA and NASA, I’ve devoted my career to protecting people and our planet. This journey has taken me from emergency operations centers to strategic conversations about how we’d respond to threats from space.

At FEMA, I led national disaster response efforts and strengthened coordination across agencies during major crises. At NASA’s Planetary Defense Coordination Office, I helped bridge science and emergency management, building partnerships to prepare for even the rarest kinds of disasters.

My mission is simple: to help the next generation of leaders stay ready for whatever comes, on this planet or beyond. If you’re advancing work in planetary defense, resilience, or interagency coordination, I welcome the conversation.

Planetary defense expert L.A. Lewis in a suit, standing at a podium with an ESA logo, in front of a backdrop showing Earth from space and a rocket with ESA branding.

Speaking Engagements

Bring Proven Leadership to Your Next Event. Whether you're hosting a conference, leading an academic program, or convening professionals across sectors, each presentation is grounded in real-world experience and designed to spark action.

    • Planetary Defense & Ground Response

    • Emergency Management & National Preparedness

    • Interagency Coordination

    • Crisis Management & Strategic Planning

    • Space Policy & National Security

    • Leadership & Public Service

    • Keynote addresses

    • Panel discussions

    • Academic lectures (undergraduate and graduate level)

    • Workshops and training sessions

    • Tabletop exercises and simulations

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Real-World Insight for High-Stakes Audiences

Past speaking engagements include:

  • American University

  • NASA-led planetary defense simulations

  • Emergency management conferences across Europe and North America

CONTACT

Start the Conversation

Whether you're part of a government agency, academic institution, private company, or international body, let’s explore how we can strengthen your strategy and readiness.

Typical response time: 24-48 hours