Jim Arrowood | Vice President, ONEOK, Inc.
Jim Arrowood is the Vice President of Cyber and Physical Security at ONEOK, Inc., a Tulsa-based pipeline company that transports and stores natural gas, natural gas liquids, refined products and crude oil. In addition to physical security, cyber security, security compliance, and resiliency at ONEOK, and Classically trained in computer science and cyber security at the University of Tulsa, Jim has also been in the fire service for 25 years, currently serving as Deputy Chief for the Berryhill Fire Protection District. Jim's unique combined experience in both public and private sectors have been the foundation for what has become an industry leading security program that incorporates All Hazards and Incident Command System elements to solve complex technology problems that face our world today.

Lieutentant Brett Bachman | Fire Department of New York
FDNY 19 yearsFDNY IMT 12 years
FDNY IMT Logisitcs 12 years
Deployment Coordination Group 7 years

Chad Beam | Asst. Chief , SC State Fire
Chad began his career in Fire & EMS in 2005. Chad has served in roles within the emergency services from field provider/suppression staff and up to management in both Fire & EMS. Chad currently serves as one of two Section Chief's over Emergency Response for SC State Fire. Within Emergency Response, they manage the SC Urban Search & Rescue Team (SC-TF1), the SC Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team (SC-HART) and SC Firefighter Mobilization.

Chad has served as the Operations Section Chief for local, state, and federally declared disasters. He enjoys simplifying responses to large scene's and disasters for the every day firefighter for a seamless operation, ultimately benefiting the citizens of the AHJ.

Chad is married to his wife Brooke and they have two daughters. Chad obtained his bachelors degree in Emergency Services Management from Anderson University and his Masters of Public Administration from Clemson University.

Mark Becmer | Training Lead, The Response Group
Mark Becmer, AAS, PEM, MEP
Training Lead with "The Response Group" which is a leader in Crisis Management and Emergency Response
11 years of healthcare coalition experience
Professional Emergency Management Certification (PEM) from the State of Michigan.
Master Exercise Practitioner Certification (MEP) from FEMA
Instructor at the Center for Domestic Preparedness
Response to Hurricane Sandy, Hurricane Maria, Presidential Inauguration, COVID, HAZMT, and multiple wildfires.

Jesse Bender | IWDG Chair | Bureau of Land Management, Incident Workforce Development Group (IWDG)
The Incident Workforce Development Group (IWDG)  is jointly chartered by the National Multi-Agency Coordinating Group (NMAC), the NWCG Executive Board, and the Fire Management Board (FMB) to provide national leadership to enable long-term development and sustainability of a national interagency incident workforce.

Jesse Bender is the chair of IWDG.

Sean Brennan | Fire Captain/ Planning Section Chief, FDNY IMT
I am a 25 year veteran of the Fire Service, 19 of which with the FDNY. My current roll is as a Fire Captain in the boro of Queens. Previous assignments were as a Fire Lieutenant in the East New York Section of Brooklyn and as a Firefighter in Sheepshead Bay Brooklyn. I am currently a Type 2 Planning Section Chief for the FDNY's Incident Managment team and one of three administrative PSC's for the team. My assignments have included wildfires in Montana, Oregon, California and Louisiana and various all hazard incidents from building collapse and hurricanes to public health emergencies. Additionally, I am instructor for various ICS courses.

Michelle Cechowski | Director of Emergency Preparedness , East Central FL Regional Planning Council
Michelle Cechowski currently serves as the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council's (ECFRPC) Director of Emergency Preparedness is also the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) Staff Coordinator for East Central Florida. She is a certified instructor for the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM), teaching the Incident Command System (ICS) 300, ICS 400, and many other general FEMA courses. Additionally, Cechowski is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Central Florida (UCF), teaching the capstone course for their undergraduate Emergency Management program. Cechowski is a Certified Emergency Manager (CEM), issued by the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) and a Florida Professional Emergency Manager (FPEM) issued by the Florida Emergency Preparedness Association (FEPA). Cechowski is a current first responder through Central Florida's Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Task Force 4 (FL-TF4) and the Central All-Hazards Incident Management Team (AHIMT). She is FL-TF4's Planning Manager and Technical Information Specialist and a co-leader for the AHIMT, being deployed in the roles of Planning Section Chief and Incident Commander in response to various severe weather events. Cechowski also worked as a contracted employee for FDEM from 2020-2021 at the State Logistical Resource Center (SLRC) as the state's Deputy Logistics Chief and assumed the roles of Planning Section Chief and Incident Commander at several COVID-19 testing sites. Cechowski is the Executive Director of the Florida Hazardous Materials Symposium, Inc., a non-profit organization teaching hazardous materials planning and response to first responders and first receivers. Cechowski is a University of Central Florida and Nova Southeastern University alum and a proud mother of two.

