The Hosts
The Podcast Hosts
IEM Unscripted presents DisasterSmiths, a dynamic podcast that dives into the heart of disaster resilience. Join us as we explore the practical solutions, innovative programs, and dedicated service delivery crafted to aid disaster survivors and fortify communities. Our mission is clear – to make our communities more resilient in the face of adversity.
Through lived experience, IEM Experts Chris Smith and Diana Rothe-Smith sit down with fellow disaster recovery and resilience practitioners to discuss how processes, tools, and policies emerge and evolve as disasters strike – addressing and adapting critical needs with every recovery. The DisasterSmiths delves into historical, first-hand accounts to shed light on the roots of disaster recovery and explore how innovative strategies could be employed to enhance resilience for the future.
Tune in for an engaging journey where we unravel the stories behind the scenes, showcasing the resilience-building efforts that often go unseen. The DisasterSmiths podcast is your go-to source for insightful conversations on creating a stronger, more prepared world.
Our goal at DisasterSmiths is to:
- understand why we do things the way we do before, during and after a disaster;
- the purpose we intend to serve; and
- think about how the effects of now will shape communities of the future.
DisasterSmiths Podcast Season 2:
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In this episode of DisasterSmiths, our hosts delve into the resilience and recovery efforts that follow devastating wildfires, emphasizing the critical role of mitigation in preventing future disasters. They are joined by Jennifer Gray Thompson, whose firsthand experiences and expert insights have jump-started recovery efforts for wildfire survivors across the country. Together, they explore how communities are rebuilding and healing, while learning about proactive measures—such as controlled burns, creating defensible space, and improving land management—that can reduce wildfire risks.This episode highlights the strength of those affected and the importance of understanding the science behind wildfires, ensuring we are better equipped to face the next challenge when the smoke clears.
Featured Guests
Jennifer Gray Thompson
CEO of After the Fire USA, LLC & After the Fire USA (501c3)CEO of After the Fire USA, LLC & After the Fire USA (501c3), Jennifer Gray Thompson MPA, has a remarkable journey rooted in community disaster recovery. In 2017, after devastating fires in San Francisco’s North Bay, Jennifer became the Executive Director of Rebuild NorthBay Foundation (RNBF), a non-profit formed to help the region rebuild. In response to the Era of Megafires, a relatively recent chronic climate-based disaster, RNBF created After the Fire USA in 2020. Gray Thompson was named to Forbes’ 50 over 50 IMPACT List in 2022 and appointed to the Bipartisan Policy Center Disaster Response Reform Task Force in 2023. As a nationally recognized subject matter expert (SME) in megafire recovery, she presents at several national conferences and has also been featured in local, regional, and national news outlets. -
In this special milestone episode of DisasterSmiths, our hosts sit down with IEM Founder and Chairwoman, Madhu Beriwal, to reflect on four decades of resilience, innovation, and impact. From humble beginnings to building a thriving legacy, she shares the proud moments that shaped IEM’s journey, the impacts that drive our mission, and the vision that propels the company forward.
Don’t miss this inspiring conversation that uncovers the heart, soul, and future of IEM and the disaster management industry.
Featured Guests
Madhu Beriwal
IEM Founder and Chairwoman
Gary Scronce
Senior Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Management at IEM
Kristin Robinson
FEMA Account Executive at IEMMadhu Beriwal is a pioneering leader in disaster and emergency management, renowned for her transformative contributions to building resilient communities through science and technology. As the founder and Chairwoman of IEM International, she has led the organization to become the largest disaster management firm in the nation, introducing innovations that expedite recovery and provide essential resources to survivors more efficiently. Her visionary leadership is exemplified by the “Hurricane Pam” simulation, which the U.S. Senate’s Hurricane Katrina report recognized as a benchmark for effective disaster planning. A recipient of numerous awards, including induction into the International Women in Homeland Security and Emergency Management Hall of Fame and the title of Enterprising Woman of the Year, Beriwal has also served as an expert advisor to the Army Research Board and the Defense Science Board Panel on terrorism intelligence.Gary Scronce is a highly respected Senior Director at IEM with over 30 years of experience in emergency management and homeland security. Renowned for his significant contributions to emergency preparedness for both natural and man-made disasters across hundreds of jurisdictions, he has played a crucial role at IEM for more than 25 years. Gary’s hands-on experience includes weathering major hurricanes like Andrew, Rita, and Gustav, which has informed his development of critical initiatives, including the Hurricane Pam planning exercise prior to Hurricane Katrina. As an engaged member of several professional associations, including the International Association of Emergency Managers and the National Emergency Management Association, Gary has served on committees that influence emergency management practices.Kristin Cormier Robinson, FEMA Account Executive at IEM, plays a key role in strengthening business relationships and providing practical solutions for clients facing disasters. With extensive expertise in emergency management, she understands federal programs and leads teams in problem-solving efforts. Previously, she held senior positions at FEMA, advising on emergency management and policy issues while enhancing organizational practices. Notably, she directed the National Flood Insurance Program’s Transformation Task Force, improving customer-centric services. Her work has been instrumental in shaping disaster response legislation post-9/11 and Hurricane Katrina, including the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 and the Homeland Security Act. With a background in government relations, Kristin emphasizes the need for local solutions in effective disaster response. -
When disaster strikes, leadership and coordination can mean the difference between chaos and recovery. In this gripping episode, we explore the high-stakes partnership between emergency managers and elected officials. These leaders must work in lockstep to protect and serve their communities. While their roles and perspectives may differ, their mission is the same: to lead with clarity, act decisively, and restore order amid crisis. Join us as we unpack real-world case studies, uncover the challenges of crisis communication, and reveal how trust, collaboration, and swift decision-making shape disaster outcomes.
From emergency declarations to community messaging, this episode provides a behind-the-scenes look at the critical alliances that keep communities resilient when every second counts.
Featured Guests
Representative Anna Eskamani
Florida State House District 42
Councilwoman Jennifer Kaaoush
Town of Superior, Colorado
Anne Bink
Director of Mitigation and Resilience at IEMDr. Anna Eskamani currently sits in the Florida House of Representatives representing House District 42, encompassing a population of 182,533 people over 46.5 square miles in Central Florida. Anna holds a PhD in Public Administration, serves as an adjunct professor and policy education, and works full time at NEO Philanthropy, serving as a State Advisor in Florida. She also continues to serve on numerous boards, including Orlando Mayor Veterans Advisory Council, Keep Orlando Beautiful, the UCF College of Arts & Humanities Dean’s Executive Council, the US Global Leader Coalition, and the Valencia College Peace and Justice Institute.Currently serving as a Councilmember for the Town of Superior, Colorado, Jenn Kaaoush’s journey in public service began as a private citizen in the aftermath of the devastating Marshall Fire. She founded a resident advocacy group, Superior Rising, to provide direct support to her neighbors, streamlining recovery efforts and sourcing vital resources for her community. Her commitment to systemic change led her to the policy side of disaster recovery. As a Councilwoman, Jenn continues to advocate for streamlined government processes, equitable resource distribution, and federal support for disaster-affected communities.Anne Bink is a renowned emergency management and public administration leader, currently serving as IEM’s Director of Mitigation and Resilience. With a career spanning over two decades, Anne has demonstrated exceptional expertise and leadership in managing complex and high-profile disaster response and recovery operations. Prior to joining IEM, Anne was the Associate Administrator of the Office of Response and Recovery (ORR) at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and before that, the Deputy Commissioner for Disaster Recovery Programs at the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. Among Anne’s significant achievements at FEMA was spearheading the first-ever Recovery and Readiness Summit, aligning senior leadership and key stakeholders on significant recovery and readiness policies. Read more > -
When disaster strikes, it’s not just power grids and roads, rather entire local economies hang in the balance. In this compelling episode of DisasterSmiths, we pull back the curtain on Business Emergency Operations Centers (BEOCs). Sometimes overlooked, BEOCs are vital hubs where public agencies and private enterprises join forces in crisis. Joined by seasoned experts, our hosts dive deep into how BEOCs serve as the bridge between government response and business continuity, helping communities rebound faster and stronger. From pre-disaster planning to boots-on-the-ground coordination, discover how building these partnerships before disaster hits can mean the difference between temporary disruption and long-term devastation.
This episode will challenge your assumptions and leave you thinking differently about the private sector’s place in disaster response.
Featured Guests
Rob Glenn
Vice President of Global Resilience at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation
Beverly Byerts
Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships and Business Continuity at the Florida SBDC Network State Office
James Clark
Vice President of International Homeland Security and Emergency Management at IEMBeverly Byerts is the Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships and Business Continuity at the Florida SBDC Network State Office. In her role, she works with the Network’s statewide partners at federal and state agencies and industry associations to support small businesses. Beverly previously served as the Disaster Recovery Coordinator and Private Sector Liaison for the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and Emergency Coordinating Officer for the State Emergency Response Team’s Emergency Support Function for Business and Industry. She worked in the Emergency Operations Center in response to some of Florida’s largest recent disasters, including Hurricanes Irma, Michael and Dorian, the Pulse Nightclub shooting and the COVID-19 pandemic.Rob Glenn leads the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s efforts to connect government and private sector expertise, enhancing national readiness and resilience to help communities and industries prepare for and recover from disasters. Prior to his current role, Rob worked at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), where he developed frameworks aligning public and private sector disaster efforts. After the historic 2017 season, he helped create Emergency Support Function #14—Cross Sector Business and Infrastructure—with CISA. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, he launched the Office of Business, Infrastructure and Integration, led the longest activation of the National Business Emergency Operations Center, coordinated supply chain stabilization, and implemented the only active Voluntary Agreement under the Defense Production Act to support healthcare resource distribution.James Clark guides IEM’s strategic efforts in homeland security and emergency management, leveraging deep experience in disaster recovery, public safety, and crisis operations. Prior to the private sector, James began his career in emergency management at the Louisiana’s Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, where he led a $12 billion recovery program, managing over 200 state staff and nearly 100 contractors to deliver aid and mitigation support. He oversaw community disaster loans, individual assistance, and direct federal aid, improving the state’s resilience. James also managed $100 million in monthly grant payments, directed disaster consulting contracts, ran the State Emergency Operations Center, and served as Alternate State Coordinating Officer during major disaster declarations. Read more >
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In this episode of DisasterSmiths, our hosts delve into the resilience and recovery efforts that follow devastating wildfires, emphasizing the critical role of mitigation in preventing future disasters. They are joined by Jennifer Gray Thompson, whose firsthand experiences and expert insights have jump-started recovery efforts for wildfire survivors across the country. Together, they explore how communities are rebuilding and healing, while learning about proactive measures—such as controlled burns, creating defensible space, and improving land management—that can reduce wildfire risks.This episode highlights the strength of those affected and the importance of understanding the science behind wildfires, ensuring we are better equipped to face the next challenge when the smoke clears.
