Explore every episode of the podcast 5 Minutes to Chaos

Summary

In this episode of Five Minutes to Chaos, Steven Kuhr and Adam Eckstein discuss the critical intersection of crisis management and the restoration industry. They explore the evolution of satellite communication, the role of the Association of Continuity Professionals, and the importance of pre-planning and situational awareness in disaster response. Adam shares insights into the logistics and command structures of restoration operations, emphasizing the need for collaboration and preparedness in the face of emergencies. The conversation highlights the often-overlooked role of restoration companies in crisis management and the importance of having a robust emergency response plan.

Takeaways

Crisis management exists in various sectors and industries.

Satellite communication has evolved significantly since Y2K.

The Association of Continuity Professionals fosters collaboration among emergency managers.

Pre-positioning resources is crucial before a hurricane strikes.

Restoration companies play a vital role in disaster recovery.

Situational awareness is key to effective emergency response.

Logistics operations are essential for restoration efforts.

Command and control structures are implemented in restoration operations.

Emergency response plans must be detailed and well-communicated.

Collaboration with engineers and specialists enhances recovery efforts.

Contact Information

https://www.linkedin.com/in/adameckstein/

Summary

In this episode of Five Minutes to Chaos, host Steven Kuhr speaks with Yaniv Amar, a New York City firefighter and former Marine, about his journey through emergency services and his recent deployments to Israel following the October 7th attacks. Yaniv shares his experiences in the Marine Corps, the differences in fire service operations between the U.S. and Israel, and the unique challenges faced during crisis situations. The conversation highlights the importance of service, resilience, and the lessons learned from working in high-stress environments.

Takeaways

The journey from EMT to firefighter and Marine Corps is significant.

Crisis management requires adaptability and quick decision-making.

Fire service operations differ greatly between countries.

The importance of community and support in emergency services.

Experiencing crisis situations can change one's perspective on safety.

The role of technology, like drones, in modern warfare is evolving.

Cultural differences impact how emergency services operate.

Resilience is key in high-stress environments.

Leadership in crisis requires calmness and decisiveness.

Gratitude for the resources available in the U.S. is essential.

Summary

In this episode of Five Minutes to Chaos, host Steven Kuhr speaks with Michelle Newcomb, an expert in crisis management and organizational resilience. Michelle shares her unique journey into the field, stemming from a childhood experience with wildfires. The conversation explores global perspectives on crisis management, highlighting cultural differences in emergency response, particularly in countries like Sweden and Singapore. They discuss the importance of weather preparedness for businesses, especially in hurricane-prone areas like Florida, and the challenges of planning for a dispersed workforce. The episode emphasizes the duty of care organizations have towards their employees, especially in remote work settings. In this conversation, Michelle and Steven delve into the intricacies of emergency management and resilience, discussing the responsibilities organizations have in ensuring safety and preparedness. They explore the definition of resilience, the critical practices that contribute to it, and the importance of effective communication and planning in crisis situations. The discussion also highlights the current risks businesses face, including digital threats and climate change, and emphasizes the necessity of executive protection and comprehensive crisis management strategies.

Takeaways

Michelle's journey into crisis management began with a childhood wildfire experience.

Crisis management perspectives vary significantly across different cultures.

In Sweden, the concepts of safety and security are intertwined linguistically.

Understanding local emergencies is crucial for effective crisis management.

Weather preparedness is essential for business continuity planning.

Hurricane preparedness in Florida often lacks urgency among businesses.

A dispersed workforce requires proactive communication strategies during emergencies.

The knowledge and experience of employees are a company's most valuable assets.

Emergency management prioritizes the well-being of people above all.

Organizations must navigate the complexities of duty of care for remote employees. Emergency management involves clear communication and planning.

Resilience encompasses both employee safety and organizational continuity.

There are 12 essential practices for achieving resilience.

A roadmap is crucial for implementing resilience strategies.

Crisis communication plans should be straightforward and effective.

Executive protection is vital for high-risk individuals.

Digital threats, especially from AI, are a growing concern.

Climate change poses significant operational risks.

Organizations must prioritize the safety of their employees.

Investing in crisis preparedness is essential for business survival.

Contact Information (1) Michelle Newcome | LinkedIn

Summary

In this episode of 'Five Minutes to Chaos', host Steven Kuhr engages in a deep conversation with journalist Anne Woolsey McCartan about the intersection of crisis management and journalism. They explore the importance of relationships between emergency responders and the press, the role of technology in communication, and personal experiences that shape their understanding of crisis situations. The discussion also touches on significant events like 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina, emphasizing the need for preparedness, resilience, and the critical role of information dissemination during emergencies.

Takeaways

Crisis management requires strong relationships between journalists and emergency responders.

Personal experiences can significantly shape a journalist's perspective on crisis situations.

Elected officials play a crucial role in communicating during emergencies.

The press is not an enemy; they are partners in disseminating vital information.

Technology is changing the landscape of crisis communication, but traditional methods still hold value.

Access to emergency scenes is essential for accurate reporting.

Preparedness and resilience are key in facing future crises.

The aftermath of 9/11 has led to health concerns for both first responders and journalists.

Katrina highlighted the need for accountability in crisis response.