Chuck Chapman | Director - Austin Energy Emergency Management, Austin Energy
Chuck Chapman is an active public servant with more than 40 years of experience in emergency preparedness and response.

He began his service as a nuclear weapons technician in the U.S. Naval submarine service, making 3 deterrent patrols and serving as a U.S. Navy Recruiter.

Following 10 years of law enforcement service, he retired as a police officer II from the Manteca Police Department, in Manteca, California.

Chuck is a registered nurse with clinical and Public Health experience, including serving as the Public Health Emergency Preparedness Coordinator for Hays Co. Texas, leading a county response to the H1N1 Pandemic.

For a decade, he ran the Emergency Management program at Austin Water, responding to floods, fires, ice incidents, the Covid Pandemic, and two of the largest Boil Water incidents in U.S. history.

He is now the Director of Emergency Management for Austin Energy.

Chuck holds an Associate's degree in Nursing, a Bachelor's degree in Organizational Management, and a Master's degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management from the U.S. Naval Post-Graduate School.

Kristen Corkins | Emergency Management Specialist, U.S. Forest Service

James Courtright | Emergency Management Specialist, U.S. Forest Service

Mike Cox | Director of Fire EMS, Esri / Central Virginia AHIMT
Mike Cox is the Director of Fire and EMS Solutions for Esri, the world leader in GIS technology. Mike's responsibilities include advocating how fire and EMS agencies leverage geospatial information and technology to achieve their response and recovery goals. As a member of the Public Safety Industry Marketing team, he works collaboratively with GIS professionals to promote the broad use of Esri's ArcGIS platform within fire and EMS. Mike retired from the Henrico County, VA Fire Department after 27 years of service. He served as the Deputy Chief with responsibilities including operations, emergency management, community risk reduction, planning, accreditation, budget, and human resources. He is also a member of the Central Virginia All Hazard Incident Management Team, was the technical rescue team leader, and served as a haz mat specialist on the Virginia Department of Emergency Management's Regional Haz Mat Team.

Zeph Cunningham | Incident Commander, NIMO Team 2

Carl Currie | Captain, Texas Department of Public Safety
Carl Currie is a vision driven leader who focuses on a work-life balance with his family. He and his wife have two sons who are married and one granddaughter. Carl has 19 years in law enforcement and has a Bachelor's degree in criminal justice and a Master's degree in Criminal Justice Leadership and Management from Sam Houston State University. He is a TCOLE Master Peace Officer and basic instructor. He is dedicated to improving himself and those around him through partnership and education.  Carl has developed the passion for improving incident response within the law enforcement community since he was promoted to Highway Patrol Sergeant and saw first hand the disjointed responses to several large scale disasters and events in the Houston area.  Carl  have been trained and activity participated in many large- and small-scale emergency and disasters since 1999 first a a volunteer firefighter in high school and college then as a peace officer. 

Michael Desmond | Incident Support Branch Chief, Department of Justice / Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives
Mike Desmond is currently the Incident Support Branch Chief for the the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives incident support program based out of the agency headquarters' Special Operations Division in Washington, DC. He is a Supervisory Special Agent with over 26 years of combined law enforcement and emergency management experience. Since joining ATF in 2005 he has supported ESF #13 and ATF's federal Public Safety & Security responses to large-scale incidents and special events to include Hurricane Ian, Lewiston Maine mass shooting, the Indianapolis 500 and 2024 Democratic National Convention.

R Ranger Dorn | Managing Partner, Utility Response Training Associates LLC
Ranger retired after a fire service career of over 40 years and began working in the private and non-profit sectors.  He responded to All Hazards incidents in California and nationwide as part of both Regional and National Incident Management Teams, including major hurricanes and wildfires. His Incident Command System qualifications include Type 1 Incident Commander,  Type 1 Operations Section Chief and Liaison Officer.  Ranger's All-Hazards experience includes training and responses to hazardous materials, radiological materials, Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF), Urban Search and Rescue (USAR), Shipboard Firefighting, and Water Rescue.

He has been part of the EARTH EX project since 2017 and is currently the Exercise Program Director for the Electric Infrastructure Security Council, developing exercises, including EARTH EX and Black Sky exercises, for public and private organizations. Ranger is a qualified FEMA Master Exercise Practitioner (MEP) and has participated in the development, delivery, evaluation, and after-action reporting for local and state exercises since the 1990s. He has created and delivered oil spill response exercises and training to public and private sector responders from California to the Arctic Circle. Ranger developed a wildland fire-based scenario for FEMA's national Virtual Tabletop Exercise, VTTX.