Featured Guests
Jennifer Gray Thompson
CEO of After the Fire USA, LLC & After the Fire USA (501c3)CEO of After the Fire USA, LLC & After the Fire USA (501c3), Jennifer Gray Thompson MPA, has a remarkable journey rooted in community disaster recovery. In 2017, after devastating fires in San Francisco’s North Bay, Jennifer became the Executive Director of Rebuild NorthBay Foundation (RNBF), a non-profit formed to help the region rebuild. In response to the Era of Megafires, a relatively recent chronic climate-based disaster, RNBF created After the Fire USA in 2020. Gray Thompson was named to Forbes’ 50 over 50 IMPACT List in 2022 and appointed to the Bipartisan Policy Center Disaster Response Reform Task Force in 2023. As a nationally recognized subject matter expert (SME) in megafire recovery, she presents at several national conferences and has also been featured in local, regional, and national news outlets. -
In this special milestone episode of DisasterSmiths, our hosts sit down with IEM Founder and Chairwoman, Madhu Beriwal, to reflect on four decades of resilience, innovation, and impact. From humble beginnings to building a thriving legacy, she shares the proud moments that shaped IEM’s journey, the impacts that drive our mission, and the vision that propels the company forward.
Don’t miss this inspiring conversation that uncovers the heart, soul, and future of IEM and the disaster management industry.
Featured Guests
Madhu Beriwal
IEM Founder and Chairwoman
Gary Scronce
Senior Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Management at IEMKristin Cormier Robinson
FEMA Account Executive at IEMMadhu Beriwal is a pioneering leader in disaster and emergency management, renowned for her transformative contributions to building resilient communities through science and technology. As the founder and Chairwoman of IEM International, she has led the organization to become the largest disaster management firm in the nation, introducing innovations that expedite recovery and provide essential resources to survivors more efficiently. Her visionary leadership is exemplified by the “Hurricane Pam” simulation, which the U.S. Senate’s Hurricane Katrina report recognized as a benchmark for effective disaster planning. A recipient of numerous awards, including induction into the International Women in Homeland Security and Emergency Management Hall of Fame and the title of Enterprising Woman of the Year, Beriwal has also served as an expert advisor to the Army Research Board and the Defense Science Board Panel on terrorism intelligence.Gary Scronce is a highly respected Senior Director at IEM with over 30 years of experience in emergency management and homeland security. Renowned for his significant contributions to emergency preparedness for both natural and man-made disasters across hundreds of jurisdictions, he has played a crucial role at IEM for more than 25 years. Gary’s hands-on experience includes weathering major hurricanes like Andrew, Rita, and Gustav, which has informed his development of critical initiatives, including the Hurricane Pam planning exercise prior to Hurricane Katrina. As an engaged member of several professional associations, including the International Association of Emergency Managers and the National Emergency Management Association, Gary has served on committees that influence emergency management practices.Kristin Cormier Robinson, FEMA Account Executive at IEM, plays a key role in strengthening business relationships and providing practical solutions for clients facing disasters. With extensive expertise in emergency management, she understands federal programs and leads teams in problem-solving efforts. Previously, she held senior positions at FEMA, advising on emergency management and policy issues while enhancing organizational practices. Notably, she directed the National Flood Insurance Program’s Transformation Task Force, improving customer-centric services. Her work has been instrumental in shaping disaster response legislation post-9/11 and Hurricane Katrina, including the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 and the Homeland Security Act. With a background in government relations, Kristin emphasizes the need for local solutions in effective disaster response. -
When disaster strikes, leadership and coordination can mean the difference between chaos and recovery. In this gripping episode, we explore the high-stakes partnership between emergency managers and elected officials. These leaders must work in lockstep to protect and serve their communities. While their roles and perspectives may differ, their mission is the same: to lead with clarity, act decisively, and restore order amid crisis. Join us as we unpack real-world case studies, uncover the challenges of crisis communication, and reveal how trust, collaboration, and swift decision-making shape disaster outcomes.
From emergency declarations to community messaging, this episode provides a behind-the-scenes look at the critical alliances that keep communities resilient when every second counts.
Featured Guests
Representative Anna Eskamani
Florida State House District 42
Councilwoman Jennifer Kaaoush
Town of Superior, ColoradoAnne Bink
Director of Mitigation and Resilience at IEMDr. Anna Eskamani currently sits in the Florida House of Representatives representing House District 42, encompassing a population of 182,533 people over 46.5 square miles in Central Florida. Anna holds a PhD in Public Administration, serves as an adjunct professor and policy education, and works full time at NEO Philanthropy, serving as a State Advisor in Florida. She also continues to serve on numerous boards, including Orlando Mayor Veterans Advisory Council, Keep Orlando Beautiful, the UCF College of Arts & Humanities Dean’s Executive Council, the US Global Leader Coalition, and the Valencia College Peace and Justice Institute.Currently serving as a Councilmember for the Town of Superior, Colorado, Jenn Kaaoush’s journey in public service began as a private citizen in the aftermath of the devastating Marshall Fire. She founded a resident advocacy group, Superior Rising, to provide direct support to her neighbors, streamlining recovery efforts and sourcing vital resources for her community. Her commitment to systemic change led her to the policy side of disaster recovery. As a Councilwoman, Jenn continues to advocate for streamlined government processes, equitable resource distribution, and federal support for disaster-affected communities.Anne Bink is a renowned emergency management and public administration leader, currently serving as IEM’s Director of Mitigation and Resilience. With a career spanning over two decades, Anne has demonstrated exceptional expertise and leadership in managing complex and high-profile disaster response and recovery operations. Prior to joining IEM, Anne was the Associate Administrator of the Office of Response and Recovery (ORR) at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and before that, the Deputy Commissioner for Disaster Recovery Programs at the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. Among Anne’s significant achievements at FEMA was spearheading the first-ever Recovery and Readiness Summit, aligning senior leadership and key stakeholders on significant recovery and readiness policies. Read more > -
When disaster strikes, it’s not just power grids and roads, rather entire local economies hang in the balance. In this compelling episode of DisasterSmiths, we pull back the curtain on Business Emergency Operations Centers (BEOCs). Sometimes overlooked, BEOCs are vital hubs where public agencies and private enterprises join forces in crisis. Joined by seasoned experts, our hosts dive deep into how BEOCs serve as the bridge between government response and business continuity, helping communities rebound faster and stronger. From pre-disaster planning to boots-on-the-ground coordination, discover how building these partnerships before disaster hits can mean the difference between temporary disruption and long-term devastation.
This episode will challenge your assumptions and leave you thinking differently about the private sector’s place in disaster response.
Featured Guests
Rob Glenn
Vice President of Global Resilience at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce FoundationBeverly Byerts
Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships and Business Continuity at the Florida SBDC Network State OfficeJames Clark
Vice President of International Homeland Security and Emergency Management at IEMBeverly Byerts is the Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships and Business Continuity at the Florida SBDC Network State Office. In her role, she works with the Network’s statewide partners at federal and state agencies and industry associations to support small businesses. Beverly previously served as the Disaster Recovery Coordinator and Private Sector Liaison for the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and Emergency Coordinating Officer for the State Emergency Response Team’s Emergency Support Function for Business and Industry. She worked in the Emergency Operations Center in response to some of Florida’s largest recent disasters, including Hurricanes Irma, Michael and Dorian, the Pulse Nightclub shooting and the COVID-19 pandemic.Rob Glenn leads the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s efforts to connect government and private sector expertise, enhancing national readiness and resilience to help communities and industries prepare for and recover from disasters. Prior to his current role, Rob worked at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), where he developed frameworks aligning public and private sector disaster efforts. After the historic 2017 season, he helped create Emergency Support Function #14—Cross Sector Business and Infrastructure—with CISA. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, he launched the Office of Business, Infrastructure and Integration, led the longest activation of the National Business Emergency Operations Center, coordinated supply chain stabilization, and implemented the only active Voluntary Agreement under the Defense Production Act to support healthcare resource distribution.James Clark guides IEM’s strategic efforts in homeland security and emergency management, leveraging deep experience in disaster recovery, public safety, and crisis operations. Prior to the private sector, James began his career in emergency management at the Louisiana’s Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, where he led a $12 billion recovery program, managing over 200 state staff and nearly 100 contractors to deliver aid and mitigation support. He oversaw community disaster loans, individual assistance, and direct federal aid, improving the state’s resilience. James also managed $100 million in monthly grant payments, directed disaster consulting contracts, ran the State Emergency Operations Center, and served as Alternate State Coordinating Officer during major disaster declarations.
Read more >
DisasterSmiths Podcast Season 1:
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A Smith is one dedicated to mastering the hardest metals known to man, responsible for brokering the compromise between nature and people. A DisasterSmith molds and shapes how we respond to and recover from disasters, forging tools and programs to help communities recover, rebuild, and increase resilience as disasters evolve. Our hosts, IEM’s own Chris Smith and Diana Rothe-Smith, share how their dedication and experience to the craft have propelled them to DisasterSmith status and how the DisasterSmiths podcast will cultivate conversations with fellow practitioners to drive innovative solutions for a durable, more adaptable world.
The Hosts
Chris Smith
Director, Individual Assistance and Disaster Housing at IEM
Diana Rothe-Smith
Manager, Disaster Case
Management at IEMChris Smith, the Director of Individual Assistance and Disaster Housing at IEM, is pivotal in steering the company’s strategic and operational disaster recovery initiatives, mainly focusing on individual assistance and housing deliveries. His extensive experience in emergency management across various levels of government empowers him to lead with a unique blend of strategic insight and practical expertise. Chris’ career spans over 25 years at the local, state, and federal levels, and his significant tenure includes serving as a critical member of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s senior leadership, where he headed the Office of Response and Recovery’s Individual Assistance Division. There, he led a large team through 175 federally declared disasters, efficiently managing the distribution of over $52 billion in federal assistance to those affected by disasters.Diana Rothe-Smith serves as IEM’s Program Manager for Disaster Case Management. In this capacity, she applies a wholistic survivor-focused approach to community recovery. Most of Diana’s work has been in coalition development, voluntary agency coordination, and community days of service. She has established long term recovery groups, preparedness councils, unmet needs committees, and community resiliency groups. Diana served as FEMA’s Acting Section Chief for voluntary agency coordination, was a program manager with the International Association of Fire Chiefs, and was the executive director for the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (National VOAD). -
Over the last decade and a half, the federal government has taken many steps to offer more inclusive efforts on disaster service delivery. This has been largely achieved through the works of advocacy groups. As a result, laws like the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act and the Disaster Recovery Reform Act adapt the Stafford Act to mandate more accessibility in disaster response services and recovery programs.
But what does this mean for local communities? The reality is more empowered citizens are more prepared and their communities more resilient.
Featured Guests
Ana-Marie Jones
Former Executive Director of Collaborating Agencies Responding to Disasters’ (Bay Area CARD)
Krista Houk
Manager, State and Local Preparedness Programs at IEMBefore joining Interpro, Ana-Marie Jones spent over sixteen years as the executive director of CARD – Collaborating Agencies Responding to Disasters – where she championed the disaster readiness and resilience needs of nonprofits, faith agencies, service providers, and their diverse constituencies. For over 25 years, Ana-Marie Jones has been a subject matter expert in culturally appropriate approaches to emergency preparedness, disaster response, and public safety efforts. Her innovations and alternative approaches to all aspects of emergency services have drawn international praise. Inducted into the International Women in Emergency Management and Homeland Security Hall of Fame in 2012 for her innovations in emergency management, Ana-Marie has also received several awards, including three cable Telly Awards. She’s also the founder of Oakland Speaks, a new effort designed to make conflict resolution and de-escalation a shared public language, starting with the City of Oakland, California.Krista Houk has more than twenty years of experience in emergency management, out of which she has served as an emergency manager at the local level for over eight years. She started her career as the Director of Madison County Emergency Management Agency, Ohio, and later took the position of Emergency Services Manager for the City and County of San Francisco (CCSF), California. During her time as a local emergency manager, Ms. Houk initiated many programs and planning efforts, including the Madison Crisis Response Team. This allowed her the opportunity to deploy to Mississippi post-Hurricane Katrina. As the Emergency Services Manager for the Division of Emergency Services, San Francisco Department of Emergency Management, she supervised the day-to-day operations and managed all projects and programs related to the Division and the city’s training and exercise program. Currently, Ms. Houk works as IEM’s State and Local Preparedness Manager, where she supports planning, training, and exercises across the country. -
Community systems are the places where people live, work, and interact with their environment and others. Urban or rural, coastal or inland, everyone lives in a system. These systems can promote resilience or increase the risk of negative disaster outcomes for communities simply by their designs, growth patterns, and community investment choices.
