Chris Petrakis has been the Emergency Planning Specialist for the J. Paul Getty Trust since 2006. He provides oversight and direction in the development and implementation of emergency preparedness processes and programs for all Getty locations. In 2001 and 2002, Chris was the Assistant Director of Operations for the Los Angeles Archdiocese “Cathedral Center,” where he was in charge of security and emergency preparedness. He implemented and developed security procedures, emergency procedures and established evacuation routes, assembly areas and teams.

Chris is certified as an “Emergency Management Specialist” by the California Emergency Management Agency (Cal-EMA). He is also an American Red Cross instructor and teaches  “CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer & Healthcare Provider,”  “Responding to Emergencies/ First Aid,” and “Bloodborne Pathogens.” In addition, Chris has served as a member of the BICEPP Board of Directors and Chairman of the Programs Committee since 2008.

Chris graduated from Florida State University with a BA degree in 1978. Before coming to California, he worked for the New York State Department of Corrections and in 1985 became a member of the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Department based in Poughkeepsie, NY. As a member of the First Cavalry Division in Viet Nam, Chris was awarded the Bronze Star and Army Commendation Medal.