Marcelo Ferreira has over 15 years of experience as a practitioner in emergency management and two years in academia. He is currently an assistant professor at Arkansas State University. Ferreira earned a doctorate in emergency management from North Dakota State University and holds credentials as a certified emergency manager and a project management professional. Ferreira has led whole community emergency management solutions and supported the response and recovery to five major presidentially declared disasters. Ferreira was recognized with the '40 Under 40' Award from the International Association of Emergency Managers in 2024.