5 Minutes to Chaos

Summary In this episode of Five Minutes to Chaos, host Steven Kuhr interviews Paul Penn, an experienced emergency management leader. They discuss the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland - which occurred on the day of the recording - and how crisis management architecture potentially helped the response. They highlight the importance of communication in crisis management and the quick response to the Mayday call from the captain of the vessel. They also touch on the challenges of aging infrastructure and the need for crisis management in various industries. The conversation delves into the role of emergency managers and the importance of diversity and collaboration in the field. In this conversation, Steven Kuhr and Paul Penn discuss various topics related to emergency management and crisis management. They touch on the importance of public access to information about chemicals used in communities and the need for communities to be prepared for offsite consequences. They also discuss the role of Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs) in emergency planning and the need for all-hazard programs. They highlight the importance of communication, coordination, and cultivating champions in emergency management. They also emphasize the need for executive support and the integration of health and safety principles in emergency management. Takeaways Communication is the backbone of failure and crisis management. Quick response to crisis situations can save lives. Aging infrastructure poses challenges and requires maintenance operations. Emergency managers need to consider diverse perspectives and collaborate with different disciplines. Public access to information about chemicals used in communities is important for community understanding and preparedness. Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs) play a crucial role in emergency planning and should have an all-hazard focus. Communication and coordination are essential in emergency management, and there is always room for improvement in these areas. Executive support is necessary for effective emergency management. Cultivating champions and building relationships with key stakeholders can enhance the success of emergency management programs. Emergency management should integrate health and safety principles and consider the mental health impacts of emergencies. Prevention, mitigation, and resilience efforts are important in emergency preparedness. Emergency managers should have direct access to leaders and be able to communicate with all stakeholders. Being first, right, and credible in communication is crucial in emergency management. Emergency managers should focus on common sense and consideration in their decision-making. Emergency management is a combination of crisis management, environmental management, and health and safety management. Contact Information https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-penn-11b236/

Summary In this conversation, Steven Kuhr and Battalion Chief Jerry Tracy discuss the various units and operations of the New York City Fire Department (FDNY). They highlight the extensive experience and expertise of the FDNY in responding to complex emergencies and crises. They also discuss the formation and role of squad companies, which are specialized units that can respond to fires, hazardous materials incidents, and other emergencies. The conversation emphasizes the importance of training and preparedness in effectively managing and responding to emergencies. The conversation covers various topics related to firefighting and emergency response. Some key themes include the importance of backup and coordination between different departments, the impact of tragic events on changing tactics and procedures, the need for integration between EMS and fire operations, and the development of rapid intervention teams (RIT) or firefighter assistance search teams (FAST). Chief Tracy discusses various topics related to firefighting and emergency response. He shares insights on the challenges faced when dealing with high-rise fires and the importance of effective communication during emergencies. Chief Tracy emphasizes the need for clear and concise communication between different agencies and departments to ensure a coordinated response. He also highlights the significance of strategic communication in emergency management. The conversation touches on the importance of training and preparedness, as well as the need for continuous learning and improvement in the fire service. Takeaways The FDNY is the largest fire department in the United States. Squad companies are specialized units within the FDNY that are trained to respond to a wide range of emergencies, including fires, hazardous materials incidents, and technical rescues. The FDNY has a diverse range of units and resources, including hazmat teams, urban search and rescue teams, wildland fire companies, and mobile respiratory units. Training, preparedness, and collaboration with other agencies are key factors in the FDNY's ability to effectively respond to emergencies and protect the public. Backup and coordination between different departments are crucial in emergency response situations. Tragic events often lead to changes in tactics and procedures. Integration between fire and EMS operations can improve overall response effectiveness. Rapid intervention teams (RIT) or firefighter assistance search teams (FAST) play a vital role in firefighter safety. Firefighters continue to face challenges and make sacrifices in their line of duty. Buildings can be 'born sick and dying,' referring to new construction, renovations, and abandoned or demolished structures. Emergency responders must be prepared for any situation. Effective communication is crucial during emergencies. Incident commanders and responders should have clear channels of communication to ensure a coordinated response. The incident process system is a structured approach to incident command that helps relieve the incident commander of micromanaging tasks. It allows units to fall into place as they arrive on the scene. Strategic communication between police, fire, and EMS is essential for a unified response. Agencies should work together to develop a coordinated strategy. The importance of training and continuous learning in the fire service cannot be overstated. Firefighters should be knowledgeable about their responsibilities and be prepared to adapt to different situations. Contact Information https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerry-tracy-6749b127/

