Andre' Briggs is a seasoned leader in crisis response and public safety, known for building resilient systems that protect people and sustain operations in the face of disruption. Currently serving as the Director of Emergency Management at KIPP Texas Public Schools, he plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the safety and continuity of education for thousands of students across the state.
When emergencies strike, most people look for direction. Andre’ Briggs is the person who’s already moving. A seasoned leader in emergency management, Briggs has spent over a decade helping organizations prepare for the unexpected, respond with confidence and recover with strength. From guiding large-scale public health responses to safeguarding thousands of students across Texas, his work combines operational precision with a deep commitment to community safety.
Building Resilience across Texas School Systems
As the Director of Emergency Management at KIPP Texas Public Schools, Briggs oversees crisis planning and safety operations for over 30,000 students and staff across Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio. It's a massive responsibility, and one he doesn’t take lightly. Whether it’s preparing campuses for hurricane season, responding to threats in real time or ensuring schools remain operational during power outages and pandemics, he’s built systems that not only respond to emergencies but are designed to adjust and function effectively as situations evolve.
His approach is both strategic and hands-on. He designs comprehensive emergency frameworks that reflect national best practices while being tailored to the needs of educators, students and families. That means everything from coordinating with local first responders to conducting drills, training staff and refining incident command protocols. At every level, his leadership ensures that KIPP schools are compliant with regulations and ready for real-world challenges.
Before joining KIPP Texas, Briggs held a pivotal role at Harris County Public Health, one of the nation's largest local public health agencies. There, he helped steer emergency operations during major public health crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic. His ability to manage risk, organize response teams and communicate across diverse stakeholders proved vital in a time of uncertainty. His experience in public health response continues to shape his work today, adding depth to his understanding of community safety and crisis logistics.
Rooted in Human-Centered Emergency Leadership
Earlier roles in logistics and transportation safety also sharpened his operational lens. He learned how large systems function under pressure, how to make decisions with incomplete information and how to build processes that hold up under stress. That cross-sector experience has become a signature strength: Briggs brings a systems mindset and a steady hand no matter the setting
Briggs holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA), pairing his technical expertise with strong business acumen. He’s also a Certified Emergency Manager, a globally recognized designation that speaks to his experience, leadership and dedication to the field. But credentials only tell part of the story
What sets him apart is his ability to lead with clarity. Colleagues describe him as calm in crisis, direct in communication and deeply invested in building safer environments. He mentors emerging professionals in the field, contributes to national emergency management discussions and never stops looking for ways to improve the systems he leads. His commitment to continuous learning and professional growth is evident in his active involvement with organizations like the International Association of Emergency Managers.
Briggs believes that emergency management isn’t just about plans and protocols—it’s about people. It’s about making sure teachers feel confident during a lockdown drill. It’s about ensuring parents trust that their children are safe. And it’s about giving organizations the tools to act swiftly and effectively when the stakes are highest.
Andre’ Briggs brings vision, discipline, and a steady presence at every step. In a field where every second counts and every decision matters, his leadership is tested and trusted.
