Luke Hodgson has more than 20 years of experience in fire, rescue, emergency medical services, and emergency management. Luke grew up and has worked his entire career in the National Capital Region, making him familiar with the attributes and challenges of the region. His experience includes field provision, education, management, data analysis, policy development, strategic planning, training and exercises, and executive leadership.

Luke completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Maryland, College Park and Mount Saint Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, Maryland, where he studied English and Criminology/Criminal Justice, respectively. He earned a Master of Science in Emergency Health Services Policy and Administration from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). Luke also earned a Master of Arts in Homeland Security Studies from the Naval Postgraduate School’s Center for Homeland Defense and Security (NPS CHDS). He is also a graduate of the NPS CHDS Executive Leaders Program.

Luke understands the complexities of emergency response, specifically within the National Capital Region. He believes a cohesive approach from all disciplines is necessary for optimum response and mitigation, both in everyday emergency responses, as well as large-scale events. Luke knows that Maryland-National Capital Region Emergency Response System has made great strides towards achieving this goal and looks forward to contributing to the growth of this program. Recognizing the talents and dedication of the staff and stakeholders involved in this critical effort, Luke believes that the Maryland-National Capital Region Emergency Response System will continue to best prepare the responders to meet the changing needs of the public by building robust capabilities that transcend traditional disciplinary and jurisdictional boundaries.

Lauren Collins comes to Maryland ERS with expertise in the field of Emergency Management, with an extensive knowledge in Emergency Planning, Exercise and Training, and Incident Command System (ICS).

Prior to Lauren joining the ERS team, she worked in Local Government, first with the Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and the City of Annapolis Office of Emergency Management. Most recently, Lauren supported a federal client providing consultative expertise in exercise and training as well as emergency preparedness planning. 

Lauren has over 9 years of experience in Emergency Planning, Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Operations, conducting and evaluating HSEEP compliant exercises, and operating with an Incident Management Team. She has designed and conducted numerous exercises to include Active Shooter, Point of Distribution, hazardous weather response and much more.

Lauren holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology and Investigations from West Virginia University and a Master’s Degree in Integrated Homeland Security Management and a Post Baccalaureate certificate in Security Assessment from Towson University.

Nicole Markuski is an Emergency Management Professional with over 10 years of experience in the areas of homeland security policy, homeland security grants management, emergency management, training and exercise facilitation and evaluation, and all-hazards planning. Nicole completed her undergraduate studies at Towson University, where she studied Sociology/Criminal Justice, respectively. She holds a Master of Science degree in the field of Integrated Homeland Security Management with a focus on Security Policy, as well as, a Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Security Assessment and Management. She is also a graduate of the Naval Postgraduate School Center for Homeland Defense and Security Emergence Program. 

Nicole is truly passionate about her work and is always eager to connect with other emergency management professionals. While she enjoys all aspects of her job, her favorite stage of a project is working with the stakeholder to understand their program priorities and help them to meet their objectives and achieve their goals. As she enters the collaborative process, the ideas start to flow and to her that is always the fun part!