How does resilience factor into recovery? Climate resilience and social capital shape disaster recovery for communities nationwide as resilience goes beyond infrastructure.
Featured Guests
Jono Anzalone
Former Head of Disaster & Crisis, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery for International Federation of Red Cross
Zahraa Saiyed, Ph.D.
Senior Disaster Risk Reduction Consultant for the World BankMost recently, Jono Anzalone was the Executive Director of The Climate Initiative (TCI), a nonpartisan organization that inspires to educate, empower, and active 10 million youth around climate action by 2025. Jono’s hundreds of national and international disaster assignments with the American Red Cross, The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) have led him to serve in places such as Mexico, Belize, Suriname, Jamaica, The Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, Liberia for the Ebola crisis, and Haiti, to include being detailed to the United States Agency on International Development (USAID) during the 2010 Haiti Earthquake and assigned to their Response Management Team to lead the agencies donations management activity.Dr. Zahraa Saiyed is a multi-disciplinary in disaster risk reduction, public policy, and risk governance consultant with background and training as an architect, building scientist, structural engineer, and educator. Dr. Saiyed is a co-founder and principal of Scyma Consulting, a Research Affiliate with Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Urban Risk Lab, and is a Senior Disaster Risk Reduction Consultant for the World Bank, where she works on earthquake engineering, wildfire management, mental health, and community engagement. -
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, over one million residents were evacuated across the country, leaving them in dire need of emergency services. In partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) created Katrina Aid Today, a national case management consortium.
How did disaster case management evolve from humble meetings and handshakes to the complex system we know today? This unprecedented program set a new standard for recovery efforts and established modern disaster case management practices nationwide.
Featured Guests
Liz Gibson
Former FEMA Voluntary Agency Liaison
Cathy Earl
Former U.S. Program Director of Disaster Response, United Methodist Committee on ReliefWith more than 30 years of experience in Disaster Response and Recovery, Liz Gibson is the former Section Chief for the Voluntary Agency Liaisons (VAL) at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Liz began her career at the Central Ohio American Red Cross on the Disaster Assistance Team (DAT). Following her position on DAT, Liz became the Family Services Additional Assistance Coordinator at American Red Cross Headquarters, where she honed her skills in disaster resource identification and coordination with multiple faith-based and voluntary agencies. Liz went on to complete a two-year rotation with the International Society of Red Cross and Red Crescent, developing response and recovery training for the Caribbean Region before returning to FEMA Headquarters. Liz’s experience at FEMA Headquarters included participating in the development of the Federal Disaster Case Management Program.Following the tragic events of September 11, 2001, Cathy Earl began her career in disaster recovery and response by applying her experience as a professional social worker and case manager to supervise and later direct a long-term disaster recovery program. Five years later, in response to Hurricane Katrina, the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) deployed Cathy to the Gulf to train FEMA personnel in disaster casework. Subsequently, she was hired as lead case management technical supervisor for Katrina Aid Today, a FEMA-funded program. Cathy joined the core staff of UMCOR in 2008 as program director for U.S. disaster response and later as the Director of Disaster Response and U.S. Partner Relations. Cathy later served in a leadership role on the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) established committee, the Case Management Committee, from 2008 – 2016. In 2018, Cathy was elected to the National VOAD’s Board of Directors. -
The conversation continues with guests Cathy Earl and Liz Gibson as we explore how disaster case management has evolved through the years. As our country healed from 9/11, there was a shift in perspective as to what services were essential to best meet the needs of those impacted, opening up the space to address the emotional and spiritual needs in addition to the physical needs. Our guests guide us through the development of federal programs and how providers strive to best serve communities in times of crisis.
By asking those involved from the beginning, we address: What defines disaster case management? What is it not?
Featured Guests
Liz Gibson
Former FEMA Voluntary Agency Liaison
Cathy Earl
Former U.S. Program Director of Disaster Response, United Methodist Committee on ReliefWith more than 30 years of experience in Disaster Response and Recovery, Liz Gibson is the former Section Chief for the Voluntary Agency Liaisons (VAL) at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Liz began her career at the Central Ohio American Red Cross on the Disaster Assistance Team (DAT). Following her position on DAT, Liz became the Family Services Additional Assistance Coordinator at American Red Cross Headquarters, where she honed her skills in disaster resource identification and coordination with multiple faith-based and voluntary agencies. Liz went on to complete a two-year rotation with the International Society of Red Cross and Red Crescent, developing response and recovery training for the Caribbean Region before returning to FEMA Headquarters. Liz’s experience at FEMA Headquarters included participating in the development of the Federal Disaster Case Management Program.Following the tragic events of September 11, 2001, Cathy Earl began her career in disaster recovery and response by applying her experience as a professional social worker and case manager to supervise and later direct a long-term disaster recovery program. Five years later, in response to Hurricane Katrina, the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) deployed Cathy to the Gulf to train FEMA personnel in disaster casework. Subsequently, she was hired as lead case management technical supervisor for Katrina Aid Today, a FEMA-funded program. Cathy joined the core staff of UMCOR in 2008 as program director for U.S. disaster response and later as the Director of Disaster Response and U.S. Partner Relations. Cathy later served in a leadership role on the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) established committee, the Case Management Committee, from 2008 – 2016. In 2018, Cathy was elected to the National VOAD’s Board of Directors. -
Following disasters, the role of food in aiding recovery varies across affected communities nationwide. Over time, mass care feeding initiatives have advanced significantly, better addressing the diverse needs of those they serve. Transitioning from standardized meals to customizable plates accommodating dietary restrictions, religious practices, and other individual preferences, these organizations are embracing more holistic recovery strategies.
Acknowledging food’s role beyond sustenance, it becomes a beacon of hope amidst challenging times.
Featured Guests
Kevin Smith
Founder and President of Rule One Consulting
Patrick Crawford
Senior Director of Disaster Services at Feeding America
Kimberly Prosser
Manager, State and Local
Response and Recovery at IEMKevin Smith is a Certified Emergency Manager with over 25 years of experience collaborating with local, state, federal government, and nonprofit organizations. His journey in emergency management began in 1996 with The Salvation Army, ultimately leading disaster relief efforts as an Area Commander for federally declared disasters. From 2005 to 2008, Kevin served as the National Disaster Specialist with Feeding America. In this role, he focused on building resilience and response capacity within food banks and community-based organizations. From 2018 to 2021, Kevin served as the Director of the Department of Homeland Security Center for Faith and Opportunity Initiatives. In 2021, Kevin founded Rule One Consulting LLC, a whole community consulting firm dedicated to enhancing the efforts of emergency managers and nonprofit organizations.Patrick Crawford has over 20 years of experience in the private and public sectors. From 1994 to 2001, Patrick held critical positions at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), where he engaged deeply in policy formulation across various programs and contributed to FEMA’s Individual Assistance, Public Assistance, and Hazard Mitigation Programs. Transitioning to the private sector from 2001 to 2007, Crawford provided strategic government affairs and public affairs counsel to clients within the emergency management and public safety domains. His consultancy focused on emergency planning, disaster mitigation, and business continuity planning. Patrick currently serves as the Senior Director of Disaster Services at Feeding America and, since 2007, has spearheaded coordinated disaster relief efforts for Feeding America’s expansive network of 200 food banks.Prior to joining IEM, Kimberly Prosser served as Emergency Management Director for Brevard County, Florida, where she oversaw all phases of the emergency management program, including responding to numerous major disasters as Incident Commander, Planning Section Chief, and Public Information Officer. Since joining IEM in 2020, she has deployed to Tallahassee, Florida and Springfield, Illinois for COVID-19 vaccination response coordination, to Hernando County, Florida for Hurricane Isaias and Eta, and to Southwest Florida and Tallahassee for Hurricane Ian. -
In this follow-up episode, we dive deeper into the world of mass care feeding alongside our guests, Kevin Smith and Patrick Crawford. We explore how mass feeding organizations actively work to deepen their understanding of and foster stronger relationships within their communities during blue skies. By cultivating connections and bolstering community infrastructure, nonprofits are working to enhance community resilience.
Highlighting the multifaceted role of food, we recognize it’s not only sustenance, food serves as a symbol of home and belonging.
Featured Guests
Kevin Smith
Founder and President of Rule One Consulting
Patrick Crawford
Senior Director of Disaster Services at Feeding AmericaKimberly Prosser
Manager, State and Local
Response and Recovery at IEMKevin Smith is a Certified Emergency Manager with over 25 years of experience collaborating with local, state, federal government, and nonprofit organizations. His journey in emergency management began in 1996 with The Salvation Army, ultimately leading disaster relief efforts as an Area Commander for federally declared disasters. From 2005 to 2008, Kevin served as the National Disaster Specialist with Feeding America. In this role, he focused on building resilience and response capacity within food banks and community-based organizations. From 2018 to 2021, Kevin served as the Director of the Department of Homeland Security Center for Faith and Opportunity Initiatives. In 2021, Kevin founded Rule One Consulting LLC, a whole community consulting firm dedicated to enhancing the efforts of emergency managers and nonprofit organizations.Patrick Crawford has over 20 years of experience in the private and public sectors. From 1994 to 2001, Patrick held critical positions at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), where he engaged deeply in policy formulation across various programs and contributed to FEMA’s Individual Assistance, Public Assistance, and Hazard Mitigation Programs. Transitioning to the private sector from 2001 to 2007, Crawford provided strategic government affairs and public affairs counsel to clients within the emergency management and public safety domains. His consultancy focused on emergency planning, disaster mitigation, and business continuity planning. Patrick currently serves as the Senior Director of Disaster Services at Feeding America and, since 2007, has spearheaded coordinated disaster relief efforts for Feeding America’s expansive network of 200 food banks.Prior to joining IEM, Kimberly Prosser served as Emergency Management Director for Brevard County, Florida, where she oversaw all phases of the emergency management program, including responding to numerous major disasters as Incident Commander, Planning Section Chief, and Public Information Officer. Since joining IEM in 2020, she has deployed to Tallahassee, Florida and Springfield, Illinois for COVID-19 vaccination response coordination, to Hernando County, Florida for Hurricane Isaias and Eta, and to Southwest Florida and Tallahassee for Hurricane Ian. -
In this compelling episode, we delve into the critical role that the private sector plays in disaster recovery, shedding light on their unique position and potential for impact. By leveraging their resources, expertise, and networks, private entities provide immediate relief and support innovative rebuilding efforts that are both efficient and sustainable for communities recovering from disasters.
Through their commitment and creativity, corporations play a pivotal role in helping to expedite recovery efforts, contributing to a community’s ability to bounce back quickly and more resiliently.
