When disaster strikes, various levels of government jump into action. But sometimes, work can be doubled up or logistics can be lost because of a lack of integration with the private sector.

Dan Stoneking, the director of the private sector in the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Office of External Affairs is working to change that.

Stoneking has been recognized in the Homeland Security category of the 2012 Service to America Medals, or Sammies, for his efforts in trying to link in the private sector in disaster relief and clean-up efforts.

Federal News Radio asked the Sammies finalists to tell us a bit about themselves.

What three words best describe your leadership philosophy?

Make it happen.

What’s the best piece of advice (or words of wisdom) you’ve ever received and who gave it to you?

Do the hard right over the easy wrong.” — My High School Track Coach

Who is your biggest role model and why?

My Dad. He taught me to keep pushing. Keep your head down. Do the hard work. And everything will turn out fine.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome (personally or professionally) and how did you overcome it?

The hardest thing I have ever done is to be a Dad. I have a grown son and now two baby daughters. I have learned not to take it personal when things don’t go my way, and that lesson has transcended into and helped me in my professional life too.

What’s the last thing you read and what’s next on your reading list?

Last thing I read – Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes by Mem Fox.

Next on my list – Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson

What’s your favorite bureaucratic phrase?

Since everything about my approach is antithetical to bureaucracy, my favorite phrase would probably be “Think outside of the box,” assuming bureaucracy was, in fact, the box.

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