Frank Maldarelli
Senior Law and Policy Analyst
Phone: 240-753-2503
Email: fmaldarelli@umaryland.edu
Areas of Expertise: Continuity of Operations | Exercise and Training | Recovery Planning | State and local Emergency Management | Threat Assessment
Certifications and Affiliations: Maryland State Bar, admitted December 2020
Education: J.D., 2020, University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law | B.A. in English, 2016, Loyola University Maryland
About Frank
In my final semester of law school, I took a course called Law & Policy of Emergency Health Response, taught by a program director at the CHHS. The class, which coincided with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, deeply resonated with me, especially as I learned about CHHS’ real-time efforts to support governments and organizations in managing pandemic threats. That experience sparked my interest in emergency management, and my first assignment with CHHS, supporting the 2020 Presidential Inauguration, set the tone for my career. I’ve had the opportunity to assist federal, state, and local agencies, navigating not only traditional threats, but also unprecedented challenges like the pandemic. Since then, I’ve contributed to a wide range of projects, from continuity of operations planning to transit terrorism threat assessments. What I love most about working at CHHS is the collaborative environment—our team brings diverse expertise across emergency management, and everyone is always willing to share knowledge and support each other’s work. It’s a place where I’ve been able to grow, contribute meaningfully, and be part of something impactful.
What is the most pressing issue we are facing in emergency management?
Despite the abundance of threats facing our communities today, there are still many people who do not see the value of comprehensive emergency preparation and threat assessment. Individuals across our society often underestimate the potential for most disasters to ever occur and consider planning efforts a waste of time and resources. My experience in this field has shown me that disasters occur far more frequently than most people expect and that an organization that invests in proper emergency preparation will have a dramatically better response and recovery compared to those who ignore the threat.
What's the last book, show or podcast you really enjoy?
We Have Not a Government: The Articles of Confederation and the Road to the Constitution by George William van Cleve. I realized that, despite a lifelong love of American history, I still knew little about the period during which the U.S. government operated under the Articles of Confederation. This book gives a comprehensive overview of the Confederation government, detailing many of the issues the government faced due to the weakness of the Articles of Confederation, and how those experiences shaped the Constitutional Convention of 1787.
What's your favorite quote or motto?
“This Nation is asking for action, and action now.” - Franklin Delano Roosevelt, First Inaugural Address