Featured Guests
Kellie Bentz
Affiliate Faculty & Senior Advisor, National Preparedness Leadership Initiative at Harvard University and former Head of Global Disaster Response and Relief at Airbnb
Joe Ruiz
Vice President of Strategic Partnerships for Red Lightning, former Head of The UPS Foundation’s Health and Humanitarian Relief Program
Bryan Koon
President and
CEO of IEM
With over twenty years served in various leadership capacities within the crisis response space, Kellie Bentz began her career in the public sector as the founding Executive Director of HandsOn New Orleans, an initiative dedicated to engaging volunteers in response to Hurricane Katrina. Kellie held leadership positions, including the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), Louisiana VOAD, and the City of New Orleans Mayoral Transition Team. From 2010-2013, Kellie served as the Senior Director of Disaster Services for Points of Light, the largest volunteer network in the world, before transitioning to the private sector. Kellie managed Target’s Global Crisis Management program before being recruited by AirBnB. Kellie served as the first Head of Global Disaster Response and Relief from 2015 – 2020, where she worked across the enterprise to address and respond to crises that impacted the Airbnb community of over 6 million hosts in 191 countries globally.Prior to his leadership role at Red Lightning, Joe Ruiz had over 35 years in the private sector. Joe led The UPS Foundation’s Health and Humanitarian Relief Program, overseeing funding and in-kind and skilled volunteer initiatives. He facilitated the UPS Experts on Mission program to share UPS’s global supply chain expertise with international NGOs, UN agencies, and the Global Logistics Cluster, and provided private sector capacity to more than 20 global crises, including most recently the Global Pandemic, the Ukraine Invasion and Turkey Earthquakes. Under Joe’s leadership, The UPS Foundation created innovative public-private partnerships to bring private sector expertise and capacity to global disaster response and to support health systems in countries of need. These award-winning initiatives included the Logistics Emergency Team, a collaboration of leading logistics sector companies, a medical drone partnership with Gavi and Zipline, and the UPS Vaccine Equity Initiative that deployed skilled volunteers, cold-chain tools, and training to help deliver 100’s millions of COVID and childhood vaccines to underserved and remote communities in low and middle-income countries.Bryan Koon, current President and Chief Executive Officer of IEM, began his career in the Navy as a Surface Warfare Officer, followed by significant roles in the White House Military Office. From 2006 to 2011, Bryan served as a Director at Walmart Stores, Inc., overseeing emergency management operations and was instrumental in managing responses to various national and international disasters. In 2011, Bryan became Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, leading the State’s efforts in emergency preparedness, recovery, and mitigation. As Vice President of International Homeland Security and Emergency Management at IEM, Bryan has overseen vital projects in emergency management. These include responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, air evacuation support, and various public assistance and hazard mitigation grant programs. Bryan’s continued visionary approach emphasizes community resilience and cross-sector collaboration in emergency management, making him a key driver of innovative solutions and strategic partnerships at IEM. -
In this episode, we delve into the vital role of faith-based, volunteer organizations in disaster recovery efforts, exploring how they provide practical assistance as well as emotional support and hope to affected communities. From rebuilding homes to offering counseling services, these organizations demonstrate the power of compassion and solidarity in times of crisis.
Join us as we explore their inspiring stories and how they let the hammer ring hope, rebuilding lives one nail at a time.”
Featured Guests
Brent Graybeal
Director of U.S. Recovery and Development at Samaritan’s Purse
Kevin King
Executive Director of
Mennonite Disaster Service
Earl Randall III
Director of Disaster Recovery Program Compliance and Monitoring at IEMIn 2011, Brent Graybeal founded Samaritan’s Purse, a nondenominational Christian relief organization that provides spiritual and physical aid to hurting people worldwide. Brent has served as the director of Recovery and Development in the U.S. Disaster Relief arm of Samaritan’s Purse since 2014. Under his leadership, the rebuild and recovery part of the ministry has assisted over 2,570 families by building new homes and repairing storm-damaged homes at no cost to the families. Prior to starting Samaritan’s Purse, Brent helped shape his community by working in local government for 20 years, primarily with contractors and developers implementing land use regulations.Kevin King has been the Executive Director of Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) since 2004. During his tenure, he has seen the organization grow more than quadruple in terms of staffing, volunteer response, and funding. He and his team have led the organization primarily to focus on repairing and rebuilding homes with a priority on mitigation practices. In his years with MDS, Kevin has strengthened collaboration with diverse disaster response groups to magnify even further the positive impact volunteers and funds have on the lives of disaster survivors. Prior to his work with MDS, he worked overseas with the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) as an International Agriculture Advisor and Disaster Response Coordinator in Brazil and Jamaica.Earl Randall III is the Director of Disaster Recovery Program Compliance and Monitoring at IEM, specializing in managing compliance for disaster recovery grants. He previously served as HUD Louisiana Field Office Director, leading housing recovery efforts during the 2016 Louisiana Great Floods and providing assistance after Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Maria. From 2007 to 2014, Earl was a senior disaster specialist at HUD, handling long-term disaster recovery for Louisiana and New York. He holds master’s and bachelor’s degrees from Louisiana State University and oversees disaster recovery programs in multiple states at IEM. -
As we face stronger, and more frequent disasters, join the DisasterSmiths as they explore the unifying power of citizen groups in driving community-led recovery. Recognizing the opportunity to tap their skills and passion for service to address unmet needs, our guests share their personal journeys of overcoming adversity and how these experiences became the catalyst for founding their own organizations dedicated to enhancing community resilience worldwide.
Through solidarity and empowerment, citizen groups continue to play an essential role in disaster recovery efforts.
Featured Guests
Jennifer Gray Thompson
CEO of After the Fire USA, LLC & After the Fire USA (501c3)
Lisa Orloff
Founder and President of World Cares Center
CEO of After the Fire USA, LLC & After the Fire USA (501c3), Jennifer Gray Thompson MPA, has a remarkable journey rooted in community disaster recovery. In 2017, after devastating fires in San Francisco’s North Bay, Jennifer became the Executive Director of Rebuild NorthBay Foundation (RNBF), a non-profit formed to help the region rebuild. In response to the Era of Megafires, a relatively recent chronic climate-based disaster, RNBF created After the Fire USA in 2020. Gray Thompson was named to Forbes’ 50 over 50 IMPACT List in 2022 and appointed to the Bipartisan Policy Center Disaster Response Reform Task Force in 2023. As a nationally recognized subject matter expert (SME) in megafire recovery, she presents at several national conferences and has also been featured in local, regional, and national news outlets.Founder and President of World Cares Center, a non-profit voluntary organization developed in response to 9/11, Lisa Orloff is a not-for-profit entrepreneur, President of Resiliency Advisors, LLC, and founder of World Cares Center, the not-for-profit, voluntary organization she spearheaded after 9-11-2001. Ms. Orloff has responded during the 9-11 relief effort, Hurricane Katrina, the Haiti Earthquake of 2010, Hurricane Irene, and SuperStorm Sandy. Lisa has built partnerships with Offices of Emergency Management, Citizen Corp, CERT, the American Red Cross, Police Departments, and the military, including the Department of Defense and UN cluster groups. Ms. Orloff contributes to a broader approach to inclusive disaster risk reduction and response as a subject matter expert for SAHMSA on the development of the Disaster Supervisor and Worker Resiliency Training.Elizabeth Zimmerman, an eminent figure in emergency management, acts as a Senior Executive Advisor to IEM. A champion of innovation and effective disaster management strategies, Elizabeth spearheaded the development and implementation of the National Disaster Recovery Framework, Recovery Support Functions, and the Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinators. Throughout her career, Elizabeth has emphasized the importance of understanding the unique needs of communities affected by disasters. -
In this engaging episode, we dive into the transformative shifts in volunteerism sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic and its profound impact on disaster recovery efforts. Discover how the roles and responsibilities of volunteers have evolved and why understanding these changes is vital for effective crisis management. We uncover the latest trends in community engagement, revealing how emergency managers can leverage these insights to build stronger, more resilient communities.
Tune in to learn how to maximize volunteer support, streamline coordination, and make a lasting difference in times of crisis. Join us for an inspiring conversation on revolutionizing disaster relief through the power of modern volunteerism.
Featured Guests
Jennifer Bennett
Director of Education and Training at VolunteerMatchJennifer Bennett leads the VolunteerMatch Learning Center and designs tools, trainings, and resources to help VolunteerMatch’s community of nonprofits better recruit and engage volunteers. She shares her knowledge with leaders of volunteers through the trainings in the Learning Center, the LOVs Newsletter, the VolunteerMatch Blog, and at conferences around the country. Jennifer serves as the Director of Knowledge on the Board of the Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration and is the current Co-Editor and a contributing author for the 4th Edition of Volunteer Administration: Professional Practice, published by LexisNexis Canada in January 2021. -
In this episode, we uncover the crucial yet often overlooked role of donations management in disaster response. Our hosts and expert guests explore everything from the strategic placement of warehouses to tailoring aid to a community’s specific needs. They also tackle the delicate art of redirecting well-meaning donations that can, if mishandled, hinder emergency efforts.
Join us as we navigate the fine line between public generosity and practical logistics, revealing how to turn goodwill into powerful, effective relief.
Featured Guests
Jim Alvey
Vice President of Disaster Recovery at Good360
Chris Cameron
Executive Director of HandsOn New Orleans
Michele Jones
Manager, State and Local Response and RecoveryAs Good360’s Vice President of Disaster Recovery, Jim Alvey works across public, private, and non-profit sectors to increase the efficiency and impact of in-kind donations in the disaster space. Since 2016, he has been building and maintaining corporate and foundation relationships based on trust and appreciation for the roles each of us plays in closing need gaps in our communities. Jim’s primary focus areas are developing products and funding partnerships that support the pre-positioning of products and long-term recovery efforts while also providing thought leadership to all stakeholders.With over 30 years of experience in natural and human-made disasters, Chris Cameron is a seasoned expert in disaster recovery. Prior to joining HandsOn New Orleans in 2012, Chris co-chaired with the director of the New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (NOHSEP) to lead a year-long Community Advisory Committee that developed the first-ever Comprehensive Disaster Recovery Plan. This achievement puts New Orleans among only a few cities nationwide to accomplish this feat. In addition to his role as Executive Director of HandsOn New Orleans, Chris is an active member of the Points of Light Global Network Affiliate Assembly and serves as Liaison to the Disaster Management subcommittee. He serves on the Louisiana Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (LAVOAD) board of directors and represents HandsOn in Long-Term Recovery Groups (LTRGs).Michele Jones is a seasoned emergency management professional with a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience in federal funds management from the local and state perspective, as well as emergency management response and recovery at the state and local levels. Prior to IEM, Michele served as the Emergency Management Director of Martin County. Michele’s technical expertise spans programs like the Coronavirus Relief Fund, American Rescue Plan Act, and FEMA Public Assistance, and she has led projects wherein over $2.9B in federal funds have been managed through her support of state and county agencies in Nevada, Florida, and Virginia. -
In this compelling episode, we explore the pivotal role that trust plays in emergency management for tribal communities. Trust is not given; it is earned through respect, understanding, and authentic engagement. Our hosts and expert guests illuminate the rich diversity of tribes, each with its own unique culture, history, and identity, emphasizing the importance of honoring these distinctions.
More than just a discussion, this episode offers powerful insights into how emergency managers can move beyond the checkbox approach and embark on a journey of true partnership with tribal communities. Packed with real-world stories and practical advice, it’s a call to action for every emergency manager to listen, learn, and forge lasting relationships rooted in trust and collaboration. Tune in and be part of the transformation.