Joint Information Centers can enhance communication but should not replace direct access to emergency responders.

Contact Information

https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-woolsey-mccarton-b6592a7a/

Summary

In this episode of Five Minutes to Chaos, host Steven Kuhr speaks with Brent Bloomfield, the Assistant Chief and Director of Emergency Management for the West Palm Beach City Fire Department. They discuss Brent's extensive career in emergency management, the challenges faced during hurricanes and special events, and the importance of community resilience and support from elected officials. Brent shares insights on the operations of the fire department, the impact of significant events like the POTUS watch party, and the ongoing growth and development of West Palm Beach. The conversation highlights the critical role of emergency management in urban settings and the need for effective communication and planning during large-scale events.

Takeaways

West Palm Beach Fire Department runs about 32,000 calls annually.

Emergency management requires support from elected officials.

The city has seen a 30% population increase in the last decade.

Special events require extensive planning and coordination.

Hurricanes and tornadoes pose significant challenges for emergency management.

Building codes have evolved to enhance community resilience.

Unified command is essential for managing large-scale events.

Emergency management is a critical component of public safety.

The fire department is a full-service agency, handling various emergencies.

Contact Information

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brent-bloomfield-mpa-cem-498b9324/

Summary

In this episode of Five Minutes to Chaos, Steven Kuhr interviews Chief Bill Van Helden, who shares his extensive experience in emergency management and crisis leadership. The conversation covers Bill's career journey, the importance of spirituality in emergency services, and the emotional toll that crisis management can take on leaders. They discuss significant events like Hurricane Charlie, the need for courage and command presence in emergencies, and the importance of thinking the unthinkable. Bill emphasizes the necessity of humility in leadership, the risks of carbon monoxide after hurricanes, and the changing nature of emergency management in Florida. The episode concludes with reflections on the emotional impact of crisis management and the importance of pre-planning for emergencies.

Takeaways

The importance of crisis management in emergency situations.

Leadership requires courage and the ability to make tough decisions.

Spirituality can play a significant role in the lives of emergency workers.

Understanding the emotional toll of crisis management is crucial.

Planning for the unthinkable is essential in emergency management.

The need for humility in leadership roles.

Carbon monoxide risks increase after hurricanes due to generator use.

Continuity of government is vital during emergencies.

New residents in Florida may not understand hurricane risks.

Pre-planning contracts for debris management can save time and lives.

Contract Information bvhretiree2021@gmail.com

Summary

In this episode of Five Minutes to Chaos, host Steven Kuhr interviews Dr. Yasmin Ali about her book detailing the Waverly train disaster of 1978. The conversation explores the chaotic emergency management landscape of the time, the personal experiences of Dr. Ali's family during the disaster, and the subsequent changes in regulations and the establishment of FEMA. The episode highlights the importance of disaster planning, community response, and the evolution of emergency management in the United States.

 

Takeaways

The Waverly train disaster had broad national consequences.

Emergency management in 1978 was chaotic and uncoordinated.

Dr. Ali's parents played a crucial role in the medical response.

The hospital's disaster plan was pivotal in saving lives.

FEMA was established as a direct result of the Waverly disaster.

Regulatory changes in railroad safety emerged from the incident.

The community response was vital, with citizens stepping up to help.

Incident command systems were not in place during the disaster.

The importance of disaster drills was highlighted by the recent simulation.

The disaster led to significant changes in emergency management practices.

Contact Information

https://www.linkedin.com/in/yasmine-s-ali-md/

Summary

In this episode of Five Minutes to Chaos, host Steven Kuhr engages with Liz Treston, an expert in community-based emergency management, to discuss the critical aspects of crisis management, particularly in the wake of Superstorm Sandy. They explore the roles of VOADs and COADs in disaster response, the shifting impact of hurricanes on inland communities, and the need for national disaster insurance. The conversation highlights the importance of community preparedness, collaboration among organizations, and continuous training for volunteers to effectively manage disasters. Liz shares her insights on the challenges faced with FEMA and the necessity of educating the public about disaster recovery processes.

Takeaways

Emergency management is crucial in all sectors of society.

Superstorm Sandy highlighted the need for community preparedness.

VOADs and COADs play a vital role in disaster response.

Hurricanes are increasingly impacting inland communities.

National disaster insurance could provide broader coverage.

FEMA's role is often misunderstood by the public.

Community education is essential for disaster preparedness.

Collaboration among organizations enhances disaster response.

Training for volunteers is key to effective emergency management.

Continuous communication is necessary for successful disaster recovery.

Contact Information

https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-t-9627875/

Summary

In this episode of '5 Minutes to Chaos', host Steven Kuhr engages with Rich Pepe, a seasoned crisis management professional with extensive experience in law enforcement, emergency services, and corporate security. The conversation explores Rich's journey through the NYPD Highway Patrol, his volunteer firefighting experience, and the evolution of emergency services in New York City. They discuss the critical role of the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) in coordinating responses during crises, the intricacies of traffic incident management, and the implementation of contraflow strategies during evacuations. Rich also shares insights from his time at Deutsche Bank during the COVID-19 pandemic and his current role at Manhattan Beer Distributors, highlighting the importance of collaboration and communication in crisis management.