Summary In this conversation, Steven Kuhr and Michael Moquin discuss their experiences and observations in the emergency management and crisis management fields. They highlight the broad scope of emergency management, which encompasses both the public and private sectors. They also discuss the impact of COVID-19 on the industry, with an increase in crisis management jobs in the private sector. They emphasize the importance of reading job descriptions carefully to understand the specific focus of each role. They also discuss the need for a generalized crisis management framework that can be applied to various incidents, along with incident-specific annexes or playbooks. In this conversation, Steven and Mike discusse the importance of understanding the specific risks and hazards that a business or organization may face. They emphasizes the need for crisis managers to have a comprehensive understanding of the business operations and dependencies, both domestically and internationally. Mike and Steve also highlight the importance of networking and building relationships within the industry, as well as finding a niche within emergency management. Mike suggests that aspiring emergency managers should pursue certifications that align with their interests and career goals. Takeaways Emergency management is a broad field that includes both the public and private sectors. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in crisis management jobs in the private sector. Job titles in emergency management can vary, so it's important to read job descriptions carefully to understand the specific focus of each role. A generalized crisis management framework, along with incident-specific annexes or playbooks, is an effective approach to emergency management planning. Crisis managers should have a thorough understanding of the specific risks and hazards that a business or organization may face. It is important for crisis managers to have a comprehensive understanding of the business operations and dependencies, both domestically and internationally. Networking and building relationships within the industry is crucial for career development in emergency management. Aspiring emergency managers should pursue certifications that align with their interests and career goals. Contact Information https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-moquin/

Summary In this episode, host Steve Kuhr is joined by three guests to discuss the importance of exercises in crisis management. The guests include Rob Burton, the CEO of prepared X and ICMC, Tod Langley, the co-founder and CEO of Crisis Response Leader Training, and Adam Montella, a crisis manager and emergency manager and SVP at SummitET. They discuss the different types of exercises, such as tabletops, functional exercises, and full-scale exercises, and the importance of continuous improvement and taking action based on the lessons learned. They also highlight the challenges of engaging senior leaders and stakeholders in the exercise process and the need for a formalized crisis management team in organizations. The conversation focused on the use of exercises in crisis management and the role of technology in enhancing these exercises. The participants discussed the importance of understanding the consequences and impacts of decisions, as well as the need for executives to be involved in the recovery process. They also highlighted the prevalence of cyber events and the need for organizations to be prepared for them. The conversation touched on the use of technology, such as virtual reality and augmented reality, in conducting exercises, but emphasized the importance of human expertise and emotional intelligence in guiding the exercise process. Overall, the participants emphasized the value of exercises in improving preparedness and the need for a combination of technology and human facilitation in conducting effective exercises. Takeaways Exercises are a crucial component of crisis management and can range from tabletop discussions to full-scale simulations. Continuous improvement is essential in exercises, and organizations should take action based on the lessons learned. Engaging senior leaders and stakeholders in the exercise process can be challenging, but it is crucial for effective crisis management. Having a formalized crisis management team is important for organizations to effectively respond to crises and disasters. Understanding the consequences and impacts of decisions is crucial in crisis management. Executives need to be involved in the recovery process and understand the importance of the first 10 minutes and the subsequent 12 to 24 hours in determining the outcome of a crisis. Cyber events are prevalent and organizations need to be prepared for them. Technology, such as virtual reality and augmented reality, can enhance exercises, but human expertise and emotional intelligence are still essential in guiding the exercise process. Exercises are valuable in improving preparedness and organizations should strive for a combination of technology and human facilitation in conducting effective exercises. Contact Information Rob Burton https://www.linkedin.com/in/robburton9/ Tod Langley https://www.linkedin.com/in/tod-langley-ceo-80103654/ Adam Montella https://www.linkedin.com/in/disasterguy/