Featured Guests
Mark Ford
Director of Native/Tribal Partnerships at Feeding America
Chuck Kmet
Emergency Manager for the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community
Dave Andrews
Director of International Homeland SecurityMark Ford is originally from Alamosa, Colorado and is Chiricahua Apache with a Jicarilla Apache and Pueblo descent. As a former Roman Catholic priest, Mark spent seven years working with the Navajo and Hopi Reservations in Arizona. After serving in New Orleans post-Hurricane Katrina, he was appointed Assistant Director of Disability Affairs by Governor Kathleen Blanco in 2006, then became the Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs under Governor Bobby Jindal in 2008, focusing on hurricane recovery efforts. In 2010, Mark moved to South Dakota, joining the Partnership With Native Americans in Rapid City to lead sustainable programs for tribal communities. He now works as the Director of Native/Tribal Partnerships at Feeding America, where he assists Food Banks within Feeding America’s membership to develop or enhance relationships with Native/Tribal communities and to partner with native American led and serving grassroot organizations.Chuck Kmet has over 32 years of experience in public safety, emergency management, and homeland security across tribal, state, local government, and the private sector. Formerly, he was the Emergency Manager for Pinal County, Arizona, for eight years. He was the Tribal Liaison for Arizona’s Department of Emergency and Military Affairs after having spent ten years serving the people of the Tohono O’odham Nation in southern Arizona. During his time as Emergency Manager for Pinal County and the Tohono O’odham Nation, Chuck was part of five Presidential Disaster Declarations, four Gubernatorial Disaster Declarations, and four Fire Management Assistance Grant Designations, securing approximately $20M in grant and disaster relief funding. Chuck also notably advocated for legislative amendments to the Stafford Act to recognize tribal sovereignty, facilitating direct disaster assistance requests from tribal governments to FEMA.David Andrews, with a career spanning over two decades in emergency management, serves as the Director of International Homeland Security at IEM. David’s journey in emergency management began at the Alaska Division of Homeland Security, where he excelled as a Program Manager. In this role, he oversaw disaster recovery operations within the State, demonstrating his capability in managing complex emergencies. His expertise was further recognized through his appointment as the State Coordinating Officer for multiple disasters, where he acted as the Governor’s senior official, coordinating policies and funding across federal, state, local, and Native Alaskan levels during declared disasters. -
In this episode, we confront a pressing issue too often overlooked in emergency management: mental health. Join our hosts and guests as they break down the stigma around emotional care for both responders and survivors, highlighting why mental well-being is essential at every stage of disaster response. With crises intensifying and responsibilities growing, taking care of our minds is not just an option—it’s a necessity.
Listen in as we explore how building emotional resilience and normalizing mental health support can empower us all. Together, we are rewriting the narrative, creating a stronger foundation for both present challenges and the futures we are dedicated to protecting.
If you are feeling mental distress and wish to utilize the resources mentioned in this episode, please use the links provided below. Thank you for all that you do.
Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990, https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline
Provider Resilience App: https://mobile.health.mil/Apps/PWA-Apps/Provider-ResilienceFeatured Guests
Mary Gaudreau Hughes
Executive Director of Crisis Care Ministries
Christian Burgess
Director of Disaster Distress Helpline at Vibrant Health
Lisa Poziomek
Disaster Response Specialist for IEMRev. Mary Gaudreau Hughes first entered into disaster response work following the 1995 Oklahoma City Murrah Building bombing. Rev. Hughes is an ordained United Methodist deacon, licensed professional counselor, and nationally known disaster response specialist with 25 years of experience in disaster emotional and spiritual care. She is a key leader in developing curricula, resources, and national standards for disaster spiritual care and has provided training, consultation, and technical guidance across the United States. She currently serves as Executive Director for Crisis Care Ministries in Oklahoma.Christian Burgess, LMSW, is the Director of the Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH), a program of the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration administered by the not-for-profit Vibrant Emotional Health. Christian became Director of the DDH in 2012, helping launch the program after joining Vibrant in 2010 as the Training Coordinator for the Oil Spill Distress Helpline project. The DDH is the only crisis hotline nationwide in scope dedicated to providing 24/7/365 emotional support for survivors and responders of natural or human-caused disasters. Before his work at Vibrant, Christian worked for over 10 years in youth violence prevention and trauma intervention in New York City, including as Director of School Programs at Safe Horizon, one of the nation’s largest service providers for victims of crime and abuse.Lisa Poziomek is a Florida Professional Emergency Manager and Certified Healthcare Emergency Professional with over 17 years of experience in emergency management. She has worked at county and state levels, deploying to large-scale national disasters and coordinating local responses since 2004. Recently, she was involved in response efforts for Hurricanes Ian, Idalia, Debby, Helene, and Milton. Her roles have included Disaster Services Manager for a national non-profit, Emergency Manager for the Department of Health, and Emergency Manager for Cleveland Clinic. Currently, she works with IEM in the State and Local Response and Recovery Division. -
In this special episode, our hosts are joined by Andrew Velasquez III, IEM’s Account Executive for the Central Region and former federal, state, and city emergency manager. Andrew’s emergency management background began with a calling to serve his community at a local scale, starting a journey that would lead him to notable state and county cabinet-level positions and later being appointed by the President as a FEMA Regional Administrator. Andrew’s multifaceted history gives him a unique perspective and timeline of what it means to be an emergency manager and how that definition has evolved as leaders in the profession tackle new challenges.
In grappling with emerging issues like pandemics and rapid technological advancements, we recognize the resilience and adaptability of emergency managers dedicated to protecting their communities. As we conclude 2024, we take a moment to reflect on the year and pose an important question: What is an Emergency Manager?Featured Guests
Andrew Velasquez III
Account Executive for the Central Region at IEMAndrew Velasquez III has extensive expertise in emergency management, notably as the Federal Emergency Management Agency Regional Administrator, where he coordinated federal responses to 35 major disasters across six states. He has held significant roles, including the Illinois Governor’s Homeland Security Advisor and Director of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, contributing to statewide initiatives. His leadership as Executive Director of Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications highlights his deep understanding of urban emergency management. As IEM’s Account Executive for the Central Region, Andrew is pivotal in enhancing emergency management strategies in major metropolitan areas, focusing on disaster response and recovery efforts integral to building resilience in densely populated urban centers. -
This holiday season, the DisasterSmiths podcast delivers an unforgettable gift: a high-energy episode diving into the thrilling world of disaster movies! Join hosts Chris and Diana as they break down iconic cinematic chaos, exploring the pulse-pounding action, unexpected humor, and timeless appeal of blockbuster hits and some oldies, but goodies. Special guest Stephanie Tennyson, IEM’s Chief Communications Director, adds her expert perspective to the mix, making this episode a must-listen. Whether you’re unwinding from a whirlwind year or seeking a dose of entertaining nostalgia, this episode promises to keep you hooked. Don’t miss this epic end of the year episode (read in the movie trailer voice)!
Featured Guests
Stephanie Tennyson
Chief Communications Director at IEMStephanie Tennyson, a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in communications, intergovernmental affairs, engagement and outreach, marketing and emergency management, serves as the Chief Communications Director at IEM. In her role, Stephanie provides strategic direction and oversight for the company’s external and internal communications and marketing. Although she may not be known as a movie critic to the public, Stephanie is an avid fan of disaster movies, a passion she has cultivated over the years and has earned her the title of a ‘movie connoisseur’ to those around her. Stephanie enjoyed the opportunity to join our DisasterSmiths hosts to share her thoughts and insights on disaster and emergency management movies. -
Step into 2025 with an exclusive episode featuring IEM President and CEO Bryan Koon, a seasoned emergency management expert with over two decades of leadership experience, and Emily Zegowitz, a trailblazing innovator reshaping the field. Together with our DisasterSmith hosts, they dive into the forces transforming emergency management and reveal how the next generation of leaders is redefining resilience in an era of rapid change.From the power of mentorship to the critical role of education and passion, this conversation uncovers what it takes to inspire and equip tomorrow’s emergency managers. Hear firsthand insights on fostering innovation, strengthening communities, and creating a safer, more prepared future.Join us for a compelling dialogue that connects experience with vision, spotlighting the synergy between established leaders and emerging talent shaping the future of disaster response and recovery.
Featured Guests
Bryan Koon
President and CEO of IEM
Emily Zegowitz
Project Manager, State and Local Response and Recovery at IEMBryan Koon, current President and Chief Executive Officer of IEM, began his career in the Navy as a Surface Warfare Officer, followed by significant roles in the White House Military Office. From 2006 to 2011, Bryan served as a Director at Walmart Stores, Inc., overseeing emergency management operations and was instrumental in managing responses to various national and international disasters. In 2011, Bryan became Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, leading the State’s efforts in emergency preparedness, recovery, and mitigation. As Vice President of International Homeland Security and Emergency Management at IEM, Bryan has overseen vital projects in emergency management. These include responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, air evacuation support, and various public assistance and hazard mitigation grant programs. Bryan’s continued visionary approach emphasizes community resilience and cross-sector collaboration in emergency management, making him a key driver of innovative solutions and strategic partnerships at IEM.Emily Zegowitz is an all-hazards emergency management project manager with nearly a decade of experience in the public and private sectors. She began her career in the Florida Army National Guard, where she responded to Hurricanes Matthew, Irma, Michael, and Dorian, and served as a logistics lead for COVID-19 testing sites. After six years of service, she transitioned to the public sector, working as an intern for Leon County Emergency Management before advancing to project management roles supporting response, recovery, and preparedness efforts nationwide. Ms. Zegowitz holds a PMP certification, CEM designation, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, and an MSFES from the University of Florida.
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A Smith is one dedicated to mastering the hardest metals known to man, responsible for brokering the compromise between nature and people. A DisasterSmith molds and shapes how we respond to and recover from disasters, forging tools and programs to help communities recover, rebuild, and increase resilience as disasters evolve. Our hosts, IEM’s own Chris Smith and Diana Rothe-Smith, share how their dedication and experience to the craft have propelled them to DisasterSmith status and how the DisasterSmiths podcast will cultivate conversations with fellow practitioners to drive innovative solutions for a durable, more adaptable world.
The Hosts
Chris Smith
Director, Individual Assistance and Disaster Housing at IEMDiana Rothe-Smith
Manager, Disaster Case
Management at IEMChris Smith, the Director of Individual Assistance and Disaster Housing at IEM, is pivotal in steering the company’s strategic and operational disaster recovery initiatives, mainly focusing on individual assistance and housing deliveries. His extensive experience in emergency management across various levels of government empowers him to lead with a unique blend of strategic insight and practical expertise. Chris’ career spans over 25 years at the local, state, and federal levels, and his significant tenure includes serving as a critical member of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s senior leadership, where he headed the Office of Response and Recovery’s Individual Assistance Division. There, he led a large team through 175 federally declared disasters, efficiently managing the distribution of over $52 billion in federal assistance to those affected by disasters.Diana Rothe-Smith serves as IEM’s Program Manager for Disaster Case Management. In this capacity, she applies a wholistic survivor-focused approach to community recovery. Most of Diana’s work has been in coalition development, voluntary agency coordination, and community days of service. She has established long term recovery groups, preparedness councils, unmet needs committees, and community resiliency groups. Diana served as FEMA’s Acting Section Chief for voluntary agency coordination, was a program manager with the International Association of Fire Chiefs, and was the executive director for the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (National VOAD). -
Over the last decade and a half, the federal government has taken many steps to offer more inclusive efforts on disaster service delivery. This has been largely achieved through the works of advocacy groups. As a result, laws like the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act and the Disaster Recovery Reform Act adapt the Stafford Act to mandate more accessibility in disaster response services and recovery programs.