Takeaways

Crisis management is about real experiences and observations.

Traffic incident management is crucial for emergency response.

Combat parking helps ensure emergency vehicles can access scenes.

OEM plays a vital role in coordinating emergency responses.

Contraflow planning is essential for effective evacuations.

Crisis management requires collaboration across agencies.

The Deutsche Bank crisis management team was well-prepared during COVID-19.

Effective communication is key in crisis management.

Keeping the beer flowing is critical for Manhattan Beer Distributors.

Takeaways

Crisis management is about real experiences and observations.

Traffic incident management is crucial for emergency response.

Combat parking helps ensure emergency vehicles can access scenes.

OEM plays a vital role in coordinating emergency responses.

Contraflow planning is essential for effective evacuations.

Crisis management requires collaboration across agencies.

The Deutsche Bank crisis management team was well-prepared during COVID-19.

Effective communication is key in crisis management.

Keeping the beer flowing is critical for Manhattan Beer Distributors.

Contact Information

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nypdpepe/

Summary

In this episode of Five Minutes to Chaos, Steven Kuhr and Peter LaPorte discuss the intricacies of crisis management and emergency response, drawing from their extensive careers in the field. They explore the evolution of emergency management, the importance of community engagement, and the role of technology in enhancing response efforts. The conversation highlights key lessons learned from major incidents, the significance of women in leadership roles, and the ongoing challenges faced in urban emergency management. The episode concludes with reflections on past experiences and a look towards the future of emergency management.

Takeaways

Crisis management requires collaboration and effective communication.

Emergency management has evolved significantly over the years.

Community engagement is crucial for effective emergency response.

Women are increasingly taking on leadership roles in emergency management.

Technology plays a vital role in modern emergency management practices.

Learning from past incidents is essential for improvement.

Emergency management is fundamentally a people-first business.

Building strong teams is key to successful emergency management.

Preparedness exercises should challenge existing systems.

The future of emergency management will require adaptability and innovation.

Contact Information

https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-laporte-bba176104/

Summary

In this episode of Five Minutes to Chaos, Steven Kuhr and Linda Reissman discuss the challenges and experiences faced during the recent Hurricane Helene disaster in North Carolina. Linda shares her extensive background in emergency management and her unconventional role in supporting her community during the crisis. They explore the importance of communication, the impact of misinformation, and the need for civic education in disaster response. The conversation highlights the resilience of communities and the critical role of emergency managers in navigating complex situations.

Takeaways

Crisis management requires real-time observations and adaptability.

Communication failures can severely hinder disaster response efforts.

Community leadership is essential during emergencies.

Misinformation can prevent people from receiving necessary aid.

Civic education on disaster response is crucial for public understanding.

Emergency managers must balance their roles without interfering with official responses.

The importance of local support networks in disaster recovery cannot be overstated.

Animal rescue efforts are as vital as human support during crises.

Preparedness education can enhance community resilience.

The emotional toll of disasters can trigger memories of past traumatic events.

Contact Information

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindareissman/

Summary

In this episode of 'Five Minutes to Chaos', Steven Kuhr interviews Kit Lee-Demery, an experienced emergency manager, who shares her journey through various roles in crisis management. They discuss the importance of emergency management in different sectors, particularly in the private sector, and how it has evolved over time. Kit shares her experiences preparing for Hurricane Milton, emphasizing the need for effective communication and situational awareness during emergencies. The conversation highlights the significance of collaboration within crisis management teams and the necessity of continuous training and preparedness to ensure the safety of employees and the organization as a whole.

Takeaways

Emergency management exists in various sectors beyond traditional roles.

Effective communication is crucial during emergencies to ensure safety.

Organizations have a duty of care to protect their employees.

Crisis management requires collaboration and support from various departments.

Training and preparedness are essential for effective emergency response.

Situational awareness helps in making informed decisions during crises.

Riding the wave of an emergency can help gain buy-in for preparedness initiatives.

Plans should be actionable and regularly updated to avoid the paper plan syndrome.

Building a network of contacts is vital for effective crisis management.

Continuous learning from past incidents is key to improving future responses.

Contact Information

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kldem/

Summary

In this powerful episode of 'Five Minutes to Chaos', host Steven Kuhr engages in a deep conversation with John Peruggia, a veteran of the New York City Emergency Medical Services and Fire Department. They discuss John's extensive career, the merger of EMS with the FDNY, and the challenges faced during significant incidents, particularly the events of September 11, 2001. John shares his personal experiences and reflections on leadership, crisis management, and the evolution of emergency response in New York City.

Takeaways

Crisis management is built on real experiences and observations.

The merger of EMS and FDNY was a significant change for public safety.

Leadership during crises requires clear communication and quick decision-making.

The events of 9/11 highlighted the importance of preparedness and inter-agency cooperation.

Understanding the history of emergency services can inform better practices today.

The deployment of resources during emergencies must be flexible and responsive.

Building relationships with partner agencies is crucial for effective emergency management.

The emotional toll of responding to disasters can impact first responders long after the event.

Training and experience play a vital role in effective crisis response.

Reflecting on past incidents can provide valuable lessons for future preparedness.

