By JENNIFER GRAY THOMPSON
5
44 ratings
The podcast currently has 128 episodes available.
2024 WILDFIRE LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
Episode Description:
“We are not hopeless against mega-fires. We are not hopeless against the era of climate change. We can do these things together because we are daring to hope and to help each other.” —Jennifer Gray Thompson
As we bring this transformative event to a close, we are filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Each and every one of you has played a vital role in making this summit a resounding success.
Whether you traveled from near or far, volunteered tirelessly behind the scenes, or tuned in from your homes and offices, your presence and contributions have been invaluable. Together, we have forged connections, shared knowledge, and cultivated a spirit of resilience that will continue to inspire us long after these few days have passed.
To the organizers, speakers, and sponsors who poured their hearts into this endeavor: your unwavering dedication and passion have been truly humbling to witness. You have created a space where communities affected by disaster can find solace, support, and the tools to rebuild with hope.
And to the participants, both here in person and joining us virtually, your vulnerability, wisdom, and commitment to making a difference have been the driving force behind this summit. Your stories of survival and resilience have touched us deeply, reminding us of the incredible strength that lies within each and every one of you.
Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for being a part of this transformative experience. May the spirit of this summit live on in the work we do, the lives we touch, and the communities we help to rebuild stronger and more resilient than ever before.
See you again next year on September 9-11, 2025 Wildfire Summit! Save the date.
Aloha!
Connect with After The Fire USA:
Highlights:
👩🏻💼Meet Jennifer Gray Thompson, MPA, Founder & CEO of After the Fire USA
Jennifer Gray Thompson, named one of Forbes’ “50 over 50” IMPACT Leaders in 2022, has led Rebuild North Bay Foundation since January 2018, transforming it into a national leader in megafire recovery. A lifelong Sonoma Valley resident, she holds a master’s degree in Public Administration from USC and has worked for the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors. Post-2017 North Bay fires, she became Executive Director of RNBF, which aids wildfire-affected communities across the American West. As CEO, she developed the Wildfire Resiliency Network and Survivor Deployment Model, advocated for federal policies, and hosted national Wildfire Leadership summits. Jennifer also created the “How to Disaster” podcast and serves on boards supporting Latino communities and first responders’ mental health.
2024 WILDFIRE LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
Episode Description:
“Aloha does not mean hello and goodbye. Aloha has a much deeper meaning of love and respect. Hello to the return of our Indigenous kupuna knowledge and goodbye to the profit-making capitalistic colonization types of thinking that put profit over people.” —Ku’uleinani Maunupau
Colonization has disrupted the deep connection between the land and its indigenous people in Hawaii. The once-thriving Hawaiian land management practice that fostered a harmonious relationship between the people and the environment, has been largely eroded by decades of over-development. As we explore disaster recovery efforts, we are reminded of the urgent need to reclaim the wisdom of our ancestors and restore the harmonious relationship between the people and the land that Aloha embodies.
Ku’uleinani Maunupau is the CEO of Native Hawaiian Philanthropy, an organization dedicated to improving the social and economic conditions of Native Hawaiians and their families. With over 30 years of experience as a grant writer, Kuuleinani brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep commitment to supporting her community.
In this empowering talk, Ku’uleinani shares the story of Native Hawaiian Philanthropy's unplanned yet crucial involvement in disaster recovery efforts, the organization's focus on mental health and cultural activities, and their plans for long-term community support.
Connect with After The Fire USA:
Highlights:
👩🏻💼 Kuʻuleinani Maunupau, CEO, Native Hawaiian Philanthropy
Ku’uleinani Maunupau is the CEO of Native Hawaiian Philanthropy, bringing over 30 years of expertise in grant writing, project management, and nonprofit consulting. She has successfully collaborated with 14 nonprofit organizations to promote Hawaiian culture and has secured over $2 million in funding for various programs. Kuuleinani’s skills include grant writing, program development, strategic planning, and media production, where she has directed and produced educational videos. Her dedication to community engagement is evident through her work in developing educational projects and promoting sustainable community development.