Introduction Jeannette Sutton, Ph.D., specializes in disaster and risk with a primary focus on online informal communication, and public alerts and warnings disseminated via short messaging channels. Much of her research investigates the evolving role of information and communication technology, including social media and mobile devices, for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. Her current work centers on message design and testing across a range of hazard contexts including atmospheric, meteorological, geological, technological, biological, and human induced threats for communication via Wireless Emergency Alerts and other alerting channels. She is employed at the University at Albany, SUNY, as an Associate Professor in the Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. She is also the director of the Emergency and Risk Communication Message Testing Lab. And in her spare time, she critiques Wireless Emergency Alerts on Twitter (@warningrater) and hosts a webpage called “The Warn Room” thewarnroom.com. Dr. Sutton has held numerous grants from the National Science Foundation, FEMA-IPAWS, DHS, NOAA, USGS, and the Office of Naval Research. Her research has been published in Risk Analysis, the Journal of Homeland Security and Emergency Management; the Proceedings of Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management; Information, Communication, and Society; Health Communication; and the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Jeannette is an appointed member of the National Construction Safety Team Advisory Board at NIST. She holds a Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and completed her postdoctoral training at the Natural Hazards Center. Contact Information https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeannettesutton/

Introduction Peter is the Senior Risk Solutions Specialist for The Markel Group. He has been in EMS, emergency management and safety for over 30 years, having worked as a paramedic in NYC, as the Paramedic Director at Jersey City Medical Center and the Director of EMS and Disaster Preparedness for Saint Barnabas Health Care System. Peter was also the Safety Officer for the NJ State EMS Task Force. He remains a member of the Executive Board of the International Association of EMS Chiefs after completing his term as the President. Peter has published numerous textbook chapters and articles related to EMS and Emergency Management and routinely speaks at state and national conferences. His credentials include a master’s degree in public health, a bachelor’s degree in EMS Management, and he has his CEM from the IAEM and is a Fellow of the American College of Paramedic Executives. Peter is also a Master SCUBA instructor and for fun - a certified Kansas City BBQ judge. Contact Information https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-dworsky-mph-nrp-cem-facpe-a8b1347/

Show Notes Five Minutes to Chaos has reached its 52nd episode, marking a significant milestone in the success of the podcast. The podcast has featured a diverse range of guests and panel episodes, covering various crisis events and innovative approaches to crisis management. For this special episode, Steven Kuhr discusses the topic of heat emergencies, which he believes captures the essence of emergency management. Key elements of managing heat emergencies include interagency collaboration, communications, public information, and the establishment of cooling centers. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Milestone 00:56 Conceptualizing the Podcast 03:21 Monologue Episode 04:14 Choosing the Topic: Heat Emergencies 08:08 History of Emergency Management in NYC 09:29 Heat Emergency in Chicago 11:25 Jerry Hauer and the Task Force 12:53 Interagency Collaboration 18:42 Reducing Heat Deaths 19:09 Monitoring and Intelligence 20:04 National Weather Service and Regional Calls 21:46 Emergency Operations Center 24:36 Communications and Public Information 27:27 Unity of Effort and Shared Situational Awareness 29:53 Cooling Centers and Transportation 32:17 Summary and Gratitude About Steven Kuhr Steven Kuhr has spent his career in Emergency Management, building a diverse portfolio of leadership positions across multiple sectors. Mr. Kuhr served as Director of Emergency Management, Enterprise Continuity, and Security Operations at Colorado Springs Utilities. While serving in this position, Mr. Kuhr oversaw crisis, risk, and resiliency operations for energy and water utilities, as well as dam operations for Colorado’s second largest city. During this time, Mr. Kuhr also served as a Director with InfraGard-Denver and co-founded the Colorado Critical Infrastructure Alliance. Earlier, Mr. Kuhr served with the New York City Office of Emergency Management as a founding Deputy Commissioner where he led emergency operations and multi-risk emergency planning. Prior to that he served with the New York City Fire Department as EMS Deputy Chief and Special Operations Commander. Mr. Kuhr is a trusted Crisis Management Leader. He has advised elected officials, CEOs and “C-Suite” Leaders during complex emergencies, major disasters, and terrorist attacks. Mr. Kuhr is also a respected consultant, having served as Managing Director and Emergency Management Practice Leader at Kroll Inc., and President and Chief Operating Officer at Strategic Emergency Group LLC. Mr. Kuhr has advised a variety of organizations in several business industries and government sectors to include federal, state, and local government agencies, transportation (rail, aviation, seaport, and surface), financial, energy (electricity/natural gas), water/wastewater, dams, major league baseball, cable news, commercial properties, defense, justice, law enforcement, and an agency serving people with disabilities and special needs. Mr. Kuhr Hosts “5 Minutes to Chaos – A Podcast”, a weekly podcast available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, where he and guests explore the complexities of crisis management. Mr. Kuhr holds a Master of Science in Homeland Security Management and a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management Administration. He is a Colorado Certified Threat Liaison Officer and held a certification as an Advanced EMT-IV Paramedic. Contact Information https://www.linkedin.com/in/skuhr/

