Get to Know the WSEMA President!

Get to Know the WSACRPD President!

We reached out to the President of the Washington State Emergency Management Association (WSEMA), Kyle Bustad, Thurston County Emergency Management Manager, to learn more about their affiliate group, what they do, and why they're important.

Question: Please introduce yourself. What's your county employment journey, your education, and hobbies or interests, Kyle!

Answer: I currently serve as the Emergency Management Manager for Thurston County, where I have the privilege of leading a dedicated team focused on preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation for our community. I joined Thurston County in 2023, bringing with me over two decades of experience in emergency management, including service for another county. Before my work in emergency management, I served in the United States Navy, which helped shape my leadership approach and commitment to public service.

Throughout my career, I’ve been passionate about building resilient communities and strengthening partnerships across jurisdictions, disciplines, and sectors. I hold a strong belief that emergency management is ultimately about people, and I strive to lead with that perspective.

Outside of work, my life is very much centered around dogs. I have a Belgian Shepherd, a Dutch Shepherd, a Belgian Malinois, and a long-haired dapple dachshund. There’s never a dull moment at home! I actively train and compete in French Ring, a demanding dog sport that tests obedience, agility, and protection work. It’s a challenging and rewarding pursuit that keeps me grounded, focused, and always learning, much like emergency management itself.

Question: Why did you get involved in the group? What do you see as the value the group offers?

Answer: I originally got involved with the Washington State Emergency Management Association (WSEMA) because I was looking for connection with people who truly understand the weight and responsibility that comes with emergency management. Early in my career, I learned quickly that while every jurisdiction is unique, the challenges we face are often shared. Some of the best ideas, lessons learned, and support come from simply picking up the phone and talking to someone who’s been there before.

The value of this association is in its people. It brings together a wide range of perspectives across jurisdictions, disciplines, and backgrounds, and turns that into collective strength. We are able to elevate issues, influence policy and funding conversations, and support one another in a way that no single organization could do alone.

At its core, it’s about relationships. And I feel like WSEMA helps people connect and strengthen those relationships, and those relationships make all the difference when it matters most.

Question: Why did you choose to engage in a leadership role within this group? What has been your favorite part so far?

Answer: I chose to step into a leadership role because I felt a responsibility to contribute beyond my own jurisdiction. Stepping into a leadership role, and now serving as President, has been an opportunity to give back to a profession and a community that has given me so much. My aim has been to help create space for others to engage, grow, and feel supported in this work. Serving as President has been an opportunity to help move the profession forward, advocate for the needs of emergency managers, and ensure our collective voice is heard.

My favorite part has been creating space for connection and collaboration, whether that’s through meetings, initiatives, or simply bringing people together to have honest conversations. Seeing that engagement grow, and knowing it strengthens our ability to support our communities, has been incredibly rewarding.

Question: Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Answer: I also want to share that I genuinely love working in county government. It has been some of the most challenging and rewarding work of my career. There’s something unique about the county level as we sit at the intersection of so many services, partners, and communities. That position brings complexity, but it also creates an opportunity to make a real, tangible impact.

As we continue to face increasingly complex risks, I believe our strength will come from how well we collaborate, adapt, and invest in one another. That includes supporting the next generation of emergency managers, embracing new ideas, and ensuring our programs reflect the communities we serve.

I’m grateful to be part of this profession and proud to serve at the county level.