He provides training and exercises to Incident Management Teams and Position-Specific training to organizations nationally. He participated in developing and delivering several DHS/FEMA courses, including WMD First Responder, Planning Specialist, and Operational Value of Threat, Risk, and Vulnerability Assessments (OPVAL). He has been a Train the Trainer instructor for a number of national ICS courses, including Incident Commander and Operations Section Chief. Ranger has been a Subject Matter Expert for ICS for the National Sheriffs Association, FEMA, Southern California Edison, Pacific Gas and Electric, and has developed specialized courses for these entities.

Ranger received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Fire Protection Management from the Engineering Department at Cal State Los Angeles, as well as a Master's Degree in Public Administration (MPA) from Cal State Northridge. He holds a Chief Officer certification from the California State Fire Marshal's Office.

Edward (Ted) Downs | ESF #13 Planning Support Coordinator, Department of Justice / Emergency Support Function #13
Ted Downs is currently the Planning Support Coordinator for the federal Emergency Support Function #13 (ESF #13) program based out of its National Coordination Center in Washington, DC. He is a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel and Military Police Officer with over 25 years of combined military law enforcement and emergency management experience. Since joining ESF #13 in 2020 he has supported the planning and integration of federal Public Safety & Security response to over 50 activations.

Nathan Ellis | Assistant State Fire Marshal, SC State Fire - Palmetto IST
Nathan Ellis is the Assistant State Fire Marshal at South Carolina State Fire. He has served in the South Carolina fire service since 1992 and has held a variety of positions. Chief Ellis began his career as a volunteer firefighter. After receiving a Bachelor's of Science in Public Health from Clemson University, he worked as a Deputy State Fire Marshal for the SC Office of State Fire Marshal.

In 2003, he was hired as the first full-time Fire Marshal for the City of Gaffney (SC). Three years later, he was named City of Gaffney Fire Chief, a position he held until 2012, when he returned to work at the Office of State Fire Marshal. He was named Assistant State Fire Marshal in 2016, managing all facets of code inspection and enforcement, licensing and permitting, investigations, engineering, and community risk reduction for SC State Fire.  

At State Fire, Chief Ellis is an original member of the Palmetto Incident Support Team, functioning as an Incident Commander.  He is a Certified Fire Marshal by the Internal Code Council (ICC) and serves as the National Association of State Fire Marshals representative on the ICC Fire Code Action Committee. 

Chief Ellis continues to volunteer in his local community as a Lieutenant with the Grassy Pond Fire Department (Gaffney, SC) and as an investigator with the Cherokee County (SC) Fire Investigation Team. His desire is to continue to provide exemplary leadership to the fire service by employing the cooperation, integrity, pride, and ingenuity that has made him successful at leading through difficult circumstances and developing efficient, effective, and innovative solutions to the challenges facing today's fire service providers.

John Ford  | FEMA, National Integration Center

Dan Frazen | Managing Director, Colorado Preparedness & Response Network (CPRN)
Dan Frazen is the Managing Director of the Colorado Preparedness & Response Network (CPRN), a 501(c)4 nonprofit organization.  The CPRN is a public-private partnership where oil & gas industry experts collaborate with first responders and emergency managers in the Denver-Julesburg (DJ) Basin for all phases of disaster management and emergency response.  Dan has been working in emergency management since the 2013 Colorado Floods, and has been a member of the Type 3 Eastern Colorado Incident Management Team (ECIMT) since 2015. 

Steve Griffin | Emergency Management Specialist, US Forest Service
I am a member of the All Hazard and International Fire Support Branch for the Forest Service in Washington DC. I have 35 years with the U.S. Forest Service ranging from a seasonal firefighter. Worked through the ranks on engines and Hotshot Crews. Worked in Fire Management at the district, forest, and now at the national level. My IMT experience spans over 15 years, currently qualified as an IC. Experienced in training and workforce development. In my current position I work closely with the FEMA National Integration Center and NWCG regarding NIMS and ICS.  Operate and train others about ESF#4 for Stafford Act responses. Work with and advise All Hazard IMTs.  Internationally, I collaborate with multiple countries developing and providing input on NIMS and ICS type systems, connect people for research and resource exchange.