But what does this mean for local communities? The reality is more empowered citizens are more prepared and their communities more resilient.
Featured Guests
Ana-Marie Jones
Former Executive Director of Collaborating Agencies Responding to Disasters’ (Bay Area CARD)
Krista Houk
Manager, State and Local Preparedness Programs at IEMBefore joining Interpro, Ana-Marie Jones spent over sixteen years as the executive director of CARD – Collaborating Agencies Responding to Disasters – where she championed the disaster readiness and resilience needs of nonprofits, faith agencies, service providers, and their diverse constituencies. For over 25 years, Ana-Marie Jones has been a subject matter expert in culturally appropriate approaches to emergency preparedness, disaster response, and public safety efforts. Her innovations and alternative approaches to all aspects of emergency services have drawn international praise. Inducted into the International Women in Emergency Management and Homeland Security Hall of Fame in 2012 for her innovations in emergency management, Ana-Marie has also received several awards, including three cable Telly Awards. She’s also the founder of Oakland Speaks, a new effort designed to make conflict resolution and de-escalation a shared public language, starting with the City of Oakland, California.Krista Houk has more than twenty years of experience in emergency management, out of which she has served as an emergency manager at the local level for over eight years. She started her career as the Director of Madison County Emergency Management Agency, Ohio, and later took the position of Emergency Services Manager for the City and County of San Francisco (CCSF), California. During her time as a local emergency manager, Ms. Houk initiated many programs and planning efforts, including the Madison Crisis Response Team. This allowed her the opportunity to deploy to Mississippi post-Hurricane Katrina. As the Emergency Services Manager for the Division of Emergency Services, San Francisco Department of Emergency Management, she supervised the day-to-day operations and managed all projects and programs related to the Division and the city’s training and exercise program. Currently, Ms. Houk works as IEM’s State and Local Preparedness Manager, where she supports planning, training, and exercises across the country. -
Community systems are the places where people live, work, and interact with their environment and others. Urban or rural, coastal or inland, everyone lives in a system. These systems can promote resilience or increase the risk of negative disaster outcomes for communities simply by their designs, growth patterns, and community investment choices.
How does resilience factor into recovery? Climate resilience and social capital shape disaster recovery for communities nationwide as resilience goes beyond infrastructure.
Featured Guests
Jono Anzalone
Former Head of Disaster & Crisis, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery for International Federation of Red Cross
Zahraa Saiyed Ph.D.
Senior Disaster Risk Reduction Consultant for the World BankMost recently, Jono Anzalone was the Executive Director of The Climate Initiative (TCI), a nonpartisan organization that inspires to educate, empower, and active 10 million youth around climate action by 2025. Jono’s hundreds of national and international disaster assignments with the American Red Cross, The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) have led him to serve in places such as Mexico, Belize, Suriname, Jamaica, The Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, Liberia for the Ebola crisis, and Haiti, to include being detailed to the United States Agency on International Development (USAID) during the 2010 Haiti Earthquake and assigned to their Response Management Team to lead the agencies donations management activity.Dr. Zahraa Saiyed is a multi-disciplinary in disaster risk reduction, public policy, and risk governance consultant with background and training as an architect, building scientist, structural engineer, and educator. Dr. Saiyed is a co-founder and principal of Scyma Consulting, a Research Affiliate with Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Urban Risk Lab, and is a Senior Disaster Risk Reduction Consultant for the World Bank, where she works on earthquake engineering, wildfire management, mental health, and community engagement. -
Community systems are the places where people live, work, and interact with their environment and others. Urban or rural, coastal or inland, everyone lives in a system. These systems can promote resilience or increase the risk of negative disaster outcomes for communities simply by their designs, growth patterns, and community investment choices.
How does resilience factor into recovery? Climate resilience and social capital shape disaster recovery for communities nationwide as resilience goes beyond infrastructure.
Featured Guests
Liz Gibson
Former FEMA Voluntary Agency Liaison
Cathy Earl
Former U.S. Program Director of Disaster Response, United Methodist Committee on ReliefWith more than 30 years of experience in Disaster Response and Recovery, Liz Gibson is the former Section Chief for the Voluntary Agency Liaisons (VAL) at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Liz began her career at the Central Ohio American Red Cross on the Disaster Assistance Team (DAT). Following her position on DAT, Liz became the Family Services Additional Assistance Coordinator at American Red Cross Headquarters, where she honed her skills in disaster resource identification and coordination with multiple faith-based and voluntary agencies. Liz went on to complete a two-year rotation with the International Society of Red Cross and Red Crescent, developing response and recovery training for the Caribbean Region before returning to FEMA Headquarters. Liz’s experience at FEMA Headquarters included participating in the development of the Federal Disaster Case Management Program.Following the tragic events of September 11, 2001, Cathy Earl began her career in disaster recovery and response by applying her experience as a professional social worker and case manager to supervise and later direct a long-term disaster recovery program. Five years later, in response to Hurricane Katrina, the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) deployed Cathy to the Gulf to train FEMA personnel in disaster casework. Subsequently, she was hired as lead case management technical supervisor for Katrina Aid Today, a FEMA-funded program. Cathy joined the core staff of UMCOR in 2008 as program director for U.S. disaster response and later as the Director of Disaster Response and U.S. Partner Relations. Cathy later served in a leadership role on the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) established committee, the Case Management Committee, from 2008 – 2016. In 2018, Cathy was elected to the National VOAD’s Board of Directors. -
The conversation continues with guests Cathy Earl and Liz Gibson as we explore how disaster case management has evolved through the years. As our country healed from 9/11, there was a shift in perspective as to what services were essential to best meet the needs of those impacted, opening up the space to address the emotional and spiritual needs in addition to the physical needs. Our guests guide us through the development of federal programs and how providers strive to best serve communities in times of crisis.
By asking those involved from the beginning, we address: What defines disaster case management? What is it not?
Featured Guests
Liz Gibson
Former FEMA Voluntary Agency Liaison
Cathy Earl
Former U.S. Program Director of Disaster Response, United Methodist Committee on ReliefWith more than 30 years of experience in Disaster Response and Recovery, Liz Gibson is the former Section Chief for the Voluntary Agency Liaisons (VAL) at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Liz began her career at the Central Ohio American Red Cross on the Disaster Assistance Team (DAT). Following her position on DAT, Liz became the Family Services Additional Assistance Coordinator at American Red Cross Headquarters, where she honed her skills in disaster resource identification and coordination with multiple faith-based and voluntary agencies. Liz went on to complete a two-year rotation with the International Society of Red Cross and Red Crescent, developing response and recovery training for the Caribbean Region before returning to FEMA Headquarters. Liz’s experience at FEMA Headquarters included participating in the development of the Federal Disaster Case Management Program.Following the tragic events of September 11, 2001, Cathy Earl began her career in disaster recovery and response by applying her experience as a professional social worker and case manager to supervise and later direct a long-term disaster recovery program. Five years later, in response to Hurricane Katrina, the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) deployed Cathy to the Gulf to train FEMA personnel in disaster casework. Subsequently, she was hired as lead case management technical supervisor for Katrina Aid Today, a FEMA-funded program. Cathy joined the core staff of UMCOR in 2008 as program director for U.S. disaster response and later as the Director of Disaster Response and U.S. Partner Relations. Cathy later served in a leadership role on the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) established committee, the Case Management Committee, from 2008 – 2016. In 2018, Cathy was elected to the National VOAD’s Board of Directors. -
Following disasters, the role of food in aiding recovery varies across affected communities nationwide. Over time, mass care feeding initiatives have advanced significantly, better addressing the diverse needs of those they serve. Transitioning from standardized meals to customizable plates accommodating dietary restrictions, religious practices, and other individual preferences, these organizations are embracing more holistic recovery strategies.
Acknowledging food’s role beyond sustenance, it becomes a beacon of hope amidst challenging times.
Featured Guests
Kevin Smith
Founder and President of Rule One Consulting
Patrick Crawford
Senior Director of Disaster Services at Feeding AmericaKimberly Prosser
Manager, State and Local Re
sponse and RecoveryKevin Smith is a Certified Emergency Manager with over 25 years of experience collaborating with local, state, federal government, and nonprofit organizations. His journey in emergency management began in 1996 with The Salvation Army, ultimately leading disaster relief efforts as an Area Commander for federally declared disasters. From 2005 to 2008, Kevin served as the National Disaster Specialist with Feeding America. In this role, he focused on building resilience and response capacity within food banks and community-based organizations. From 2018 to 2021, Kevin served as the Director of the Department of Homeland Security Center for Faith and Opportunity Initiatives. In 2021, Kevin founded Rule One Consulting LLC, a whole community consulting firm dedicated to enhancing the efforts of emergency managers and nonprofit organizations.Patrick Crawford has over 20 years of experience in the private and public sectors. From 1994 to 2001, Patrick held critical positions at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), where he engaged deeply in policy formulation across various programs and contributed to FEMA’s Individual Assistance, Public Assistance, and Hazard Mitigation Programs. Transitioning to the private sector from 2001 to 2007, Crawford provided strategic government affairs and public affairs counsel to clients within the emergency management and public safety domains. His consultancy focused on emergency planning, disaster mitigation, and business continuity planning. Patrick currently serves as the Senior Director of Disaster Services at Feeding America and, since 2007, has spearheaded coordinated disaster relief efforts for Feeding America’s expansive network of 200 food banks.Prior to joining IEM, Kimberly Prosser served as Emergency Management Director for Brevard County, Florida, where she oversaw all phases of the emergency management program, including responding to numerous major disasters as Incident Commander, Planning Section Chief, and Public Information Officer. Since joining IEM in 2020, she has deployed to Tallahassee, Florida and Springfield, Illinois for COVID-19 vaccination response coordination, to Hernando County, Florida for Hurricane Isaias and Eta, and to Southwest Florida and Tallahassee for Hurricane Ian. -
In this follow-up episode, we dive deeper into the world of mass care feeding alongside our guests, Kevin Smith and Patrick Crawford. We explore how mass feeding organizations actively work to deepen their understanding of and foster stronger relationships within their communities during blue skies. By cultivating connections and bolstering community infrastructure, nonprofits are working to enhance community resilience.
Highlighting the multifaceted role of food, we recognize it’s not only sustenance, food serves as a symbol of home and belonging.
