Darcy Leutzinger brings over three decades of frontline experience in public safety to his role as director of the Master of Emergency Management Systems (MEMS) program at University of the Pacific. A former police lieutenant, Leutzinger spent much of his career coordinating emergency response efforts, building interagency strategies and leading teams through critical incidents. Now, he’s helping students do the same by preparing them to manage complex emergencies with foresight, clarity and confidence. 

“Emergency management isn’t just about responding to disasters. It’s about understanding systems, thinking critically and leading under pressure,” Leutzinger says. “That’s exactly what we’re teaching at Pacific.”  

Experience meets education 

Leutzinger’s law enforcement career shaped his understanding of what effective emergency management really demands: strategic thinking, communication and the ability to coordinate across organizations. At Pacific, he helped shape the MEMS curriculum with that in mind.  

Students gain both theoretical grounding and applied skills in areas such as hazard mitigation, public policy, crisis leadership and disaster science. The program is designed for professionals from a range of sectors—public safety, health care, infrastructure and beyond—who want to lead during times of disruption and uncertainty. 

“Our goal is to graduate professionals who are ready to lead,” says Leutzinger. “We’re building a new generation of emergency managers who can handle today’s complex challenges.”  

Preparing for what’s next 

The MEMS program emphasizes real-world applications. Students engage in systems analysis, leadership case studies, and scenario-based planning exercises that mirror the complexity of today’s emergencies. Whether they’re preparing for natural disasters, cybersecurity threats or large-scale public health events, graduates leave equipped to manage evolving risks and strengthen the resilience of their organizations and communities. 

For Leutzinger, the move into higher education is a continuation of public service. “This work is about more than earning a degree; it’s about preparing others to serve,” he says. “Every student who comes through the MEMS program will go on to make communities safer, stronger, and better prepared for the future.” 

Darcy Leutzinger

Darcy Leutzinger is the director of the Master of Emergency Management Science program at University of the Pacific. With more than 35 years of experience in law enforcement, corporate security and emergency management, he brings real-world expertise to the classroom. He holds a PhD in Emergency and Protective Services and is a nationally recognized leader in active violence response and corporate security strategy.

Emergency management has long been tied to public health and government agencies, but that’s changing. As private companies face mounting risks like cyberattacks, natural disasters and global health emergencies, the need for skilled professionals who can help organizations prepare, respond and recover is growing rapidly.

From tech and finance to health care and manufacturing, businesses are investing in emergency management to protect operations, people and reputation. As a result, demand for qualified professionals is on the rise – as much as 25% through 2032* – making this a smart, future-focused career path. *Data provided by labor market analyst Lightcast.

Turn your emergency management degree into a meaningful career

Emergency management is a highly interdisciplinary field, making it a natural fit for individuals from a variety of undergraduate backgrounds. A Master of Emergency Management Science (MEMS) is perfect for people with backgrounds in business, engineering, communication and even political science. Your existing strengths will transition into a high-impact role where your unique background becomes a powerful asset.

Career outcomes: Where a master’s in emergency management science can take you 

Graduates of emergency management programs are finding exciting opportunities across a range of industries. Here are some of the roles you could pursue with a MEMS degree:

• Business continuity manager – Develop and implement plans to keep operations running during and after a crisis.
• Corporate emergency manager – Lead preparedness, response and recovery efforts for major corporations.
• Risk analyst or risk manager – Assess vulnerabilities and develop mitigation strategies for private organizations.
• Crisis communications specialist – Manage internal and external messaging during emergencies.
• Health care emergency preparedness coordinator – Oversee readiness and response plans for hospitals and health care systems.
• Logistics and supply chain resilience manager – Ensure supply chain continuity during disruptions.
• Cybersecurity incident response coordinator – Prepare for and respond to digital threats and breaches.
• Environmental risk consultant – Advise companies on mitigating risks from natural and technological hazards.

These roles are not only essential in today’s complex risk environment, but also make lucrative careers. According to Lightcast, these occupations earn average salaries as high as $102,897, and they offer the unique opportunity to make a tangible difference while building a rewarding career.

Why choose Pacific’s MEMS program?

Pacific’s MEMS program is designed to meet the demands of this fast-growing field. It combines leadership development with hands-on training in risk assessment, crisis communication and disaster logistics. You’ll gain the interdisciplinary knowledge and practical skills employers are looking for, whether you’re pivoting careers or leveling up in your current role. 

Looking to make a meaningful impact while advancing your career? Explore the Master of Emergency Management Science program at University of the Pacific to see how it can help you step into this in-demand field. 

Darcy Leutzinger

Darcy Leutzinger is the director of the Master of Emergency Management Science program at University of the Pacific. With more than 35 years of experience in law enforcement, corporate security and emergency management, he brings real-world expertise to the classroom. He holds a PhD in Emergency and Protective Services and is a nationally recognized leader in active violence response and corporate security strategy.

Sporting events, like the NCAA’s March Madness tournament, draw huge crowds and generate lots of excitement. Over the next few years, California is set to host several major sporting events including the FIFA World Cup, the Super Bowl and the Olympics.  With thrilling buzzer-beaters, shocking upsets and unforgettable moments, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement. Behind the scenes, emergency managers work hard to keep players, staff and spectators safe. A master’s in emergency management can put you at the heart of the action.

Playbook for safety

Emergency managers are responsible for preparing for, responding to and recovering from crises. A master’s in emergency management science helps you develop crisis planning skills and provides training in event security and safety, experience in interagency collaboration and the ability to make real-time decisions under pressure. You will learn how to conduct risk assessments, develop emergency protocols and coordinate responses with law enforcement, medical teams and event organizers.

At sporting events, this knowledge is key to addressing the multitude of risks that could arise. Before a game even begins, emergency managers are hard at work conducting risk assessments and creating plans for any scenario such as:

Crowd control and safety

Thousands of passionate fans fill arenas, making crowd control a top priority. Emergency managers develop strategies to prevent congestion, ensure safe entry and exit and minimize risks associated with large gatherings. Security teams and crowd control personnel work together to maintain order, especially during high-energy moments when emotions run high.

Natural disasters

Emergency managers closely monitor weather conditions and work with local agencies to prepare for potential disruptions, including thunderstorms, tornadoes and floods. If severe weather threatens a game, emergency managers coordinate evacuations, issue safety alerts and work with event organizers to implement contingency plans.

Security threats

While sports is generally about friendly competition, large events also come with security risks. Emergency managers collaborate with law enforcement to implement screening measures, monitor for potential threats and ensure a rapid response in case of an emergency. From bag checks and metal detectors at entrances to advanced surveillance systems, security measures are designed to keep fans safe without taking away from the fun of the event.

Communication: The MVP of emergency management

In any emergency, clear and timely communication is crucial. Emergency managers use a variety of tools—public address systems, social media updates, stadium video boards and direct communication with security teams—to relay important safety information to attendees. Whether it’s a weather delay, an evacuation order or a medical emergency, a well-executed communication plan ensures that fans and staff know exactly what to do in any scenario.

If you are interested in the field of emergency management, careers in this profession offer a chance to make a real impact on public safety. Whether it’s managing high-profile sporting events or preparing communities for natural disasters, emergency managers play a vital role in keeping people safe when it matters most.

Learn more about Pacific’s Master of Emergency Management Science degree.

Darcy Leutzinger

Darcy Leutzinger is the director of the Master of Emergency Management Science program at University of the Pacific. With more than 35 years of experience in law enforcement, corporate security and emergency management, he brings real-world expertise to the classroom. He holds a PhD in Emergency and Protective Services and is a nationally recognized leader in active violence response and corporate security strategy.