Tracey Hayes | Deputy Director of the Department of Planning, Engineering and Permits, City of Birmingham, AL
Tracey Hayes has served the citizens of Birmingham, AL for over 18 years. She began her public service career with Birmingham in 2007 as a Planner for the Birmingham Planning Commission. Tracey reviewed the location, character and extent of all public facilities located in the City. In 2009, she transitioned to the day-to-day permit operations of the Floodplain Management and Disaster Mitigation Program and served as the City's CRS (Community Rating System) Coordinator. During the 2011 Tornado event, Tracey was designated as the City's Representative for all Wind Mitigation projects in the City as well as the City's liaison to communities that were affected by the storm.  In 2012, she was promoted to Senior Planner of the Floodplain Management and Disaster Mitigation program where she managed and coordinated floodplain development permits, and assisted with grants management, administration and implementation of the City's Public Assistance Program, and hazard/disaster mitigation programs including the City's Community Safe Room Projects. In 2014 Tracey managed all rezoning cases and site development plan review approvals as well as assisting City staff with other regulatory boards and agencies.  In 2019 Tracey was promoted to serve as the Natural Hazards Administrator where she oversaw the floodplain and hazard mitigation services team.  On October 26, 2021, Tracey was appointed to serve as Deputy Director of Planning, Urban Design, Watershed and Hazard Mitigation Division under the Department of Planning, Engineering and Permits where she addresses, planning, zoning, urban design, stormwater infrastructure, floodplain management and hazard mitigation and disaster preparedness.  Tracey recently served on Unified Command for The World Games as Planning Section Chief where she utilized her hazard mitigation skills to deal with operations and planning for the City.  

Tracey is a forward-thinking planner who has an excellent ability to develop working relationships with regulatory bodies, commissions, local, state, and federal governments, citizens, and various stakeholders. She is dedicated to public service and community engagement.   Tracey holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from University of Toledo and a master's degree in Urban, Planning, Design and Development from Cleveland State University. Tracey obtained a Juris Doctorate from Miles Law School and is an active member of the Alabama State Bar Association (2013). 

 

Joe Hillis | Operations Director, Information Technology Disaster Resource Center
Joe Hillis is a systems engineer and technology consultant for small and medium enterprises. He is also the co-founder and National Operations Director for the Information Technology Disaster Resource Center, a volunteer-driven non-profit that provides emergency communications and technology resources that help communities continue operations and transition to recovery after a disaster. Joe has over 20 years of experience in both Public Safety and Information Technology and has served as an advisor to FEMA on various initiatives. He holds many industry credentials, which, combined with years of disaster response, gives him what he calls "a 360-degree view of Disaster Technology."

Brian Hunt | CEO/Principal Consultant, Northeast Safety Solutions, LLC
Brian Hunt is a dedicated crisis management professional and lifelong learner. He is the CEO of our partner agency, North East Safety Solutions. He is driven by a passion for enhancing readiness and response capabilities.

With a Bachelor of Arts in Emergency Management earned with honors distinction, Brian has demonstrated a deep commitment to academic excellence and a solid foundation in the field. As a lifetime member and current 2nd Vice President of the Epsilon Pi Phi (EPP) Emergency Management Honor Society, Brian stands out as a leader among his peers, showcasing not only

his academic achievements but also his commitment to the principles and values of emergency management.

His involvement in this prestigious society reflects a dedication to upholding the highest standards in the field. In addition, Brian is also a current member of the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM). With an impressive 20 years of experience in Public Safety, Emergency Management, and Public Health, Brian has honed his skills through a diverse range of challenges and scenarios.

His hands-on experience has equipped him with the practical knowledge needed to navigate complex crisis situations effectively. Brian's commitment to professional development is evident in the numerous certificates and certifications he holds from various state, federal, and private agencies. Driven by a desire to share his acquired knowledge, skills, and abilities, Brian actively seeks opportunities to contribute to the growth and preparedness of others. Whether through mentoring, training programs, or collaborative initiatives, he strives to instill a culture of resilience and preparedness far and wide. In the fast-paced and dynamic field of crisis management, Brian Hunt stands as a beacon of experience, knowledge, and dedication, making a lasting impact on the safety and well-being of communities.

ISAP SME Group  | National Wildfire Coordination GroupThe ISAP SME group developed the Incident Strategic Alignment Process. We presented this in Long Beach two years ago. Since then the ISAP process has been adopted by NWCG and in being widley used and institutionalized.

Casey Jardot | Director of Physical Security, ONEOK, Inc.
Casey Jardot is the Director of Physical Security at ONEOK, Inc., a Tulsa-based pipeline company that transports and stores natural gas, natural gas liquids, refined products and crude oil.