Contact Info

https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnperuggia/

Summary

In this episode of Five Minutes to Chaos, host Steve Kuhr engages with Frank McCart0n, a seasoned emergency management leader with extensive experience in both New York City and California. They discuss Frank's journey through various roles in emergency management, the importance of crisis management practices, and the lessons learned from significant events such as wildland fires and structural collapses. The conversation emphasizes the need for coordination among agencies, the criticality of understanding infrastructure, and the empowerment of emergency managers to make decisions effectively. Frank shares valuable insights and anecdotes from his career, highlighting the importance of continuous learning and adapting in the field of emergency management.

Contact Information

https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-mccarton-247bb77/

Summary

Senior Crisis Manager John Liuzzi shares his experience in crisis management as the global director of crisis management and business continuity for a large wine and spirits distributor. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the business and being a business partner rather than focusing solely on compliance. John discusses the logistics of the distribution business, including domestic and international transportation, and the significance of business survivability. He also shares examples of crises he has managed, such as simultaneous hurricanes, the COVID-19 pandemic, and civil unrest. In this conversation, John discusses the various crises and disasters that his organization, Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits, has faced and how they have managed them. He highlights the importance of having strong partnerships with external partners and a robust support network outside of the organization. John and Steve discuss the concept of Rolodex management and the value of building relationships in emergency management. John emphasizes the need for extensive training and exercises to develop muscle memory and ensure organizational survivability. He also talks about the duty of care to the organization, employees, facilities, and brand reputation.

Contact Information

https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-liuzzi-559378/

Summary

In this episode, Steve Kuhr reflects on his experience during the September 11, 2001 terror attacks and shares his thoughts on crisis management and communication. He discusses his journey from being in Orlando, Florida for a healthcare conference to making his way back to New York City to support the response efforts. Steve highlights the importance of effective communication and the challenges that still exist in crisis management today. He also expresses his gratitude to the individuals he worked with during the response and recovery efforts.

Contacts

https://www.linkedin.com/in/skuhr/

Summary

In this episode, Mike Willis and Debbie Blyth discuss a cyber attack on the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the crisis management response to it. The attack occurred in February 2018 and affected CDOT's systems, including HR, payroll, contractor payment, variable message signs, toll collection, and more. The attack was initiated through a misconfigured virtual server in public cloud infrastructure, which allowed the attackers to gain access to the CDOT domain. The response involved the collaboration between CDOT, the Colorado Office of Emergency Management, and the Colorado National Guard. The National Guard was mobilized through a state emergency declaration by Governor Hickenlooper. The conversation highlights the importance of collaboration and trust in crisis management. The establishment of a unified command and the use of incident management teams were key in coordinating the response. Nutrition and hydration were prioritized to ensure the well-being and performance of the response team. The joint information center played a crucial role in managing public and internal messaging. Emergency purchasing and tracking were supported by the Office of Emergency Management. Lessons from this incident can be applied to the corporate sector, emphasizing the need for cybersecurity and crisis management teams to work together.

Takeaways

The cyber attack on CDOT was initiated through a misconfigured virtual server in public cloud infrastructure.

The attack affected various systems and operations within CDOT, causing significant disruption.

The response involved collaboration between CDOT, the Colorado Office of Emergency Management, and the Colorado National Guard.

The National Guard was mobilized through a state emergency declaration by Governor Hickenlooper. Collaboration and trust are foundational in crisis management.

Establishing a unified command and using incident management teams help coordinate the response.

Prioritizing nutrition and hydration improves the performance of the response team.

A joint information center is crucial for managing public and internal messaging.

Emergency purchasing and tracking are important for cost assessment and accountability.

Lessons from this incident can be applied to the corporate sector, emphasizing the need for collaboration between cybersecurity and crisis management teams.

Contact Information

Debbi Blyth

https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-blyth/

Mike Willis

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brigadier-general-ret-michael-willis-a8b49a37/

Summary

In this conversation Podcast Host Steven Kuhr interviews Sarah Lux, an emergency management public information officer from Lake County, Florida. They discuss the role of public information officers (PIOs) in crisis management and share their experiences in the field. Sarah talks about her background in anthropology and how she transitioned into government communications. She also highlights the importance of utilities in crisis management and the challenges of communicating with the public during emergencies. They discuss the use of wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) for COVID-19 testing and the need for effective communication strategies that go beyond social media. In this conversation, Steve and Sarah discuss the importance of having a comprehensive communication plan during emergencies. They highlight the need for social media to be part of a larger communication strategy that includes other tools like flyers, signage, and press conferences. Kuhr emphasizes the importance of building relationships with the media and other PIOs to ensure effective communication. Sarah shares her experiences during deployments and the challenges of rebuilding public trust after a lack of communication. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the significance of trust, early and accurate messaging, and admitting mistakes in crisis communication.

Takeaways

Public information officers (PIOs) play a crucial role in crisis management by ensuring effective communication with the public.

Utilities face unique crisis situations and require proactive communication to address customer concerns and educate the public.

Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) can be a valuable tool for predicting and managing public health crises, such as COVID-19.

Effective crisis communication requires a combination of social media, traditional media, and building relationships with the press.

Collaboration and coordination between PIOs from different organizations and municipalities are essential for consistent and unified messaging during emergencies.

