From Deepwater Horizon to Auburn: Roger Laferriere’s path to Campus Safety

Staff Spotlight: Roger Laferriere

What do Hurricanes Helene and Katrina, FEMA, the Coast Guard and Deepwater Horizon have in common with Auburn University? The answer is Roger Laferriere, the new director of emergency management with Campus Safety and Security. 

Laferriere comes to Auburn with over 35 years of emergency response, crisis management and business continuity experience. The new director of emergency management has a Bachelor of Science in environmental science and master’s degrees in industrial hygiene and strategic studies.  

Laferriere’s first week on the job was not a breeze. On Sept. 26, Helene made landfall in Florida, bringing high winds and rain to the Auburn area. Thankfully, he has plenty of experience that prepared him for this moment in our community. 

How did someone with this invaluable experience choose to work at Auburn? 

“I enjoy a challenge, and I have a passion for emergency management. A mentor once told me to discover my superpower, and I believe I’ve done that with emergency management. I’ve had the opportunity to work with the Coast Guard, in laboratories and around biological radiation, but I saw working at Auburn as a unique opportunity, so I decided to give it a shot.” 

Where were you working before you began working for Auburn? 

“I worked for Rocky Mountain Laboratories in Hamilton, Montana. It’s a national research laboratory that works alongside the federal government and National Institutes of Health, to develop vaccines and medicines. We dealt with some of the deadliest viruses and bacteria in the world. I had never done that sort of work at the time, and I really enjoyed that job.” 

What is one thing you’re hoping to enhance or build upon here in your new role? 

“One thing I’ve learned throughout my career was the importance of unity and working together. When I refer to that, I’m talking about the student body, faculty, the police and fire departments and everyone else. Nobody can be at odds with one another. We’re all one team with one fight. I’m hoping as the emergency manager that’s what I can build upon. Auburn is great and the community is very welcoming, so I look forward to contributing to the unity that already exists.”