Jonathan Jones | State Fire Marshal, SC State Fire
Jonathan Jones has 30 years of experience in the fire service, ranging from small municipalities and county-wide fire-rescue departments to managing South Carolina State Fire, the state agency responsible for managing and coordinating firefighting and search and rescue for large-scale disasters. His career has progressed through every rank in the fire service, including Chief of Training and Special Operations, Deputy Chief of Operations, and State Fire Marshal. Since 2017, Jonathan has served as the South Carolina State Fire Marshal and Chief of the State's Fire and Life Safety Division (State Fire), which includes the Office of the State Fire Marshal, the South Carolina Fire Academy, and State Fire's Emergency Response Programs (Firefighter Mobilization, Urban Search and Rescue and Helicopter Rescue Teams). He is qualified as a Type 3 All-Hazards Incident Commander and has served in that capacity during numerous statewide and federally-declared disasters. Jonathan has extensive experience in organizing teams for effective response operations at the Local and State levels and developing strategies for navigating the political environment to secure legislative support and funding for those teams. He serves as Chair of the South Carolina Firefighter Mobilization Oversight Committee, which oversees the fire service statewide mutual aid program and the Emergency Response Task Force System. He has a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of South Carolina. He has received numerous awards, including the Medal of Valor, Meritorious Action Award, the S.C. Fire Service Educator of the Year, and numerous departmental awards, citations, and commendations. He is a Past President of the S.C. State Firefighters' Association, is in the S.C. Firefighters' Hall of Fame, a graduate of the inaugural class of NFPA's Responder Forum and a graduate of the South Carolina Executive Institute.

Chief Nim Kidd | Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM)W. Nim Kidd serves as the Chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM). In this capacity, he is responsible for the state’s emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation activities. Prior to serving with TDEM, Chief Kidd was appointed to the San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD), where he was promoted through the ranks from firefighter to District Fire Chief, including Lieutenant in charge of the SAFD Technical Rescue Team and Captain of the SAFD Hazardous Materials Response Team.

From 2004 to 2010, Chief Kidd served as City Emergency Manager for the City of San Antonio, where he managed the city’s response to over a dozen state and presidential disaster declarations. In 1997, Chief Kidd was one of the original members appointed to the Texas Task Force 1 Urban Search and Rescue Team. In 2001, he was the Plans Section Chief that responded to the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center.

Chief Kidd formerly served as chair for the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) National Advisory Council (NAC). Chief Kidd holds a Masters of Public Administration from Texas State University, a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University-Commerce, and two associates’ degrees. He is the Vice Chancellor for Disaster and Emergency Services for The Texas A&M University System. He is a Certified Emergency Manager (CEM®), a Texas Master Firefighter, and holds Hazardous Materials and Emergency Medical Technician certifications. Chief Kidd and his wife, Dr. Emily Kidd, M.D., share three children and a beautiful granddaughter together.

W. Nim Kidd, MPA, CEM®W. Nim Kidd, MPA, CEM®

Michael Kinnane | Battalion Chief, Fire Department of New York
FDNY 24 Years
FDNY IMT 14 Years
FDNY IMT Deployment Coordinator 10 Years

Troy Lutrick | Region 9 Director, Incident Management Teams Association
Troy enjoyed 35 years of public safety experience based in Fire/EMS, special operations, and mega-event planning and management. He recently retired as the Emergency Manager for City of Scottsdale, Arizona, He remains in key leadership roles as the Region-9 Director for the All-Hazards Incident Management Team Association (AHIMTA), the Region-9 Vice President for IAEM, and elected member of the IAFC Emergency Management committee.

During his fire service career, shortly after 9/11, Troy was detailed into the Arizona Counter Terrorism Information Center (ACTIC) and co-founded and co-led the Arizona Terrorism/Threat Liaison Officer (TLO) program fulltime for five years. In 2015, upon retirement from the Glendale Fire Department, he then served as Chief of Emergency Preparedness for the City of Avondale, Arizona, where he was also the Public Safety Incident Commander for NASCAR at Phoenix Raceway, for several years prior to Scottsdale.

Troy maintains his NREMT Paramedic certification since 1993, and holds credentials as CEM, CPM, NEMAA, a master's degree in leadership disaster preparedness, and post-graduate certificate from the Naval Post Graduate School, Executive Leadership Program.

