Stella Guarna is Deputy Commissioner for Legal Affairs, at the New York City Office of Emergency Management (OEM). She advises the Commissioner and OEM executives on legal matters, negotiates and reviews contractual agreements and procurement issues, and advises on employment issues. Ms. Guarna also coordinates with general counsels of other city agencies, State and Federal counsels to discuss policies during emergencies and natural disasters. Previously she served as law clerk to two New York State Supreme Court Justices and was in private practice for several years. Ms. Guarna is a graduate of City University of New York and Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law.