Introduction With over a decade of experience building organizational resilience, Jason distills complex strategies into clear, actionable plans that support people, culture, and business processes, ensuring regulatory compliance, cost-effectiveness, and confident navigation of any disruption. Jason also loves dogs. Contact Info https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-hoss/

Introduction Chief Jorge A. Rodriguez is the Emergency Management Coordinator/Director for the El Paso Office of Emergency Management, with over 25 years of public safety, emergency management and homeland security experience. In a dual capacity, he also serves as an Assistant Fire Chief with the El Paso Fire Department with a program portfolio that includes special operations, aircraft rescue and firefighting, homeland security grants and the Office of Emergency Management. He managed the response and recovery when El Paso was the center of multiple protracted back-to-back disasters: a domestic terrorism attack/mass shooting in 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic when El Paso was the global epicenter, and the mass migration humanitarian crises of 2019, 2022 and 2023. He holds both a Master of Public Administration with a focus on Leadership and a BA in Political Science with a focus on Intelligence and National Security from the University of Texas at El Paso. He is a graduate of Harvard University’s National Preparedness Leadership Initiative Executive Education Program and the Naval Postgraduate School Center for Homeland Defense and Security’s Executive Leaders Program. He is currently attending the FEMA Vanguard Executive Crisis Leaders Fellowship Program. Chief Rodriguez is a member of multiple local, state and federal committees, advisory boards and task forces as well as a speaker at state and national conferences. Contact Information LinkedIn: http://tinyurl.com/yub4nhtp

Summary Brittany Castillo, CEO of Ashbritt, discusses the company's role in post-disaster debris management and emergency management logistics. She highlights the importance of local hiring and economic recovery in disaster areas, as well as the humanitarian initiatives undertaken by Ashbritt. Brittany also emphasizes the challenges and complexity of contractor operations in the emergency management industry. She shares the story of Ashbritt's humble beginnings and the involvement of her family in the company. Additionally, Brittany discusses the Stronger Than The Storm nonprofit and its work in supporting children and families in disaster-affected communities. Brittany discusses the importance of leadership and crisis management in emergency response. She shares examples of crisis management in Kentucky and Northern California, highlighting the need for adaptability and community-focused solutions and emphasizes the role of partnerships and on-the-ground operations in effective emergency management. She discusses the self-sufficiency and lean-in mentality of her organization, as well as the growing importance of public-private partnerships in the industry. Additionally, Brittany highlights the philanthropic efforts of AshBritt and the importance of supporting women in emergency management. Takeaways Contact Information https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittanypcastillo/

Introduction Art Powers is the Senior Principal for Emergency Preparedness & Response at ExxonMobil. He is a past coordinator of the ExxonMobil Americas Regional Response Team and has worked in various leadership roles in ExxonMobil’s US Pipeline and Distribution operations over his 25 years with the company. Art is an IAEM Certified Emergency Manager and obtained a Master of Science in Emergency Management in 2008 and a Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation in 1993, both from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. Over Art’s career, he has been part of the Massachusetts Army National Guard, worked in shipping in New York Harbor, spent time as a petroleum inspector, and has moved around the US six times, living in Massachusetts twice, Buffalo NY, Chicagoland, and Northern Virginia, before ending up in Texas in 2014. Art spends his time traveling for work or spending time in Mauritius with his wife. He has one son, two stepsons, and a stepdaughter. Contact Information https://www.linkedin.com/in/art-powers-cem-38549012/

Introduction Strategic advisor and global economic policy expert Michele Wucker coined the term “gray rhino” as a call to decision makers to improve how they respond to obvious, probable, impactful risks. She is founder of the Chicago-based advisory firm Gray Rhino & Company. A former media and think tank executive drawing on decades of experience in global finance and economics, she works at the nexus of policy, behavioral science, and business strategy. Her four books include the influential global bestseller, THE GRAY RHINO, and the sequel, YOU ARE WHAT YOU RISK. Digital links: website thegrayrhino.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/wucker/