Connect with Native Hawaiian Philantrophy:
2024 WILDFIRE LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
Episode Description:
“We're not powerless. We are not powerless against wildfire. We know what we need to do.” —Amanda West
“I try not to use the word remove. Just move them. You can have plants. You can have a beautiful landscape. We want that five feet for the fire break.” —Mark Vaughn
Wildfires pose a serious threat to homes and communities, but we don't have to be helpless in the face of these disasters. By implementing proven mitigation strategies, homeowners can take proactive steps to protect their properties and create more resilient neighborhoods. It's time to move beyond just rebuilding after the flames and focus on building better from the start.
In this episode, CTEH Senior Advisor Christa Lopez sits down with IBHS Director of Product Services Amanda West and Wildfire Prepared Home Program Manager Mark Vaughn.
Tune in as they share the latest techniques to harden homes and create effective ember defense systems— from the critical importance of a non-combustible zone around the home to the role of building materials in wildfire resistance.
Connect with After The Fire USA:
Highlights:
Meet the Moderator:
👩🏻💼 Christa Lopez, Senior Advisor, CTEH
Christa López, PhD, CEM is a dedicated professional in disaster recovery, crisis management, and environmental justice. With a PhD in Public Policy and Administration from Walden University and a Master’s in Emergency and Disaster Management from the American Public University System, Christa has held significant roles at CTEH, Deloitte, and the Texas General Land Office. Her extensive volunteer experience includes serving as a medic, firefighter, and search and rescue team member, all contributing to her mission of improving lives through effective disaster response and recovery.
Meet the Panel:
👩🏻💼 Amanda West, Director of Product Services, IBHS
Amanda West is the Director of Product Services at the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). With over 19 years of experience at The Weather Channel, Amanda has honed her skills in project management, strategy development, and client relationship management. She is dedicated to enhancing weather resiliency and wildfire mitigation, leveraging her expertise to strengthen homes and communities against severe weather. Amanda holds a degree in Digital Media from Full Sail University.
👨🏻💼Mark Vaughn, Operations Manager - Wildfire Prepared, IBHS
Mark Vaughn is the Wildfire Prepared Home Program Manager at the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). Prior to joining IBHS, Mark spent 15 years in the insurance industry, primarily insuring commercial properties. He then transitioned to working for Habitat for Humanity, where he ran construction programs and built dozens of homes with hurricane and wildfire resilience in mind. Mark's experience in the insurance and home construction sectors, combined with his expertise in wildfire mitigation, make him well-suited to lead IBHS's Wildfire Prepared Home program, which provides homeowners with actionable steps to protect their homes from the growing threat of wildfires.
Connect with IBHS:
2024 WILDFIRE LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
Episode Description:
“As the recovery process continues, you have to continue to adapt.” —Emily Nilsen
Disaster recovery is a complex challenge, but innovative lenders are stepping up to the plate. Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) like Impact Development Fund are providing flexible financing, coordinating resources, and creating tailored programs to support communities in rebuilding and becoming more resilient.
In this talk, we hear from Emily Nilsen, the Chief Program Officer of Impact Development Fund. Listen in as Emily shares IDF’s three-pronged approach as well as the key partnerships, evolving programs, and adaptations required to effectively fund disaster recovery efforts.
Connect with After The Fire USA:
Highlights:
👩🏻💼Meet Emily Nilsen, Chief Program Officer, Impact Development Fund
Emily Nilsen is dedicated to providing excellent leadership for the nonprofit sector, where she has 15 years of experience. Emily gets very passionate about causes she believes in, often in the realm of community development and housing, economic development, and philanthropy. Emily also has a love for policy and advocacy work, consistently researching best practices to expand an organization's public reach and creating collaborative, community-based solutions. When Emily is not busy with her work or volunteerism, Emily enjoys hanging out with her husband, Matthew, and her dog, Frodo. Emily is a voracious reader, a supporter of the Arts, and an appreciator of Colorado's beautiful outdoors.
Connect with Impact Development Fund:
2024 WILDFIRE LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
Episode Description:
“Home ownership is about stability. Homeownership is about building wealth. Homeownership is about families. But if you don't have a clear title, you don't know if that stability is going to be there.” —Tim Carpenter
Disaster strikes, but for some, the real battle is just beginning. Millions of homes across the US are caught in a tangled web of heirs property— families without clear title to their generational land. This legal limbo leaves them vulnerable to losing everything. Thus, understanding the challenges of heirs' property is crucial for supporting vulnerable populations in the aftermath of crises.
