Ellis M. Stanley Sr., CEM, director of western emergency management services in Dewberry's Los Angeles location, recently received an honorary doctoral degree for public service from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES).

At a ceremony on May 15, Dr. Thelma B. Thompson, president of UMES, presented Stanley with the degree. Thompson stated that Stanley's contributions domestically and internationally to the field of emergency management and his work over a 33-year career merited the honor.

Stanley stated, "I promise to continue my commitment to the profession and to all communities around the globe to help change the culture of emergency management. I am indeed honored and overwhelmed by this distinction and commit to this university and all institutions of higher education to make a difference."

Stanley has more than 30 years' experience directing emergency management programs, including ten years as general manager for the Los Angeles Emergency Preparedness Department. He is currently on the faculty at Harvard University, teaching meta-leadership; and is also teaching senior crisis management at American University to leaders from around the globe.

Stanley earned a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. He serves on the board of directors for the National Institute of Urban Search and Rescue, is a board member for the Disaster Recovery Institute International, and is a member of Operation Hope, Inc. and the American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles.