Laura Cooper, an Assistant Director at the National Emergency Management Agency, is an accomplished leader with a unique blend of operational, strategic and community-focused expertise.

Specialising in stakeholder collaboration, crisis management and community engagement, Laura drives impactful change in disaster risk reduction policies, strategies and frameworks. Recognised for fostering inclusivity through meaningful relationships, she has a proven track record in disaster prevention, preparedness, response and recovery efforts.

Throughout her career, Laura has played pivotal roles in response teams for events including the G20 Global Leader’s Summit, Ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie and the COVID-19 pandemic, providing strategic leadership and contributing to public safety outcomes across Australia.

Laura is passionate about building connected communities and enhancing organisational capabilities.