Featured Guests
Kevin Smith
Founder and President of Rule One Consulting
Patrick Crawford
Senior Director of Disaster Services at Feeding AmericaKimberly Prosser
Manager, State and Local Re
sponse and RecoveryKevin Smith is a Certified Emergency Manager with over 25 years of experience collaborating with local, state, federal government, and nonprofit organizations. His journey in emergency management began in 1996 with The Salvation Army, ultimately leading disaster relief efforts as an Area Commander for federally declared disasters. From 2005 to 2008, Kevin served as the National Disaster Specialist with Feeding America. In this role, he focused on building resilience and response capacity within food banks and community-based organizations. From 2018 to 2021, Kevin served as the Director of the Department of Homeland Security Center for Faith and Opportunity Initiatives. In 2021, Kevin founded Rule One Consulting LLC, a whole community consulting firm dedicated to enhancing the efforts of emergency managers and nonprofit organizations.Patrick Crawford has over 20 years of experience in the private and public sectors. From 1994 to 2001, Patrick held critical positions at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), where he engaged deeply in policy formulation across various programs and contributed to FEMA’s Individual Assistance, Public Assistance, and Hazard Mitigation Programs. Transitioning to the private sector from 2001 to 2007, Crawford provided strategic government affairs and public affairs counsel to clients within the emergency management and public safety domains. His consultancy focused on emergency planning, disaster mitigation, and business continuity planning. Patrick currently serves as the Senior Director of Disaster Services at Feeding America and, since 2007, has spearheaded coordinated disaster relief efforts for Feeding America’s expansive network of 200 food banks.Prior to joining IEM, Kimberly Prosser served as Emergency Management Director for Brevard County, Florida, where she oversaw all phases of the emergency management program, including responding to numerous major disasters as Incident Commander, Planning Section Chief, and Public Information Officer. Since joining IEM in 2020, she has deployed to Tallahassee, Florida and Springfield, Illinois for COVID-19 vaccination response coordination, to Hernando County, Florida for Hurricane Isaias and Eta, and to Southwest Florida and Tallahassee for Hurricane Ian. -
In this compelling episode, we delve into the critical role that the private sector plays in disaster recovery, shedding light on their unique position and potential for impact. By leveraging their resources, expertise, and networks, private entities provide immediate relief and support innovative rebuilding efforts that are both efficient and sustainable for communities recovering from disasters.
Through their commitment and creativity, corporations play a pivotal role in helping to expedite recovery efforts, contributing to a community’s ability to bounce back quickly and more resiliently.
Featured Guests
Kellie Bentz
Affiliate Faculty & Senior Advisor, National Preparedness Leadership Initiative at Harvard University and former Head of Global Disaster Response and Relief at Airbnb
Joe Ruiz
Vice President of Strategic Partnerships for Red Lightning, former Head of The UPS Foundation’s Health and Humanitarian Relief ProgramBryan Koon
President and
CEO of IEM
With over twenty years served in various leadership capacities within the crisis response space, Kellie Bentz began her career in the public sector as the founding Executive Director of HandsOn New Orleans, an initiative dedicated to engaging volunteers in response to Hurricane Katrina. Kellie held leadership positions, including the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), Louisiana VOAD, and the City of New Orleans Mayoral Transition Team. From 2010-2013, Kellie served as the Senior Director of Disaster Services for Points of Light, the largest volunteer network in the world, before transitioning to the private sector. Kellie managed Target’s Global Crisis Management program before being recruited by AirBnB. Kellie served as the first Head of Global Disaster Response and Relief from 2015 – 2020, where she worked across the enterprise to address and respond to crises that impacted the Airbnb community of over 6 million hosts in 191 countries globally.Prior to his leadership role at Red Lightning, Joe Ruiz had over 35 years in the private sector. Joe led The UPS Foundation’s Health and Humanitarian Relief Program, overseeing funding and in-kind and skilled volunteer initiatives. He facilitated the UPS Experts on Mission program to share UPS’s global supply chain expertise with international NGOs, UN agencies, and the Global Logistics Cluster, and provided private sector capacity to more than 20 global crises, including most recently the Global Pandemic, the Ukraine Invasion and Turkey Earthquakes. Under Joe’s leadership, The UPS Foundation created innovative public-private partnerships to bring private sector expertise and capacity to global disaster response and to support health systems in countries of need. These award-winning initiatives included the Logistics Emergency Team, a collaboration of leading logistics sector companies, a medical drone partnership with Gavi and Zipline, and the UPS Vaccine Equity Initiative that deployed skilled volunteers, cold-chain tools, and training to help deliver 100’s millions of COVID and childhood vaccines to underserved and remote communities in low and middle-income countries.Bryan Koon, current President and Chief Executive Officer of IEM, began his career in the Navy as a Surface Warfare Officer, followed by significant roles in the White House Military Office. From 2006 to 2011, Bryan served as a Director at Walmart Stores, Inc., overseeing emergency management operations and was instrumental in managing responses to various national and international disasters. In 2011, Bryan became Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, leading the State’s efforts in emergency preparedness, recovery, and mitigation. As Vice President of International Homeland Security and Emergency Management at IEM, Bryan has overseen vital projects in emergency management. These include responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, air evacuation support, and various public assistance and hazard mitigation grant programs. Bryan’s continued visionary approach emphasizes community resilience and cross-sector collaboration in emergency management, making him a key driver of innovative solutions and strategic partnerships at IEM. -
In this episode, we delve into the vital role of faith-based, volunteer organizations in disaster recovery efforts, exploring how they provide practical assistance as well as emotional support and hope to affected communities. From rebuilding homes to offering counseling services, these organizations demonstrate the power of compassion and solidarity in times of crisis.
Join us as we explore their inspiring stories and how they let the hammer ring hope, rebuilding lives one nail at a time.
Featured Guests
Brent Graybeal
Director of U.S. Recovery and Development at Samaritan’s Purse
Kevin King
Executive Director of Mennonite Disaster ServiceEarl Randall III
Director of Disaster Recovery Program Compliance and Monitoring at IEMIn 2011, Brent Graybeal founded Samaritan’s Purse, a nondenominational Christian relief organization that provides spiritual and physical aid to hurting people worldwide. Brent has served as the director of Recovery and Development in the U.S. Disaster Relief arm of Samaritan’s Purse since 2014. Under his leadership, the rebuild and recovery part of the ministry has assisted over 2,570 families by building new homes and repairing storm-damaged homes at no cost to the families. Prior to starting Samaritan’s Purse, Brent helped shape his community by working in local government for 20 years, primarily with contractors and developers implementing land use regulations.Kevin King has been the Executive Director of Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) since 2004. During his tenure, he has seen the organization grow more than quadruple in terms of staffing, volunteer response, and funding. He and his team have led the organization primarily to focus on repairing and rebuilding homes with a priority on mitigation practices. In his years with MDS, Kevin has strengthened collaboration with diverse disaster response groups to magnify even further the positive impact volunteers and funds have on the lives of disaster survivors. Prior to his work with MDS, he worked overseas with the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) as an International Agriculture Advisor and Disaster Response Coordinator in Brazil and Jamaica.Earl Randall III is the Director of Disaster Recovery Program Compliance and Monitoring at IEM, specializing in managing compliance for disaster recovery grants. He previously served as HUD Louisiana Field Office Director, leading housing recovery efforts during the 2016 Louisiana Great Floods and providing assistance after Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Maria. From 2007 to 2014, Earl was a senior disaster specialist at HUD, handling long-term disaster recovery for Louisiana and New York. He holds master’s and bachelor’s degrees from Louisiana State University and oversees disaster recovery programs in multiple states at IEM. -
As we face stronger, and more frequent disasters, join the DisasterSmiths as they explore the unifying power of citizen groups in driving community-led recovery. Recognizing the opportunity to tap their skills and passion for service to address unmet needs, our guests share their personal journeys of overcoming adversity and how these experiences became the catalyst for founding their own organizations dedicated to enhancing community resilience worldwide.
Through solidarity and empowerment, citizen groups continue to play an essential role in disaster recovery efforts.
Featured Guests
Jennifer Gray Thompson
CEO of After the Fire USA, LLC & After the Fire USA (501c3)
Lisa Orloff
Founder and President of World Cares CenterElizabeth Zimmerman
Senior Executive AdvisorCEO of After the Fire USA, LLC & After the Fire USA (501c3), Jennifer Gray Thompson MPA, has a remarkable journey rooted in community disaster recovery. In 2017, after devastating fires in San Francisco’s North Bay, Jennifer became the Executive Director of Rebuild NorthBay Foundation (RNBF), a non-profit formed to help the region rebuild. In response to the Era of Megafires, a relatively recent chronic climate-based disaster, RNBF created After the Fire USA in 2020. Gray Thompson was named to Forbes’ 50 over 50 IMPACT List in 2022 and appointed to the Bipartisan Policy Center Disaster Response Reform Task Force in 2023. As a nationally recognized subject matter expert (SME) in megafire recovery, she presents at several national conferences and has also been featured in local, regional, and national news outlets.Founder and President of World Cares Center, a non-profit voluntary organization developed in response to 9/11, Lisa Orloff is a not-for-profit entrepreneur, President of Resiliency Advisors, LLC, and founder of World Cares Center, the not-for-profit, voluntary organization she spearheaded after 9-11-2001. Ms. Orloff has responded during the 9-11 relief effort, Hurricane Katrina, the Haiti Earthquake of 2010, Hurricane Irene, and SuperStorm Sandy. Lisa has built partnerships with Offices of Emergency Management, Citizen Corp, CERT, the American Red Cross, Police Departments, and the military, including the Department of Defense and UN cluster groups. Ms. Orloff contributes to a broader approach to inclusive disaster risk reduction and response as a subject matter expert for SAHMSA on the development of the Disaster Supervisor and Worker Resiliency Training.Elizabeth Zimmerman, an eminent figure in emergency management, acts as a Senior Executive Advisor to IEM. A champion of innovation and effective disaster management strategies, Elizabeth spearheaded the development and implementation of the National Disaster Recovery Framework, Recovery Support Functions, and the Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinators. Throughout her career, Elizabeth has emphasized the importance of understanding the unique needs of communities affected by disasters. -
In this engaging episode, we dive into the transformative shifts in volunteerism sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic and its profound impact on disaster recovery efforts. Discover how the roles and responsibilities of volunteers have evolved and why understanding these changes is vital for effective crisis management. We uncover the latest trends in community engagement, revealing how emergency managers can leverage these insights to build stronger, more resilient communities.
Tune in to learn how to maximize volunteer support, streamline coordination, and make a lasting difference in times of crisis. Join us for an inspiring conversation on revolutionizing disaster relief through the power of modern volunteerism.
Featured Guests
Jennifer Bennett
Director of Education and Training at VolunteerMatch
Jennifer Bennett leads the VolunteerMatch Learning Center and designs tools, trainings, and resources to help VolunteerMatch’s community of nonprofits better recruit and engage volunteers. She shares her knowledge with leaders of volunteers through the trainings in the Learning Center, the LOVs Newsletter, the VolunteerMatch Blog, and at conferences around the country. Jennifer serves as the Director of Knowledge on the Board of the Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration and is the current Co-Editor and a contributing author for the 4th Edition of Volunteer Administration: Professional Practice, published by LexisNexis Canada in January 2021. -
In this episode, we uncover the crucial yet often overlooked role of donations management in disaster response. Our hosts and expert guests explore everything from the strategic placement of warehouses to tailoring aid to a community’s specific needs. They also tackle the delicate art of redirecting well-meaning donations that can, if mishandled, hinder emergency efforts.
Join us as we navigate the fine line between public generosity and practical logistics, revealing how to turn goodwill into powerful, effective relief.