Having a comprehensive communication plan that includes social media as well as other tools like flyers, signage, and press conferences is crucial during emergencies.

Building relationships with the media and other PIOs is essential for effective communication.

Rebuilding public trust after a lack of communication can be challenging and requires admitting mistakes and providing accurate information.

Early and accurate messaging is key in crisis communication, and it is important to set realistic expectations for the media and the public.

Contact Information

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahmadelinelux/

Summary

In this episode, host Steven Kuhr welcomes Bob Ingram, a former battalion chief in the FDNY to the show. They discuss various topics related to emergency management and crisis response. They start by talking about a recent bridge collapse in Baltimore and the response to similar incidents in New York. They then delve into Bob's FDNY career and his role in special operations and hazmat. They also discuss the merger of EMS and FDNY and the challenges posed by lithium-ion battery fires. The conversation concludes with a discussion of the historical hazards of picric acid and asbestos. In this conversation, Chief Bob Ingram discusses the post-9/11 FDNY operations and the establishment of hammer teams to respond to white powder calls. He highlights the challenges and events that followed 9/11, including anthrax attacks, plane crashes, and a titanium explosion. Chief Ingram also emphasizes the importance of collaboration with other agencies, such as the Coast Guard and military, and the need to maintain capabilities and funding in the face of budget issues. He concludes by remembering Brian Mulhearn, a key figure in New York City emergency response.

Takeaways

Hammer teams were established to respond to the high volume of white powder calls post-9/11.

The years following 9/11 were marked by numerous challenges and events, including anthrax attacks, plane crashes, and explosions.

Collaboration with other agencies, such as the Coast Guard and military, was crucial in emergency response efforts.

Maintaining capabilities and funding is essential to be prepared for future threats and disasters.

Contact Information

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-ingram-35300a7/

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

• Effective crisis management requires strong leadership and adaptability.
• Partnerships and collaboration are crucial in on-the-ground emergency response.
• Self-sufficiency and a lean-in mentality are key in emergency management operations.
• Public-private partnerships play an increasingly important role in emergency management.
• Supporting women in emergency management and philanthropic efforts are essential for a resilient community.

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/

Introduction

Emergency Managers Andrea Davis, Mona Curry, and Jamie Quarelles join Steven Kuhr to discuss the contributions and challenges of women in Emergency Management. The panel hit broad topics including organizational leadership, mentorship, bias, the comfort zone, servant leadership, and much more. See biographical profiles below.

Andrea Davis

Andrea Davis is a recognized expert in the field of emergency management who has dedicated her career to bridging the silos between the public and private sectors to create a united approach when it comes to disaster risk reduction. Ms. Davis has held leadership roles with NGOs (The American Red Cross, Save the Children US), the US Federal Government (FEMA, The Federal Reserve) and for Fortune 500 Companies (Walmart, Disney). With each role, Ms. Davis used her influence to lead global initiatives focused on the importance of making risk informed determinations and engaging all members of the community in the decision-making process. Currently, Ms. Davis is the President and CEO of a Women Owned Small Business (WOSB), The Resiliency Initiative (TRI). Ms. Davis founded TRI out of a passion to serve the whole community before, during, and after an emergency.

Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreaeileendavis/

Mona Curry

During her 28-year tenure with the City of Los Angeles Mona specialized in responding to disasters, fortifying disaster readiness and strengthening community resilience. Culminating her city career as an Emergency Manager for Operations Valley Bureau of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). Her engagement extends beyond official capacities. As a consultant for a Hawaii-based non-profit, Mona is actively involved in an innovative project to provide community resilience. The Ko’olauloa Resiliency Hub will set a benchmark for similar resilience initiatives throughout the State of Hawaii. Mona also holds a position as a Board Member appointed to the State of Hawai’i Emergency Management Agency, serving on the Governor’s Advisory Council. This appointment by Governor David Ige for the term spanning 2021 to 2025 underscores her commitment to driving impactful strategies for disaster response and readiness.

Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monacurry/

Jamie Quarrelles

Jamie Quarrelles CEM®, is with the Preparedness Bureau within the District of Columbia Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA). She is responsible for emergency management, homeland security planning and compliance activities within the District and the National Capital Region (NCR). She serves as a subject matter expert participating on numerous panels, advisory groups, task forces, and steering committees addressing emergency management issues. She delivered numerous presentations to communities and organizations locally, nationally, and internationally on emergency management and preparedness strategies.

Ms. Quarrelles has extensive employment experience with Federal, State and Local Government, and private sector organizations. She also has numerous years of operational experience with the District of Columbia Government in the Executive Office of The Mayor, Department of Public Works, and the Department of Transportation. Her private sector experience includes the Executive Offices of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and the National League of Cities.

In 2017 she became a Certified Emergency Manager (CEM®) by the International Association of Emergency Managers. She is an Alumna of the National Preparedness Leadership Initiative (NPLI), through the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, Center for Public Leadership.

Other Professional affiliations include Assessor for the Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP), and a member of the International Association of Emergency Managers.

Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-quarrelles-cem-0225371/

Introduction

Jack is a retired Fire Marshal, serving as Deputy Chief with the Leonia Fire Department. He also served 15 years as Countywide Deputy Fire Coordinator for Bergen, NJ. He is the past chairman of the Fire/Life Safety Directors Association of Greater New York and an adjunct professor at John Jay College/Fire Science Institute (NYC).