Tim Carpenter is a seasoned disaster recovery expert at Fannie Mae, with over 25 years of experience navigating the complexities of post-disaster housing. As the leader of Fannie Mae's disaster response team, he brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep commitment to serving impacted communities.
Tune in as Tim talks about the critical issue of heirs' property, Fannie Mae's efforts to address it, and the holistic approach needed for effective disaster recovery.
Connect with After The Fire USA:
Highlights:
👨🏻💼Meet Tim Carpenter, Director of Disaster Recovery & Resilience, Fannie Mae
Tim Carpenter is a long-time employee at Fannie Mae, with over 25 years of experience at the organization. As a disaster expert, Carpenter has been deeply involved in Fannie Mae's efforts to support communities affected by major disasters, such as hurricanes Harvey, Maria, and the Tubbs fire.
Carpenter has been instrumental in driving Fannie Mae's initiatives to develop new products and services to better assist homeowners and communities in navigating the recovery process. His expertise and dedication have been invaluable in Fannie Mae's holistic approach to disaster response and community support.
Connect with Fannie Mae:
👩🏻💼Meet Jennifer Gray Thompson, MPA, Founder & CEO of After the Fire USA
Jennifer Gray Thompson, named one of Forbes’ “50 over 50” IMPACT Leaders in 2022, has led Rebuild North Bay Foundation since January 2018, transforming it into a national leader in mega fire recovery. A lifelong Sonoma Valley resident, she holds a master’s degree in Public Administration from USC and has worked for the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors. Post-2017 North Bay fires, she became Executive Director of RNBF, which aids wildfire-affected communities across the American West. As CEO, she developed the Wildfire Resiliency Network and Survivor Deployment Model, advocated for federal policies, and hosted national Wildfire Leadership summits. Jennifer also created the “How to Disaster” podcast and serves on boards supporting Latino communities and first responders’ mental health.
2024 WILDFIRE LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
Episode Description:
“How you frame your argument is how you get them to listen.” —Jeff Okrepkie
“We're willing to help anybody out that is going through this now or in the future.” —Steve Crowder
“There's no playbook when it comes to a wildfire… Be ready, because you know this is going to impact you at some point, maybe not directly but you will be.” —Kevin Goss
“There is a next step, and we just have to keep moving forward.” —Jenn Kaaoush
Disaster can strike anyone, even those sworn to serve the public. Yet, in the face of unimaginable loss, these community leaders refuse to be silenced. They're taking their fight to the halls of Congress, forging bipartisan bonds to secure critical aid and resources for megafire recovery.
Meet the panel: Council Members Steve Crowder (Town of Paradise), Jenn Kaaoush (Town of Superior), Jeff Okrepkie (City of Santa Rosa, and Founder of Coffey Strong), and Kevin Goss (Chair of the Board of Supervisors, County of Plumas) — survivors who've transformed their pain into powerful advocacy.
Tune in as Jennifer Gray Thompson guides the discussion on the importance of advocacy and building relationships with federal legislators to address the unique challenges faced by megafire communities while emphasizing the value of having a "seat at the table" and the need for continued collaboration and support.
Connect with After The Fire USA:
Highlights:
Meet the Panel:
👨🏻💼Steve Crowder, Councilmember, Town of Paradise
Steve Crowder was first elected to serve on the Town Council on November 6, 2018. Council Member Crowder was then reelected on November 8, 2022 to serve a subsequent four-year term.
Prior to running for Council, Steve served on numerous Stakeholder Committees for the Town, including, The Beautification, Business License, and Sewer Committee, as well as well as serving as a board member for the Paradise Ridge Chamber of Commerce.
Steve has been a Paradise resident since 2013. He and his wife own an embroidery and shirt printing business and serve the community through participation in fraternal and service organizations, such as the Paradise Moose Lodge, Paradise Rotary Club, and the Paradise Parade of Flags.
Steve and his wife Lori have 3 children and 4 grandchildren and are both heavily involved in the community.