Introduction Chris Tuttle is the Emergency Communications Coordinator for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency for Region 2, which includes the states and territories of New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Since 2010, Chris has supported and promoted the nationwide improvement of emergency communications capabilities, while addressing the complex issues facing the emergency communications ecosystem. Chris continues to build trusted relationships, enhance collaboration, and stimulate the sharing of best practices and information between all levels of government, critical infrastructure owners and operators, and key non-government organizations. Over the last twelve years, Chris has been involved with several national and regional level Emergency Support Function #2 activations, to include; Puerto Rico Earthquakes, Hurricane Maria, Hurricane Irma, Hurricane Sandy, Hurricane Irene, Super Bowl, Pope Francis Visit, and the annual General Assembly meetings of the United Nations in New York City. Chris’ previous experience includes Hazardous Materials/Counter-Terrorism Program Manager at the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency and Manager of Emergency Operations in Public Safety Department at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ). Chris’ work at the PANYNJ focused on radio and wireless communications, specifically interoperable emergency communications within New York City, New York, and New Jersey. In addition, Chris' experience includes a variety of crisis management and emergency response planning and training projects for corporate and public sector organizations throughout the United States. Chris’ public safety experience includes 27 years as a volunteer firefighter (six years as Chief of Department, Maywood, NJ), continuing to work over the last ten years as a part time 9-1-1 dispatcher (City of Hackensack, NJ Fire Department), and emergency management coordinator for his home town. Chris holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and History from the University of Rhode Island. Congressional Testimony on Infrastructure Threats, January 31, 2024 https://selectcommitteeontheccp.house.gov/committee-activity/hearings/hearing-notice-ccp-cyber-threat-american-homeland-and-national-security Contact Information Christopher.Tuttle@cisa.dhs.gov

Introduction Tina Kuhr is an Emergency Management Leader in the Nuclear Industry with the following experience: • Emergency Plan, Emergency Plan Program Procedure and Emergency Plan Implementing Procedure maintenance • Emergency preparedness regulatory change process • Drill and Exercise evaluation and critique report preparation • Training Emergency Organization Members Tina currently serves as the Emergency Preparedness Program Lead for GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy. She supported the transition from event based to position based emergency response procedures, including preparing regulatory change justifications. She is currently converting procedures used by her site’s Fire/HAZMAT/EMT responders to our company’s standard format. She ensures that emergency response facilities are maintained in a state of readiness and coordinate training for the new Emergency Organization Members. Prior to coming to GEH in 2019, she worked in Nuclear Emergency Preparedness at Duke Energy for ~25 years. There she developed and maintained fleet standard nuclear emergency response procedures and emergency preparedness program procedures for six nuclear stations and the corporate office, including preparing regulatory change justifications. Her accomplishments included: • Reducing the number of nuclear emergency response procedures and emergency preparedness program procedures by 75% by implementing standard procedures across the company following a merger. • Updating surveillance procedures for the common Emergency Operations Facility to include requirements for the three additional sites and performing those surveillances. • Revising the standard emergency response procedures based on lessons learned from drills and exercises following implementation. Before the merger she standardized nuclear emergency preparedness program procedures for the Duke Power fleet and maintained the procedures in the common EOF, incorporating drill and exercise lessons learned and industry best practices. Prior to that, she was the corporate EP “group,” responsible for projects of a generic nature such as bringing Oconee Nuclear Station into the common EOF, which required prior approval by the NRC Commissioners and moving the EOF from one building to another without prior NRC approval. Contact Information https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-kuhr-b6585930/

Introduction Sean Friedman is a senior-level Business Continuity and Resiliency/Disaster Recovery Manager with 25+ years of experience in the planning and implementing business continuity planning in the financial services industry. Sean has practical experience dealing with hurricanes, Sandy, Irene, Katrina, and Rita; 9/11; blackouts, transit strikes, and COVID-19. Key competencies include developing business continuity plans, training, planning exercises/tests, conducting business impact analysis (BIA's), tabletop exercises, project oversight, facilities management, strategic planning, and conversion/acquisitions. Key Positions - Director Business Continuity – Amalgamated Bank - AVP Business Continuity – Apple Bank - Business Continuity Consultant – USAA - VP Business Continuity – IDB Bank - VP Business Continuity Planning – Morgan Stanley - VP Business Continuity Coordinator – Bank of New York Mellon - VP Business Continuity – JPMorgan Chase Contact Information https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanfriedman/

