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.

Madhu 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.

Dr. 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 >

Beverly 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 >

Marcus Coleman is the Vice President of Community Resilience Strategy at United Way. In this role, Marcus acts as a bridge between local agencies and communities and United Way Worldwide’s existing network of partners to enhance and expand efforts that promote United Way Worldwide’s focus on community resilience and inclusive environmental stewardship. Prior to United Way, Marcus was the Director of the Department of Homeland Security Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, a Center of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, where he led the Center’s efforts in disaster operations, readiness, project management, and public affairs.

Stephanie 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.

Marnee Benson is the Director of Government Affairs for the Burning Man Project. Marnee’s work with Burning Man focuses on relationships with the Nevada Legislature, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, Pershing County leadership, and various Nevada law enforcement agencies. She helps Burning Man navigate Nevada politics and federal issues affecting the Burning Man event.

Sean Burke is the Emergency Manager for Pershing County, Nevada and the Fire Chief at Grass Valley Pershing County Volunteer Fire Department. Sean served for 27 years in the United States Coast Guard, where he specialized in law enforcement, search and rescue and defense operations, and sailing. After retiring from the Coast Guard, Sean served as the Director of Emergency Medical Services for Lander County, Nevada and Humboldt General Hospital in Winnemucca, Nevada.

Eric DiLorenzo oversees IEM’s support of two of Puerto Rico’s largest and most impactful Critical Infrastructure recovery and resiliency projects. Prior to IEM, Mr. DiLorenzo served the Myrtle Beach Police Department (SC) for 25 years, retiring at the rank of Captain. Through his vast experience as a Division Commander, Emergency Management Coordinator, and SWAT Team Commander, he brings a wealth of real-world operational and planning experience. Mr. DiLorenzo was instrumental in planning and commanding several Level 2, US Dept of Homeland Security (DHS) Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) special events, and other large-scale tactical operations, including nationally televised Presidential debates and dignitary visits.

Ryan Rockabrand is a Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) and currently serves as an Assistant Professor and Adjust Professor at Pierce College.  Prior to his current role, Ryan served as a senior advisor at the National Nuclear Security Administration, a Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator, and as the Deputy Director of the Private Sector Division at the Federal Emergency Management Agency, in addition to various emergency management roles at the city and county levels of government. Ryan holds a PhD in Artificial Intelligence from Capitol Technology University, focusing on the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Small Modular Reactors in emergency management.

Sarah Miller currently serves as an Associate Professor and Chair of Emergency Management at Pierce College. Sarah is a Certified Emergency Manager (CEM), past-president of IAEM Region 10, past-chair and current co-chair of the IAEM Emerging Technology Caucus and currently serves as a CEM Commissioner. She is a graduate and a former faculty member of FEMA’s Basic, Advanced, and Executive Academies. She recently received her PhD in Emergency and Protective Services, where she researched the use of generative AI to improve emergency messaging.

Dr. Andrew Coffey, an accomplished professional with years of experience at the forefront of government and industry, leads the Digital Support Services practice at IEM. In this critical role, he supports clients across defense, intelligence, homeland security, and law enforcement sectors, focusing on developing and implementing new and emerging technologies. His expertise extends to advising on risk management, supply chain security, and cybersecurity, making him a vital asset in today’s complex security landscape.

Andrew Marinik is the Executive Director of Virginia Tech Emergency Management, a Certified Emergency Manager, and a FEMA-certified ICS instructor. He brings over 15 years of experience in emergency management leadership and research, and nearly 20 years as a firefighter, EMT, and hazardous materials technician.

Jonathan Bratt joined the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) in 2018 as the inaugural Executive Director for Emergency Management and later advanced to become the institution’s first Assistant Vice President (AVP) for Enterprise Resilience. As AVP, Jon is responsible for overseeing UMB’s comprehensive readiness and response efforts. He leads the development and implementation of strategies and policies focused on institutional preparedness, emergency response, recovery, and risk mitigation. Prior to his role at UMB, Jonathan served as Director of the Regional Programs Division within the State’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) agency and in FEMA’s Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) branch. His emergency response experience includes major incidents such as the 9/11 attacks, the Navy Yard shootings, and the Fukushima radiological crisis.

Dr. Joseph Harris is a Hazard Mitigation Planner at IEM, where he supports clients in enhancing community resilience through strategic mitigation planning and risk reduction initiatives. He brings a diverse background in both applied emergency management and academia, with previous experience as an Assistant Professor of Emergency Management at Western Carolina University and Massachusetts Maritime Academy. Dr. Harris also served as an Emergency Management Specialist at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where he contributed to campus preparedness, response planning, and continuity initiatives.

Aimee Barritt serves as the Emergency Management Coordinator for Buena Vista County Iowa and has worked in local emergency management across the state for 26 years. Throughout her career, Amy has coordinated responses to multiple Presidential Disaster Declarations, including the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in 2015, 2022, and 2023, most recently being the historic flooding in June 2024 that affected multiple communities across the State.

