Press Release

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NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT’S LATEST ‘PREP TALK’ PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS DEPUTY CHIEF COUNCIL TRACI WHEELWRIGHT 

 

   #PrepTalkNYC {Click to listen to episode 95} 

February 28, 2025 — As Black History Month comes to a close, it is important to continue to recognize the achievements African Americans have made over the course of American history and celebrate their contributions. It encourages recognition, from past and current trailblazers, in all traditional and non-traditional fields and careers. By sharing their stories in all forms of media and storytelling, their legacies continue to be weaved into American history. These stories will inspire the next generation to create change and foster equality. African American stories, and the larger human experience, deepen our understanding and strengthen our connections with one another.

On this episode of ‘Prep Talk,’ we are joined by New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) Deputy Chief Counsel Traci Wheelwright, who shares her story on what inspired her to pursue a career in law, challenges Black women still face in the workplace, and what she hopes to accomplish in her current role. Wheelwright also discusses what led her to choose a career in public service and what she finds most rewarding about assisting New Yorkers during emergencies. Throughout her career she has held leadership roles with the NYC Department of Transportation, the Nassau County Supreme Court, and Amtrak.

“I really take comfort in the fact that in a leadership role I’m able to contribute in a way where my voice is heard, where I’m able to implement change, and effectively. Specifically, here at NYCEM the environment is so intimate that we can rally the troops together, have meaningful discourse and put things into effect relatively quickly,” said NYC Emergency Management Deputy Chief Counsel Traci Wheelwright.

You can listen to the latest ‘Prep Talk’ episode on SoundCloud.

Profile 

Traci Wheelwright is a seasoned senior attorney and civil servant with over 20 years of experience in legal practice, specializing in real estate, procurement, and client counseling. Currently serving as Deputy Chief Counsel for the New York City Department of Emergency Management since November 2024, Wheelwright plays a key role in overseeing legal operations, managing a team of legal professionals, and supporting the Chief Counsel’s initiatives. She is responsible for ensuring staff performance aligns with department goals, providing professional development, and implementing efficient workflows for document processing and communication. Wheelwright provides legal support for agencywide activations, including drafting emergency contracts and mutual aid agreements, and advising on legal aspects of crisis response and risk mitigation. She holds a Master of Laws degree in Real Estate from New York Law School and a Juris Doctor degree from Hofstra University School of Law. Wheelwright is passionate about mentoring the next generation of legal professionals and contributing to legal practices that foster diversity, inclusion, and operational efficiency.

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