Introduction Howard has just retired after more than 48 years as a an award-winning broadcaster, journalist and business continuity professional. He last served as an assignment editor at WNBC -TV in New York, following a nearly 37-year career at WABC-TV, ABC News, ABC Television and The Walt Disney Company. Howard is a two-time EMMY Award winner, and twice shared the George Foster Peabody Award for his contributions to ABC News coverage. He also shared the DuPont Award for his contributions to WNBC’s coverage of the COVID pandemic. He has worked domestically and internationally as a news producer, assignment editor, bureau chief, reporter and anchor, covering some of the biggest stories of our time, including the 9/11 attacks, the 2003 Northeast blackout and Superstorm Sandy. A certified business continuity professional (CBCP), Howard was charged with maintaining the operational resilience of all ABC News & Television platforms around the globe, and later served Disney as a senior manager of business continuity. He also served as an in-house resilience consultant to the ABC Owned Television Station Group. Howard holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University, and an MBA in management and marketing from New York University. A guest lecturer at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, he has been a featured speaker at numerous professional conferences and workshops, and a contributor to many trade publications. He is a member of the Disaster Recovery Institute International (DRII), the Business Continuity Institute (BCI), the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) and the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS). Howard is the founder of the website, MediaDisasterPrep.com, and writes its companion blog, MediaDisasterPrep.wordpress.com. A married father of two, and a resident of New City, NY, Howard is fond of telling anyone who’ll listen that events are disasters only if you haven’t planned for them. Contact Information E-mail: HowardBPrice@gmail.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hbprice/ Facebook: @HBPrice.

Introduction Lori Hodges has over twenty-five years of experience at both the state and local levels in the emergency services and emergency management fields. She currently works as the Director of Emergency Management for Larimer County, Colorado. Lori is a Certified Emergency Manager through the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) and the State of Colorado. She is also a graduate of the Executive Leaders Program and the master’s program through the Center for Homeland Defense and Security at the Naval Postgraduate School. Additional education includes a master’s degree in Political Science and Public Policy and a bachelor’s degree in Emergency Management and Planning. She received the Emergency Manager of the Year Award from the Colorado Emergency Management Association (CEMA) in 2008 and 2013 and received the CEMA President’s Award in 2020. Contact Information https://www.linkedin.com/in/lori-hodges-ma-ccp-pmp-319b2a18/

Introduction In this important episode, a panel of experts discuss the complexities of crisis management on a global scale. The panel offers critical insights based on their crisis management roles in global organizations. Among the items discussed are: -Organizational preparedness -Capacity building -Building sustainable crisis management teams -Synchronizing organizational silos -Certainty management -Embedding crisis management into the organizational structure and culture -Artificial intelligence and Crisis Management -Much more Panel Members Andrea Davis CEO, The Resiliency Initiative Former Global Emergency Manager, Walmart Former Global Emergency Manager, Disney Corporation Bruce McIndoe President, McIndoe Risk Advisory Founder iJet Risk Intelligence Lead architect US Government intelligence Vincent Davis Director of Disaster Services, Feeding America Founder, Preparedness Matters Program Manager Emergency Preparedness & Response, Walgreens Corporate Emergency Manager, Amazon Contact Information Each panel member can be contacted through their LinkedIn profile

Introduction As a CEO with extensive leadership experience in the emergency management sector, Nora O'Brien is seeking to leverage her strategic vision, stakeholder management skills, and crisis management expertise to drive growth and success for a lucrative emergency management firm. With a Master's degree in Public Affairs specializing in Disaster and Emergency Management, and a B.S. in Political Science with a focus on International Relations, Nora brings a strong educational background to her role. As the CEO and Owner of Connect Consulting Services, Inc., she has led a woman-owned national emergency management and business continuity planning firm, successfully completing hundreds of projects across 47 states. Nora's demonstrated crisis management skills are evidenced by her leadership during emergencies such as the Cedar Fire, Hurricane Katrina, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to her CEO role, Nora contributes to the field as a FEMA Adjunct Instructor, a contributing writer for Emergency Management Magazine, and an instructor for the Center for Domestic Preparedness. With her skills in strategic vision and planning, stakeholder management, and crisis management, Nora is well-equipped to drive organizational growth and success in the emergency management industry. Contact Information https://www.linkedin.com/in/noraobrien/

Introduction Rob Gaudet is CEO/Founder at Cajun Navy Ground Force, a boots on the ground nonprofit that leverages lessons learned to drive digital innovation in disaster response. He is an innovator, engineer, author, media personality and speaker and was selected as 2016 Louisianian of the Year. Contact Information https://www.linkedin.com/in/robgaudet/ https://gocajunnavy.org/