Josh Morton, CEM, SCCEM, has served as the Director of the Saluda County South Carolina Emergency Management Division since 2012. Prior to his current role, Josh served as a Regional Emergency Manager with the South Carolina Emergency Management Division. Josh has led responses to numerous disasters over the past two decades, including Hurricane Helene, the largest disaster in Saluda County history, and was named South Carolina Emergency Management Director of the Year in 2025.

Leigh Deskins, IEM’s Director of Response, has over 16 years’ experience working in disaster recovery and response. Ms. Deskins has managed several response and recovery projects for clients across the country including EOC Staff Augmentation, Surge Staffing, All Hazards Incident Management, and Public Assistance.  Prior to joining IEM, she gained comprehensive emergency management leadership experience with Pasco County, Florida’s Emergency Management department during multiple disaster declarations. Her experience as an end user throughout multiple states and localities provides a unique perspective that is widely applicable to program and process improvement.

Carolyn Levering is a certified emergency manager and has directed the city of Las Vegas Office of Emergency Management (OEM) since 2008. In addition to leading communitywide preparedness programming, Mrs. Levering has supported her team in coordinating local and regional emergency responses including flash flooding, wildfire, extreme weather events, influenza and pandemic crisis, and the infamous October 2017 mass shooting. Her current appointments include Nevada State Emergency Response Commission, Vice Chair for Nevada Commission on Homeland Security Finance Committee, and the State of Nevada Resilience Advisory Committee.

Matthew Mueller is the Executive Director of the Denver Office of Emergency Management (Denver OEM). In his role, he is responsible for the strategic oversight of emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation for the City and County of Denver. Matthew has worked for Denver OEM since 2009, with responsibility for a variety of programs including operations, continuity planning, training, and exercises. He also serves as Chair of the Urban Area Security Initiative, the Securing the Cities Executive Committee, and the Local Emergency Planning Committee. Additionally, he serves on the Governor’s Homeland Security Advisory Council.

Nancy Dragani is a distinguished executive with over thirty years of experience in state and federal emergency management. Prior to her current role at IEM, she served as the Regional Administrator and Deputy Regional Administrator for FEMA Region 8 from 2016 to 2025. A seasoned leader, Nancy excels in fostering collaboration, driving strategic initiatives, and spearheading programs that enhance IEM’s mission to improve disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation.

Jeff Jumper is the Deputy Communications Director for the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) and served as the first State Meteorologist for PEMA. Prior to PEMA, Jeff worked for a decade as a broadcast meteorologist with television stations in Pennsylvania, Alabama, and Louisiana, earning the NWA Television Seal of Approval and AMS Certified Broadcast Meteorologist designation.

David Nazario serves as a Meteorologist for News 6 WKMG in Orlando, Florida. Prior to his role, David began his career in meteorology through his enlistment in the United States Air Force, where he served for 10 years as an active-duty member before joining the Navy Reserves.

Benj Korson is the Manager of Strategic Programs for IEM’s Recovery Directorate, bringing more than 18 years of experience helping communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. Prior to IEM, Benj served as Emergency Manager for the City of Dallas Department of Aviation, where he led operations during the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2021 Texas Winter Storms, ensuring continuity of essential services under unprecedented conditions. His work focuses on integrating people, technology, and policy to deliver practical solutions for disaster readiness and recovery.

Stephanie Tennyson, a distinguished 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.

Stephanie Tennyson, a distinguished 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.

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. 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.

Alex Amparo, a seasoned leader in disaster management and infrastructure resilience, serves as IEM’s Vice President of Critical Infrastructure. In this capacity, he oversees IEM’s infrastructure projects, supporting governmental and private sector partners in building security, resilience, and continuity in the infrastructure sector. Prior to joining IEM, Alex held the position of Assistant Administrator for National Preparedness at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as. In this role, he provided comprehensive guidance and support to states, territories, tribes, and localities, focusing on equity, climate resilience, and national readiness. His tenure included roles such as Acting Director of External Affairs and Assistant Administrator of Recovery, where he oversaw the disbursement of over $90 billion in federal disaster aid.

James Clark, IEM’s VP of International Homeland Security and Emergency Management, 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 and recovery efforts during his tenure.

Marion McFadden is the Vice President of Disaster Recovery at IEM and a nationally recognized leader in affordable housing, disaster recovery, and community resilience. With over 25 years of experience managing federal grants and multi-billion-dollar budgets, she has played a pivotal role in shaping national policy and programs. Prior to joining IEM, Marion served as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary at HUD’s Office of Community Planning and Development, Senior Vice President at Enterprise Community Partners, and Deputy Assistant Secretary at HUD. Throughout her career, she has led major federal initiatives addressing homelessness, expanding affordable housing, and accelerating disaster recovery for impacted communities.

Chris 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 holistic 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).

Before 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.

Most 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.

With 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.

With 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.

Kevin 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.

Kevin 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.

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 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 Former 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.

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.

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.

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.

Mark 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.

Rev. 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.

Andrew 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.

Stephanie 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.

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.

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.