Troy has been rostered on federal Southwest area IMT's since 2007 and is nationally credentialed Type-1/CIM Planning Section Chief, and Type-3 All-Hazards Incident Commander. His experience includes federal priority wildfires, major sporting league championships (NFL, NHL, MLS, MLB, PGA, NASCAR), diplomatic events, air shows, line of duty funerals, national memorials, and other high-acuity incidents and events. Most humbly in 2013, Troy was appointed as the primary Planning Section Chief for the Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial-IMT in Prescott, Arizona, leading the team through all nineteen line-of-duty memorials and the national ceremony, plus the ten-year commemoration ceremony in June 2023.

Troy is also rostered on a USDHS ASPR-NDMS Gold-IMT team. He is an experienced Incident Command System instructor for FEMA/EMI, TEEX, NFA, USAID, several individual State training programs, and private training coalitions. Now retired from local government, Troy focuses on corporate emergency management consulting and ICS training, plus EOC/DOC functional planning and design.

James Mason | Board of Directors Vice Pressident, Arkansas Search and Rescue Association
Member Southern Area Gold Team (NWCG Type 2 Inter-agency) 2004-2012
TNSP, RESL & PSC3
IMTA Charter Member, IQS Committee Chair
Retired Chief Officer Arkansas Fire Service
Search and Rescue
NASAR SARTECH I, Instructor & Lead Evaluator
ASARA Board of Directors Vice President

Andrew (AJ) McAndrew | ESF #13 Field Coordinator, Department of Justice / Emergency Support Function #13
AJ McAndrew is currently a Field Coordinator for the federal Emergency Support Function #13 (ESF #13) program in FEMA Region III. He is a former U.S. Marine and retired Lieutenant Colonel from the Maryland State Police with over 40 years of combined military, state law enforcement, and emergency management experience. Since joining ESF #13 in 2012 he has supported the planning and integration of federal Public Safety & Security response to over 100 activations including the first employment of a Law Enforcement Coordination Center during Hurricane Maria in 2017.

Erica McDowell | Assistant Chief, TDEM
Erica McDowell serves as the Assistant Chief of TDEM Region 1 and its 60 counties throughout the Panhandle, South Plains and Big Country areas.

Prior to her current role, Erica served as the Regional Section Chief of Recovery and Mitigation for 2 years and as the District 2, District Coordinator for 3 years.  Her career includes more than 14 years in local government and emergency management with Oldham County. Erica has responded to multiple natural and man-made incidents and disasters of various levels throughout the state and last year was deployed to Florida to respond to Hurricane Ian. She previously served on the Panhandle Regional Emergency Management Advisory Committee and the Panhandle Community Services Board of Directors along with other community organizations and groups.

Erica holds a bachelor's degree in management and a master's degree in leadership and management. She is a Certified Emergency Manager (CEM®) and Certified Texas Emergency Manager (TEM©).

Zach Mendez

Karl Minton | Human Factors and Emergency Preparedness Consultant, Prometheus Medical International
With over two decades of experience in medical care integrated with human factors, I am a seasoned leader, consultant, and educator focused on enhancing quality and safety. My expertise lies in system-based human factors analysis to identify and address gaps within organisational frameworks and strengthen resilience.

I specialise in emergency preparedness, developing strategies and training programs to improve readiness and response. Committed to promoting a "just culture" and open reporting, I collaborate with health authorities to implement vital prehospital solutions. My goal is to optimise performance and safety at all levels through structured analysis and strategic planning.

Kevin Moran | ESF #13 Planning Branch Chief, Department of Justice / Emergency Support Function #13
Kevin Moran is currently the Planning Branch Chief for the federal Emergency Support Function #13 (ESF #13) program based out of its National Coordination Center in Washington, DC. He is a Supervisory Special Agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with over 20 years of combined law enforcement and emergency management experience. Since joining ATF in 2007 he has supported ESF #13's federal Public Safety & Security response to large-scale incident responses including Hurricanes Maria, Dorian, Mangkhut, and Ian.

Steve North | Deputy Incident Commander, NW Team 10 CIMT

Steve is an experienced fire service, ICS instructor, and has taught ICS related courses across the United States and Internationally. He retired after having served 40 years in the fire service – the last 18 years as fire chief. Steve is an Incident Commander with Northwest Incident Management Team 10 – a Complex Incident Management Team. In addition, he is an Incident Commander with a regional Type 3 IMT. He serves as the chair of the Washington IMT Coalition and Steering Committee member of the Western Washington Interagency Type 3 Team.

Robert Patrick  | FEMA National Disaster & Emergency Management University (NDEMU)

Marc Pellegrino | Lieutenant, NJSP
Trooper with the NJSP for 20 years. Currently hold the rank of Lieutenant. Credentialled PSC3 and IC3. ICS, AHPS, and O-305 instructor.  AHIMTA member holding the At-Large Board of Director position for Law Enforcement.