He is a principal member on the following Fire Life Safety committees:

- High-Rise Building Safety Advisory Board

- NFPA 1660 Emergency, Continuity, and Crisis Management, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery

- NFPA 1082 Facilities Fire/Life Safety Director Professional Qualifications

- NFPA 2800 Facility Emergency Action Plans.

- ICC National Fire Code Action Committee.

As a Fire Engineering Magazine contributing editor he has written many fire service articles and the Handbook for Firefighter I and II chapter on Pre-Incident Planning. He has co-authored books on: High-Rise Buildings: Understanding the Vertical Challenges; and Bridging the Gap - Fire Safety and Green Buildings. In 1997, he was appointed an FDNY Honorary Battalion Chief. He is a member of the Clarion/FDIC Fire and Rescue Advisory Board and was the recipient of the 2012 Fire Engineering Tom Brennan Lifetime Achievement Award.

For more information on:

- Building Intelligence Card go to: www.ebisg.com 

- High-Rise Buildings; Understanding the Vertical Challenges book go to: https://fireengineeringbooks.com/books/high-rise-buildings-understanding-the-vertical-challenges/

Contact Information

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-j-murphy-1939a610/

Introduction

Dr. Asha M. George is the Executive Director of the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense. She is a public health security professional whose research and programmatic emphasis has been practical, academic, and political. She served in the US House of Representatives as a senior professional staffer and subcommittee staff director at the House Committee on Homeland Security in the 110th and 111th Congress. She has worked for a variety of organizations, including government contractors, foundations, and non-profits. As a contractor, she supported and worked with all Federal Departments, especially the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Health and Human Services. Dr. George also served on active duty in the U.S. Army as a military intelligence officer and as a paratrooper. She is a decorated Desert Storm Veteran. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Natural Sciences from Johns Hopkins University, a Master of Science in Public Health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a Doctorate in Public Health from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. She is also a graduate of the Harvard University National Preparedness Leadership Initiative.

Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense Reports

https://biodefensecommission.org/reports/

Contact Information

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashamgeorge/

Introduction

As the former Deputy Commissioner at the New York City Office of Emergency Management and Chief Disaster Officer for the American Red Cross in Greater New York, Kelly McKinney has had a leadership role in every major disaster in New York City for more than 20 years, from the 9/11 attacks to Superstorm Sandy to Covid-19. He teaches crisis management at NYU and was recently appointed to FEMA's National Advisory Council.

Nationally known for his writing and speaking on the principles and practice of disaster management, he is the author of "Moment of Truth, the Nature of Catastrophes and How to Prepare for Them". His 5-minute video, The Essential Emergency Manager, has been viewed more than 125,000 times on YouTube. He is a professional engineer with a BS in mechanical engineering from the University of Kansas and an MPA from Columbia University in the City of New York.

Key Positions

• Assistant Vice President of Emergency Management and Enterprise Resilience at NYU Langone Health

• Chief Disaster Officer, American Red Cross of Greater New York

• Deputy Commissioner for Preparedness, New York City Office of Emergency Management

• Associate Commissioner for Environmental Health, New York City Department of Health

Contact Information

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-mckinney-2a990726

Twitter: @kellymnyc

Introductions

Peter Goelz offers decades of leadership in management,

transportation, crisis communications and national and international

political strategy.  Mr. Goelz has managed the Washington, DC office

for O’Neill and Associates from 2005 through 2021 when he moved to Of

Counsel status. Prior to that he was the head of the Crisis

Communications Practice Group for the global communications firm APCO

Worldwide.

 

Mr. Goelz has been active in public life and politics for close to

four decades having worked for and advised Presidents, Senators, and

Governors. He served as Executive Assistant and political Director for

Governor Hugh J. Gallen, worked for Presidents Jimmy Carter and

William J. Clinton.

 

In addition, Mr. Goelz was appointed by President Clinton to serve as

Managing Director of the National Transportation Safety Board. After

joining the NTSB in 1995, Mr. Goelz served as Director of the offices

of government affairs, public affairs and family affairs as well as

Managing Director.  As Managing Director, his responsibilities

included handling the day-to-day operations of the agency and serving

as chief policy advisor to the Chairman. In addition, he managed the

passage of the agency’s re-authorization and appropriations

legislation and testified on Capitol Hill. He is widely hailed as one

of the country’s most experienced safety investigative experts.

 

Mr. Goelz was on scene and directed investigative activities at

numerous aviation accidents, including ValuJet in Miami; TWA off the

coast of New York; EgyptAir off the coast of Rhode Island; American

Airlines in Arkansas; and the J. F. Kennedy, Jr. accident off the

coast of Massachusetts. Mr. Goelz was the principle liaison to the

White House, the FBI and the CIA. During this time Mr. Goelz also

directed investigative activities in numerous pipelines, rail and other

surface accidents.

 

While serving in the Clinton Administration Goelz was detailed to the

White House to work on security issues surrounding the WTO conference

in Seattle, WA,

 

In September of 1990 Goelz began work with the Government of Kuwait

while they were in exile. Stationed with the Government, in Taif Saudi

Arabia, he helped stand up the Government’s Public Information Office

and crafted a number of innovative communications strategies on behalf

of Kuwait.