Featured Guests
Jim Alvey
Vice President of Disaster Recovery at Good360
Chris Cameron
Executive Director of HandsOn New Orleans
IEM Reflection: Michele Jones
Manager, State and Local Response and Recovery
As Good360’s Vice President of Disaster Recovery, Jim Alvey works across public, private, and non-profit sectors to increase the efficiency and impact of in-kind donations in the disaster space. Since 2016, he has been building and maintaining corporate and foundation relationships based on trust and appreciation for the roles each of us plays in closing need gaps in our communities. Jim’s primary focus areas are developing products and funding partnerships that support the pre-positioning of products and long-term recovery efforts while also providing thought leadership to all stakeholders.With over 30 years of experience in natural and human-made disasters, Chris Cameron is a seasoned expert in disaster recovery. Prior to joining HandsOn New Orleans in 2012, Chris co-chaired with the director of the New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (NOHSEP) to lead a year-long Community Advisory Committee that developed the first-ever Comprehensive Disaster Recovery Plan. This achievement puts New Orleans among only a few cities nationwide to accomplish this feat. In addition to his role as Executive Director of HandsOn New Orleans, Chris is an active member of the Points of Light Global Network Affiliate Assembly and serves as Liaison to the Disaster Management subcommittee. He serves on the Louisiana Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (LAVOAD) board of directors and represents HandsOn in Long-Term Recovery Groups (LTRGs).Michele Jones is a seasoned emergency management professional with a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience in federal funds management from the local and state perspective, as well as emergency management response and recovery at the state and local levels. Prior to IEM, Michele served as the Emergency Management Director of Martin County. Michele’s technical expertise spans programs like the Coronavirus Relief Fund, American Rescue Plan Act, and FEMA Public Assistance, and she has led projects wherein over $2.9B in federal funds have been managed through her support of state and county agencies in Nevada, Florida, and Virginia. -
In this compelling episode, we explore the pivotal role that trust plays in emergency management for tribal communities. Trust is not given; it is earned through respect, understanding, and authentic engagement. Our hosts and expert guests illuminate the rich diversity of tribes, each with its own unique culture, history, and identity, emphasizing the importance of honoring these distinctions.
More than just a discussion, this episode offers powerful insights into how emergency managers can move beyond the checkbox approach and embark on a journey of true partnership with tribal communities. Packed with real-world stories and practical advice, it’s a call to action for every emergency manager to listen, learn, and forge lasting relationships rooted in trust and collaboration. Tune in and be part of the transformation.
Featured Guests
Mark Ford
Director of Native/Tribal Partnerships at Feeding America
Chuck Kmet
Emergency Manager for the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian CommunityDave Andrews
Director of International Homeland SecurityMark Ford is originally from Alamosa, Colorado and is Chiricahua Apache with a Jicarilla Apache and Pueblo descent. As a former Roman Catholic priest, Mark spent seven years working with the Navajo and Hopi Reservations in Arizona. After serving in New Orleans post-Hurricane Katrina, he was appointed Assistant Director of Disability Affairs by Governor Kathleen Blanco in 2006, then became the Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs under Governor Bobby Jindal in 2008, focusing on hurricane recovery efforts. In 2010, Mark moved to South Dakota, joining the Partnership With Native Americans in Rapid City to lead sustainable programs for tribal communities. He now works as the Director of Native/Tribal Partnerships at Feeding America, where he assists Food Banks within Feeding America’s membership to develop or enhance relationships with Native/Tribal communities and to partner with native American led and serving grassroot organizations.Chuck Kmet has over 32 years of experience in public safety, emergency management, and homeland security across tribal, state, local government, and the private sector. Formerly, he was the Emergency Manager for Pinal County, Arizona, for eight years. He was the Tribal Liaison for Arizona’s Department of Emergency and Military Affairs after having spent ten years serving the people of the Tohono O’odham Nation in southern Arizona. During his time as Emergency Manager for Pinal County and the Tohono O’odham Nation, Chuck was part of five Presidential Disaster Declarations, four Gubernatorial Disaster Declarations, and four Fire Management Assistance Grant Designations, securing approximately $20M in grant and disaster relief funding. Chuck also notably advocated for legislative amendments to the Stafford Act to recognize tribal sovereignty, facilitating direct disaster assistance requests from tribal governments to FEMA.David Andrews, with a career spanning over two decades in emergency management, serves as the Director of International Homeland Security at IEM. David’s journey in emergency management began at the Alaska Division of Homeland Security, where he excelled as a Program Manager. In this role, he oversaw disaster recovery operations within the State, demonstrating his capability in managing complex emergencies. His expertise was further recognized through his appointment as the State Coordinating Officer for multiple disasters, where he acted as the Governor’s senior official, coordinating policies and funding across federal, state, local, and Native Alaskan levels during declared disasters. -
In this episode, we confront a pressing issue too often overlooked in emergency management: mental health. Join our hosts and guests as they break down the stigma around emotional care for both responders and survivors, highlighting why mental well-being is essential at every stage of disaster response. With crises intensifying and responsibilities growing, taking care of our minds is not just an option—it’s a necessity.
Listen in as we explore how building emotional resilience and normalizing mental health support can empower us all. Together, we are rewriting the narrative, creating a stronger foundation for both present challenges and the futures we are dedicated to protecting.
If you are feeling mental distress and wish to utilize the resources mentioned in this episode, please use the links provided below. Thank you for all that you do.
Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990, https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline
Provider Resilience App: https://mobile.health.mil/Apps/PWA-Apps/Provider-ResilienceFeatured Guests
Mary Gaudreau Hughes
Executive Director of Crisis Care Ministries
Christian Burgess
Director of Disaster Distress Helpline at Vibrant HealthLisa Poziomek
Disaster Response Specialist for IEMRev. Mary Gaudreau Hughes first entered into disaster response work following the 1995 Oklahoma City Murrah Building bombing. Rev. Hughes is an ordained United Methodist deacon, licensed professional counselor, and nationally known disaster response specialist with 25 years of experience in disaster emotional and spiritual care. She is a key leader in developing curricula, resources, and national standards for disaster spiritual care and has provided training, consultation, and technical guidance across the United States. She currently serves as Executive Director for Crisis Care Ministries in Oklahoma.Christian Burgess, LMSW, is the Director of the Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH), a program of the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration administered by the not-for-profit Vibrant Emotional Health. Christian became Director of the DDH in 2012, helping launch the program after joining Vibrant in 2010 as the Training Coordinator for the Oil Spill Distress Helpline project. The DDH is the only crisis hotline nationwide in scope dedicated to providing 24/7/365 emotional support for survivors and responders of natural or human-caused disasters. Before his work at Vibrant, Christian worked for over 10 years in youth violence prevention and trauma intervention in New York City, including as Director of School Programs at Safe Horizon, one of the nation’s largest service providers for victims of crime and abuse.Lisa Poziomek is a Florida Professional Emergency Manager and Certified Healthcare Emergency Professional with over 17 years of experience in emergency management. She has worked at county and state levels, deploying to large-scale national disasters and coordinating local responses since 2004. Recently, she was involved in response efforts for Hurricanes Ian, Idalia, Debby, Helene, and Milton. Her roles have included Disaster Services Manager for a national non-profit, Emergency Manager for the Department of Health, and Emergency Manager for Cleveland Clinic. Currently, she works with IEM in the State and Local Response and Recovery Division. -
In this special episode, our hosts are joined by Andrew Velasquez III, IEM’s Account Executive for the Central Region and former federal, state, and city emergency manager. Andrew’s emergency management background began with a calling to serve his community at a local scale, starting a journey that would lead him to notable state and county cabinet-level positions and later being appointed by the President as a FEMA Regional Administrator. Andrew’s multifaceted history gives him a unique perspective and timeline of what it means to be an emergency manager and how that definition has evolved as leaders in the profession tackle new challenges.
As we grapple with emerging issues such as pandemics and rapid technological advancements, we recognize the resilience and adaptability of emergency managers who are dedicated to protecting their communities. As we conclude 2024, we take a moment to reflect on the year and pose an important question: What is an Emergency Manager?Featured Guests
Andrew Velasquez III
Account Executive for the Central Region at IEMAndrew Velasquez III has extensive expertise in emergency management, notably as the Federal Emergency Management Agency Regional Administrator, where he coordinated federal responses to 35 major disasters across six states. He has held significant roles, including the Illinois Governor’s Homeland Security Advisor and Director of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, contributing to statewide initiatives. His leadership as Executive Director of Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications highlights his deep understanding of urban emergency management. As IEM’s Account Executive for the Central Region, Andrew is pivotal in enhancing emergency management strategies in major metropolitan areas, focusing on disaster response and recovery efforts integral to building resilience in densely populated urban centers. -
This holiday season, the DisasterSmiths podcast delivers an unforgettable gift: a high-energy episode diving into the thrilling world of disaster movies! Join hosts Chris and Diana as they break down iconic cinematic chaos, exploring the pulse-pounding action, unexpected humor, and timeless appeal of blockbuster hits and some oldies, but goodies. Special guest Stephanie Tennyson, IEM’s Chief Communications Director, adds her expert perspective to the mix, making this episode a must-listen. Whether you’re unwinding from a whirlwind year or seeking a dose of entertaining nostalgia, this episode promises to keep you hooked. Don’t miss this epic end of the year episode (read in the movie trailer voice)!
Featured Guests
Stephanie Tennyson
Chief Communications Director at IEMStephanie Tennyson, a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in communications, intergovernmental affairs, engagement and outreach, marketing and emergency management, serves as the Chief Communications Director at IEM. In her role, Stephanie provides strategic direction and oversight for the company’s external and internal communications and marketing. Although she may not be known as a movie critic to the public, Stephanie is an avid fan of disaster movies, a passion she has cultivated over the years and has earned her the title of a ‘movie connoisseur’ to those around her. Stephanie enjoyed the opportunity to join our DisasterSmiths hosts to share her thoughts and insights on disaster and emergency management movies. -
Step into 2025 with an exclusive episode featuring IEM President and CEO Bryan Koon, a seasoned emergency management expert with over two decades of leadership experience, and Emily Zegowitz, a trailblazing innovator reshaping the field. Together with our DisasterSmith hosts, they dive into the forces transforming emergency management and reveal how the next generation of leaders is redefining resilience in an era of rapid change.From the power of mentorship to the critical role of education and passion, this conversation uncovers what it takes to inspire and equip tomorrow’s emergency managers. Hear firsthand insights on fostering innovation, strengthening communities, and creating a safer, more prepared future.Join us for a compelling dialogue that connects experience with vision, spotlighting the synergy between established leaders and emerging talent shaping the future of disaster response and recovery.
Featured Guests
Emily Zegowitz
Project Manager, State and Local Response and Recovery at IEMBryan Koon, current President and Chief Executive Officer of IEM, began his career in the Navy as a Surface Warfare Officer, followed by significant roles in the White House Military Office. From 2006 to 2011, Bryan served as a Director at Walmart Stores, Inc., overseeing emergency management operations and was instrumental in managing responses to various national and international disasters. In 2011, Bryan became Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, leading the State’s efforts in emergency preparedness, recovery, and mitigation. As Vice President of International Homeland Security and Emergency Management at IEM, Bryan has overseen vital projects in emergency management. These include responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, air evacuation support, and various public assistance and hazard mitigation grant programs. Bryan’s continued visionary approach emphasizes community resilience and cross-sector collaboration in emergency management, making him a key driver of innovative solutions and strategic partnerships at IEM.Emily Zegowitz is an all-hazards emergency management project manager with nearly a decade of experience in the public and private sectors. She began her career in the Florida Army National Guard, where she responded to Hurricanes Matthew, Irma, Michael, and Dorian, and served as a logistics lead for COVID-19 testing sites. After six years of service, she transitioned to the public sector, working as an intern for Leon County Emergency Management before advancing to project management roles supporting response, recovery, and preparedness efforts nationwide. Ms. Zegowitz holds a PMP certification, CEM designation, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, and an MSFES from the University of Florida.
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