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As a Senior Disaster Specialist, Al Velasco is uniquely qualified to bring financial expertise to any disaster. Whether at the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Small Business Administration or with a private bank, Mr. Velasco's seasoned perspective and experience is brought to every JLWA client.
At JLWA, he is responsible for overall management of a client's disaster recovery operations, including but not limited to: identifying all eligible damages, preparing project worksheets for submission to FEMA, monitoring and oversight of the recovery budget, providing expert advice to maximize disaster funding, review of all procurement actions to ensure that all contracts are within the acceptable FEMA guidelines thus assuring full reimbursement from the disaster assistance fund. He reviews environmental policies and advises clients on their impact on Project Worksheets.
He also conducts training seminars on the Public Assistance Program for clients to enhance their knowledge regarding the FEMA recovery process and facilitates meetings for state, local, FEMA and client staff applicants. He financially reconciles all projects, including the matching of all relevant contracts, purchase orders, vendor invoices, and payment vouchers and provides technical assistance to clients about FEMA rules and regulations. Mr. Velasco provides advice about opportunities available for alternate projects for damaged facilities.
Prior to joining JLWA, Mr. Velasco served as the Infrastructure Officer for FEMA's Chief Financial Officer-Field Support Team. He supervised a staff of ten and was responsible for the management and closure of more than 140 disasters, in 22 states and two territories including: Hurricane Andrew (1992), Hurricane Georges (1998) and Typhoon Paka (2000).
As a Loan Officer for the Small Business Administration, Mr. Velasco screened, processed and recommended approvals for home, business and working capital loans due to Hurricane Andrew. Mr. Velasco served in several banking capacities with Banca Nazionale del Lavoro in Miami, Vereins-und Westbank in Miami and with American Express Bank in New York and Miami. In these positions, he managed a private banking division, attracted investments from high, net worth individuals from Latin, Central and South America; and, managed financial portfolios ranging from $70 to $100 million. Mr. Velasco also served in the National Guard of New Jersey as a Staff Sergeant for six years.
B.A. Management, Saint Peter's College, New Jersey | 