 

In the private sector, Mr. Goelz worked with major airlines, airports,

unions, and corporations, advising them on safety and security

matters. For the Warren Buffet owned company NetJets, he drafted their

first crisis response plan and guided them through a mid-air collision

accident,

 

His current and past clients have included Alaska Airlines, Boeing,

PG&E, NetJets, Presidential Airways, L3 Communications, Massport/Logan

Airport, the Association of Professional Flight Attendants,

 

Mr. Goelz is a sought-after commentator on aviation safety issues and

is currently under contract with CNN. His written commentary has

appeared in numerous national and international outlets, including USA

Today, New York Times, and Aviation Daily.

 

Mr. Goelz is a member of the Aero Club of Washington, the

International Aviation Club, and the International Society of Air

Safety Investigators (ISASI

 

Mr. Goelz, holds both a Bachelors and Master’s degree and he and his

wife, reside in Alexandria, Virginia.

 Contact Information

https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-goelz-851864a1/

Introduction

Erika Andresen, CBCP, JD, MPA, is a recovering lawyer after nearly two decades of experience in both the corporate finance world and the military. Erika became a subject matter expert on national security and disaster preparedness and response while advising different commands on their authorities and during high-risk situations in Afghanistan and domestic disasters stateside. She also has extensive experience writing injects and acting as an observer/trainer/coach for large-scale military exercises. Her work with actual disasters led her to attain a Master of Public Affairs.

Erika left active duty in 2020 and has since started EaaS Consulting, LLC, with the goal of keeping businesses in business. To that end, she authored How to Not Kill Your Business: Grow Your Business in Any Environment, Navigate Volatility, and Successfully Recover When Things Go Wrong, a conversational introduction to business continuity enjoyed by CBCP practitioners and business owners alike. She has been quoted in articles for Forbes, Dark Reading, and MoneyGeek on the issues of business continuity and disaster preparedness as well as appearing as a frequent guest on podcasts internationally.

Key Positions

-Founder, EaaS Consulting, LLC

-Chief, National Security Law, 7th Infantry Division, US Army

- Chief, International Law, 353rd Civil Affairs Command

-Counsel to the Commanding General, TAACOM South, Kandagar, Afghanistan and Natick Soldier Systems Center, US Army

- EOC Legal Advisor, Fort Leonard Wood, MO, US Army

-Professor of Emergency Management, University of Texas at El Paso, MPA Program

Contact Information

info@eaasc.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-andresen

Introduction

Chief Jack Jones has served for over 35 years in several emergency service roles.

 

The chief's positions include:

 

- Fire Chief, Bedford County Fire and Rescue Department (20 plus years)

 -Emergency Management Director, (Bedford County, VA)

- Flight Paramedic

- Paramedic Instructor

- Fire Investigator

 

-Jack has completed the FEMA Emergency Management Institute Advanced Professional Series (APS) and is a graduate of the U.S. Fire Administration/National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program (EFO) and the War College of the American Fire Service

 

-Jack is a credentialed Chief Medical Officer (CMO) designee, he holds a Master’s Degree in Public Health and International Relations

 

-Jack is currently an Occupational Health & Safety Specialist with the Virginia Department of Health.

 

Contact Information

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-w-jones-jr-efo-bs-ma-a442b6292/

Introduction

Ashley Goosman is an experienced professional with twenty years of experience in the public and private sectors. She founded the Disaster Empire blog in 2019 to educate and engage fellow practitioners and added the podcast in 2022 to showcase thought leaders and innovators in the industry.

In 2021, she co-founded Resilience Think Tank, an independent guidance and research provider for risk and resilience. She has managed numerous high-profile crisis incidents, including pandemics, natural disasters, white powder, network & power outages, and terrorist incidents.

Ashley began her career as a member of the American Red Cross’ September 11 Recovery Program in NYC and served as the Director of Emergency Services for the MA Dept. of Mental Health. She was an adjunct Sr. Instructure-Disaster & Terrorism for healthcare administrators and specialized in Crisis Management, BC, and Operational Resilience for a Fortune 100 company.