Frank Post
Training Coordinator for the State of Michigan-Bureau of Fire Services

Benzie County Emergency Management Coordinator from 2013 to 2019. 

Professional Emergency Management Certification (PEM) from the State of Michigan.

National Emergency Management Agency Advanced Academy Graduate.

Michigan Emergency Management Association Board, being elected to the position of 1st Vice President.  

In 2017 selected as MEMA's ""Local Emergency Management Coordinator of the Year <60,000 Population"".

Chaired the Region 7 Homeland Security Planning Board.  

39-year career in law enforcement and Public Safety mostly in Southwest Lower Michigan with 23 years of that career as a Public Safety Director.  

Bachelor of Science Degree from Grand Valley State University in Criminal Justice

Greg Ramoni | Operations Manager, Team Rubicon
Greg J Ramoni is an Operations manager for Team Rubicon. Greg's former role was the Scott County Indiana Emergency Communications e911 Director and Emergency Management Agency Director, he has also worked in the private sector, and is an Army Veteran.

He is a COML, COMT, PSC (T), PIO (T), SOF (T), Professional Emergency Manager (PEM), and Senior Military Emergency Management Specialist (MEMS) and has a degree in accounting.

Also has served as the Indiana National Emergency Association (NENA) South Region Vice President, Indiana Telecommunicators Emergency Response Taskforce (IN-TERT) South Region Coordinator, Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) Chair, and with the Indiana COMU Task Force. 

He happily married and has 3 wonderful children and resides in Woodstock, Il where they enjoy feverishly discussing flooding, gardening, art, festivals, and giving back to the community.

Traci Rankin | Deputy Director of Field Leadership and Training, Team Rubicon
Traci Rankin is a distinguished leader and veteran from Dodge City, Kansas, with a career spanning over three decades in public service, disaster response, and community advocacy. Traci's has extensive experience in disaster response, incident management, and community leadership. She is known for her strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and dedication to service.

Traci's current role is Deputy Director of Field Leadership and Training,  at Team Rubicon. Traci oversees the development and implementation of leadership and training programs for disaster response teams, ensuring operational excellence and effective field leadership. Rankin has an extensive background in Disaster Response as an Incident Commander for a Type 3 Incident Management Team and a current Board Member of the All-Hazards Incident Management Team Association.

Rankin is a U.S. Army veteran with a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management and Leadership from Friends University. Rankin retired after 24 years in law enforcement in Kansas. She is the Vice President of the Dodge City Public Schools School Board since 2013, now serving her 4th term.

Rodney Reed | Assistant Chief, Harris County Fire Marshal's Office

Stephen Rhine | Lieutenant/PIO Complex, FDNY IMT
Stephen Rhine is a 22-year veteran of and a Lieutenant for the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) assigned to Engine 287.  Rhine is also a 31-year member of the Roslyn Highlands (NY) Volunteer Fire Department.  He is a New York State certified fire instructor and fire officer.  He is a PIO Complex with the FDNY All-Hazards Incident Management Team.  He has a bachelor's degree in Communications from Hofstra University and is a graduate of the West Point Counterterrorism Leadership Graduate Program.

Harmon Rowland | Chief, NIMS Guidance & Tools Branch, FEMA National Integration Center
Hank currently serves as the chief of the NIMS Guidance & Tools Branch within FEMA's National Integration Center. In this role, he manages the different lines of effort running from development of guidance and tools for EOCs and other NIMS products; to liaising with other divisions and offices, as well as external partners; to managing the development of NQS and the National Resource Hub. Hank has been with the NIC since 2014, working on various preparedness efforts, including resource typing, NQS and the NIMS suite of documents. Prior to joining FEMA, Hank served in the US Coast Guard as a deck watch officer on the Great Lakes and a response and preparedness officer on the Ohio River. He holds a bachelor's degree in government from the US Coast Guard Academy and a master's in Emergency Management/Homeland Security from Eastern Kentucky University. Hank currently lives in Fredericksburg, Virginia with his wife Ashley.

Michael Rubenstein | Director, Member-at-Large, Incident Management Teams Association

Brent Ruggles  | U.S. Department of Interior

Gordy Sachs | Chief, All Hazard & International Fire Support, U.S. Forest Service
Gordy Sachs currently serves as Chief, All Hazard and International Fire Support with U.S. Forest Service Fire & Aviation Management. Gordy is the Forest Service's National ESF #4 Coordinator and the primary agency liaison to FEMA, and also serves as Chair or member of several national and international committees.