👨🏻💼Kevin Goss, Chair of the Board of Supervisors, County of Plumas
Kevin Goss is the Plumas County Supervisor of District Two, which encompasses the largest district in Plumas County, including the community of Greenville. Goss has served as a county supervisor for 12 years and has been a key leader in the recovery efforts following the Dixie Fire, the single-largest wildfire in California state history. Goss has been actively involved in federal advocacy efforts, working alongside organizations like After the Fire to ensure the needs of his fire-impacted community are heard in Washington, D.C. With over a decade of experience in local government, Goss brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep commitment to supporting his constituents through the challenges of disaster recovery.
👩🏻💼 Jenn Kaaoush, Councilmember, Town of Superior
As a Councilwoman for the Town of Superior and former Director of Superior Rising, Kaaoush has been a dedicated advocate for her community since the 2021 Marshall Fire, streamlining processes, sourcing funds, and pushing for state and federal support. She has joined After The Fire USA to advocate for fire survivors, supported the Lahaina recovery, and leveraged her experiences as a fourth-generation Veteran and former Diplomat to connect disaster recovery efforts internationally.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferkaaoush/
👨🏻💼Jeff Okrepkie, Councilmember, City of Santa Rosa / Founder of Coffey Strong
Jeff Okrepkie is a dedicated public servant, currently serving as a council member for the City of Santa Rosa. His passion for community service is evident through his co-founding of Coffey Strong, an initiative aimed at supporting fire recovery efforts. Jeff’s contributions to disaster recovery and economic development have earned him recognition and respect within his community. He holds a B.A. in Human Communication from Arizona State University and several professional certifications in insurance.
2024 WILDFIRE LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
Episode Description:
This recovery is slow, it's painful, and it's costly. We need patience, and aloha, and support because we're all in this together.” —Angus McKelvey
“We have a lot of challenges moving forward, and it's figuring out the strategy of how we're going to approach it. And once you get that strategy, you have to figure out how do we get it to implementation.” —Troy Hashimoto
Disaster recovery is not just about the visible on-the-ground efforts - it also involves complex state-level decisions and coordination that can make or break a community's rebuilding journey. Senators and state legislators play a crucial role in securing funding, navigating bureaucracy, and setting the stage for long-term resilience. Yet, their perspectives are often overlooked in the midst of the chaos.
In this discussion, Sonoma County Supervisor Elect Rebecca Hermosillo interviews Hawaii District 5 Senate Senator Troy Hashimoto and Hawaii District 6 State Senator Angus Mckelvey to unpack the unseen challenges and strategic considerations they've faced in supporting the Lahaina community after the devastating wildfires.
From grappling with budget constraints and insurance crises to spearheading temporary housing solutions and advocating for permanent rebuilding, these elected officials offer a unique insider's view on the state's role in disaster recovery. Tune in to hear their insights and learn how state-level leadership can make a lasting impact on communities in crisis.
Connect with After The Fire USA:
Highlights:
Meet the Moderator:
👩🏻💼 Rebecca Hermosillo, Supervisor Elect, County of Sonoma
Rebecca Hermosillo is the First District Supervisor Elect for Sonoma County. With over 11 years of experience in public service, she has been instrumental in community engagement and policy implementation. Rebecca’s dedication to her community is evident through her active involvement in local organizations, including the boards of Pepperwood Preserve and Speedway Children’s Charities. Her journey from the daughter of Mexican immigrants to a prominent public servant highlights her commitment to improving the lives of those in her community
Meet the Panel:
👨🏻💼Troy Hashimoto, Hawaii State Senator - District 5
Troy Hashimoto is a State Senator representing Central Maui, the neighboring district to Lahaina which was devastated by the recent wildfires. Prior to becoming a State Senator, Hashimoto served as the Chair of the Housing Committee in the Hawaii House of Representatives.
In his current role, Hashimoto has been deeply involved in the legislative response and recovery efforts for the Lahaina community. He has also worked to secure state funding for infrastructure rebuilding, temporary housing solutions, and long-term housing strategies in the burn zone.