Contact Information

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-goosman/

Introduction Kenn Honig is a Certified Emergency Manager, with over fifty years of experience in law enforcement, EMS, firefighting, and emergency management For over ten years Kenn served as a paramedic, and supervisor with NYC-EMS and other EMS agencies, receiving awards for Life Saving, Innovative Thinking, and Service Kenn spent 28 years as a police officer, supervisor, senior officer, ARFF crew chief, academy instructor, lieutenant, tour commander, captain, inspector, unit head and commanding officer with the police force of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. During that time Kenn participated in the initial response to five major aircraft crashes, both on and off an airport, as well as the 1993 terrorist bombing and 9-11 attack at the World Trade Center. Following the 9-11 attacks Kenn was the Emergency Operations Center Manager for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. As a member of the Public Safety Department Command Staff, he served as Emergency Management Liaison and as Police Commanding Officer for John F. Kennedy International and LaGuardia Airports. As Commanding Officer at JFK and LaGuardia Airports, Kenn was involved in critical decisions regarding the security of the airport, including the development of the Airports’ Perimeter Intrusion Detection System (PIDS). He worked with the Airport Security Office and was a part of the approval process for companies applying for Secure Identification Display Area (SIDA) media. He was a signatory to the Airport Security and Aircraft Emergency Plans. He participated in regularly scheduled meetings with the Airport Security Council. His expertise in these areas is sought after by his peers in the Port and Airport Communities. Kenn is a member of IAEM, where he holds a position on the Executive Board (Secretary/Treasurer) of IAEM Region II and he served on the Executive Board (Treasurer) of the International Association of Airport and Seaport Police He has also served as the Vice Chairman of the Security Committee for the American Association of Port Authorities, as a member of the Airport Law Enforcement Agency Network, Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Working Group, on the Editorial Advisory Board for Advanced Rescue Technology magazine and on Technical Committees for the Emergency Film Group. Currently Kenn is President and Senior Program Manager for Critical Incident Management and Training, Inc. CIMAT provides training, aviation security and emergency management consulting services, including exercise design, exercise evaluation, exercise safety officers, exercise logistical coordination & support, and emergency planning to concert venues, performance and public gathering spaces, communities, police, fire, & public safety departments, airports and training academies world-wide. Kenn served as the Director of Crisis and Emergency Management for RedLand Strategies and is a Subject Matter Expert/Consultant with Incident Management Solutions, Inc. Kenn also voluntarily serves on the Board of Directors as Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of The Community Mayors, an organization dedicated to providing recreational opportunities for children with disabilities and as Public Safety Section Chief for the Boy Scout’s Big Apple Jambo and World Pinewood Derby in Times Square. Kenn has made presentations, evaluated agency response, developed security & emergency plans and designed and facilitated exercises on Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting, Incident Command, Active Assailants, WMD response and other Emergency Management and Business Continuity topics at venues, seminars and conferences across North America, the Caribbean and Asia. He is frequently sought out by local and national media for his expertise in emergency response, emergency management, public safety as well as homeland and aviation security. Contact Information Kenneth D. Honig, CEM CIMAT, Inc PO Box 646 North Bellmore, NY 11710 516-316-3000 KHonig@CIMAT.net

Introduction

Gabe Lavine has more than 19 years of experience in emergency services and management, public safety, first response, military combat arms, reconnaissance, specialized operations, diplomatic security, intelligence, special weapons and tactics, incident management team leadership, and recovery operations. He was an infantry and reconnaissance officer in the United States Marine Corps with multiple combat deployments overseas. His emergency management experience encompasses state and local service to include the city and county levels as well as with nationally deployable incident management teams as an incident commander. Gabe currently serves as the director of the Arizona Division of Emergency Management, one of five divisions in the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs. In this role, he manages the state’s emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation efforts, and supports county and tribal emergency managers.

Key Positions

- Director Arizona Division of Emergency Management

- Administrator City of Sugar Land Office of Emergency Management

- Incident Commander / Region 2 Deputy Team Leader Texas All Hazards Incident Management Team

- Director Cochise County Office of Emergency Management

- High Threat Protection Specialist US Department of State Afghanistan

- Major, United State Marine Corps

- 4th Recon Battalion Delta Company Operations Officer

- III MEF Special Mission Branch Officer In Charge

- 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Charlie Company Commander

- Board Vice President Blacksburg Rescue Squad

- Field Supervisor Special Operations Division Blacksburg Rescue Squad

- Chair Houston UASI Technology Committee

- Co-Chair Southeast Texas Regional Advisor Committee South Corridor

- EM Representative Governors Homeland Security Regional Advisory Council

Contact Information

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriel-lavine-723260ab/

Introduction

Carley Fitzgerald, GISP, is an accomplished Geographic Information Science (GIS) Professional with 13 years of experience in the public and private sectors. With experience at transportation and engineering firms, as well as municipal, county, and regional government entities, Carley has a deep understanding of GIS applications across diverse industries.

Currently serving as a GIS Manager in the Critical Infrastructure Division at Highlands County, Carley oversees the management of a county-wide enterprise GIS system with over 100 users. Her role is 'Disaster Essential' and requires activation to the County EOC for significant events, including Hurricane Dorian (2019), the COVID-19 pandemic (2020/2021), Hurricane Ian (2022), and Hurricane Nicole (2022). Her remarkable contributions during Hurricane Ian earned her the esteemed 'Life Saver' Challenge Coin from the Highlands County Fire Department.

Carley's exceptional skills in leveraging GIS for impactful insights were recognized through her nomination and achievement as a finalist in the COVID Data Hero Awards. She also served as a guest panelist at the New England URISA's 2020 Conference, sharing her experiences on social justice and equality through her work with Women in GIS.

Carley Fitzgerald's dedication to GIS excellence, contributions to disaster management, and community engagement establish her as a valued expert in her field.

Key Positions

- Geographic Information Science (GIS) Manager, Highlands County, FL

- GIS Analyst, City of Plantation, FL

- GIS Analyst / Environmental Scientist, Gannett Fleming, Miami, FL

- Board Member & Professional Development Committee Lead, Women in GIS

Contact Information

https://www.linkedin.com/in/carleyacfitzgerald/