Gordy has been with Forest Service Fire & Aviation Management for 18 years in various roles related to wildfire, emergency, and disaster response. He spent six years as Liaison Officer on a National Type 1 Incident Management Team. Prior to coming to the Forest Service, he worked 10 years at FEMA's U.S. Fire Administration and has 27 years of structural fire service experience, including over ten years as a chief officer in both career and volunteer fire/EMS departments.

Gordy is a graduate of the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program and has a master's degree in public administration, a bachelor of science in education, and three associate in applied science degrees in fire science disciplines.

Kimberly Speorl | City of Birmingham, AL

Lieutenant Alexander Striga | Fire Department of New YorkFDNY 18 YearsFDNY IMT 10 years
FDNY IMT Training Coordinator 7 years
Deployment Coordination Group 7 years

Pete Suver | Incident Commander, HSR3 Type 3 IMT
Pete Suver has been serving the community for over four decades, bringing valuable expertise in fire safety, emergency response, and EMS to local, regional, and national responses. With a career starting in 1979, Pete has filled roles as a firefighter, paramedic, and instructor for 45 years. He has responded to all-risk emergencies at all scales, including Type 2 and Type 1 events, as part of Complex, Type 2, and Type 3 IMTs. He was also a field paramedic and EMS system manager for 34 years. Notable responses include Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the World Trade Center terror attacks, the Northridge Earthquake, and many Type 2 and Type 1 wildland fires. He has been instructing Incident Command System courses since 2010.

Rich Sweeney | Liaison Officer, FDNY Incident Management Team
Rich is a 24- year veteran of the FDNY.  He currently holds the rank of Captain, and is assigned to Engine 277 in Bushwick, Brooklyn. Rich has been a member of the FDNY Incident Management Team for 13 years and serves as the teams Liaison Officer.  Over the course of his career, Rich has responded to terrorist attacks, hurricanes, building explosions, wildfires, various other natural and man-made disasters. Rich is also an ICS instructor and teaches throughout the country.

Dan Wills | Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency

Jason "Bear" Wilson | Captain, Houston Fire Department Deputy, Harris County Sheriff's Office

Dr. Edward Wolff | Deputy Director, L2 Defense and East TN Incident Management Team
Ed Wolff is the Deputy Director for public Safety with L2 Defense a global leader in preparedness and response in the military and civilian (public safety) sectors. Ed has over 40 years of emergency response and crisis management experience across five continents. His experience includes 25.5 years with a 6,500-person law enforcement agency retiring as the Senior Detective Sergeant in the  Office of Homeland Security and Counter Terrorism. He spent 26 years with FEMA as a US&R Task Force Search Manager and Incident Support Team (IST) member, and as a Reservist.

His real-world experience includes responses to thirty-nine declared incidents across five continents which have included the World Trade Center on 9/11/2001, the Space Shuttle Columbia crash, super tornado outbreak in Alabama, tsunamis in Papua New Guinea, mud slides in South America, high profile missing persons incidents in Central America and the Caribbean.  He is currently a member of a TN Type 3 IMT in East Tennessee.

Ed is a Crisis Manager, and Instructor-Advisor having spent over two decades as an instructor for FEMA at the Emergency Management Institute (EMI),  Texas A&M University (TEEX), the Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP) and spent four years as a Master Instructor for the USAID/OFDA international Program for the Enhancement of Emergency Response (PEER) in Southeast Asia. In 2015 he was selected, nominated, and appointed to the North Atlanta Treaty Organization (NATO) as a Civil Expert representing the United States.

Ed has been recognized as a disciplined, experienced, and articulate professional with demonstrated problem-solving and decision-making skills with the ability to develop and implement time-critical, effective action plans under adverse conditions. He has a proven track record of being a resourceful team leader with the exceptional capacity to multitask in a fast-paced environment while managing competing priorities with ease and initiate immediate actions in emergency situations.

He has a Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Education and a Master of Science degree in Executive Leadership, a graduate of the National Intelligence Academy and the Southern Police Institute.  Professional certifications include IAEM Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) since 2007, Florida Professional Emergency Manager (1999), FEMA Master Continuity Professional (MCP), DRII Certified Business Continuity Professional (CBCP), NASAR Type 1 SAR Technician/Instructor and Search Manager.

He has co-authored seven books non-fiction books, published over one hundred articles, and delivered over 500 subject matter presentations across the United States and internationally.

FEMA Supplemental Response Team

International Association of Chiefs of Police

United States Fire Administration / Research Branch