Michelle Burnett, Rhode Island State Floodplain Coordinator
Michelle Burnett, CFM joined the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA) in May 2008 as the new State Floodplain Coordinator. She joined RIEMA with over eight years of experience dealing with environmental issues. She began her career at the Rhode Island Department of Health administering the Bathing Beaches Program. In 2001 she moved over to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management where she worked in the Office of Water Resources focusing her efforts on water quality standards and regulations.
Most recently she worked for the Rhode Island Division of Fish and Wildlife, Office of Marine Fisheries where she was a Principal Marine Biologist. She oversaw a variety of projects including two Sportfish Restoration Projects, fish kill response efforts, and habitat issues. She focused a majority of her attention on residential development and potential impacts to the southwestern coastal pond communities.
Originally from New York, Michelle received her Bachelors in Marine Biology and Masters Degree in Marine Affairs-Coastal Policy, both from the University of Rhode Island. Michelle became the seventh Certified Floodplain Manager in Rhode Island.