Drawing on his previous experience in housing policy, Hashimoto has emphasized the critical importance of addressing the housing crisis exacerbated by the fires, in order to support the repopulation and rebuilding of Lahaina. He has worked closely with the Maui County government to coordinate the state's recovery efforts and ensure they align with the community's needs and long-term vision.
👨🏻💼Angus McKelvey, Hawaii State Senator - District 6
Angus McKelvey is a State Senator in Hawaii who represents the Lahaina community, which was devastated by the recent wildfires. As a first-term senator, he has been deeply involved in the recovery and rebuilding efforts of his constituents. Senator McKelvey was personally affected by the fires and has been working closely with the local community and government officials to address the immediate needs and long-term challenges facing Lahaina. He has emphasized the importance of sustained support and patience from the state legislature as the community navigates the slow and costly recovery process. With his firsthand experience and commitment to his district, Senator McKelvey is playing a key role in guiding the state's response and ensuring the Lahaina community is not forgotten.
2024 WILDFIRE LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
Episode Description:
“Trust is so important to building a community of practice. And part of that trust comes from understanding where people are and where they stand.” —Michael McCormick
“Once the scene is stabilized and we start to clean things up, and then there comes a point where we start rebuilding things… and that's when the long-term recovery begins.” —Matt McRae
“There are simultaneous disasters occurring at the same time everywhere, and you never know what's going to hit you at that time, and you have to be prepared for it all. Anything and everything that could come, you have to be ready for.” —Heather Buch
Building a strong, collaborative community of practice could be a game-changer for long-term disaster recovery efforts. By connecting experts, local leaders, and frontline responders, this type of network has the potential to streamline resource-sharing, accelerate rebuilding timelines, and empower communities to bounce back stronger after catastrophic events. Establishing these vital peer-to-peer connections is crucial, especially as communities increasingly face the compounding challenges of climate change.
Facilitating the discussion are Farallon Strategies President Michael McCormick, Lane County District 5 Commissioner Heather Buch, and Lane County’s Long-Term Recovery Manager Matt McRae
The workshop covered a wide range of topics, from the differences between emergency response and long-term community development to the need for better resource-sharing and peer-to-peer mentorship. Participants also engaged in interactive exercises and a lively Q&A session, underscoring the hunger for this type of collaborative network.
Don't miss your chance to learn their strategies and get inspired to make a difference in your community. Listen now to the full discussion.
Connect with After The Fire USA:
Highlights:
👨🏻💼Meet Michael McCormick, President, Farallon Strategies
Michael McCormick, AICP, is the Partnerships Lead, Founder, and President of Farallon Strategies, LLC, a California-based advisory, policy, and management consulting firm focused on climate change solutions and community resilience.
With experience across local, regional, state, and federal levels, as well as in non-profit, business, and government sectors, Michael leverages his diverse background to create interconnected governance strategies. He leads various initiatives, including work with the CSU Chancellor’s Office, the California Resilience Partnership, and CivicWell, and serves as an advisor and board member for multiple organizations.
Michael also teaches climate change, land use, and resilience at UC Davis and has held significant roles in local planning, consulting, and government, including serving in Governor Brown’s Office and the White House Council on Environmental Quality.
Connect with Farallon Strategies:
👩🏻💼Meet Heather Buch, Commissioner, District 5, Lane County
Heather Buch is a dedicated public servant currently serving as a County Commissioner for Lane County, Oregon, since 2019. She has been instrumental in leading the county through significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the Holiday Farm Fire. Heather’s leadership extends to securing critical funding for disaster recovery and advocating for affordable housing. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Seattle University and has a background in real estate and non-profit work. Heather is also actively involved in various regional and national committees, focusing on transportation and community development.
👨🏻💼Meet Matt McRae, Long Term Recovery Manager, Lane County
Matt McRae is the Long Term Disaster Recovery Manager at Lane County Government in Eugene, Oregon. In this role, he oversees the planning and implementation of recovery strategies to help the community rebuild and recover from disasters. His work involves coordinating with various stakeholders, managing resources, and ensuring that recovery efforts are efficient and effective. Matt’s expertise in disaster management and his commitment to community resilience make him a key figure in Lane County’s efforts to mitigate the impacts of natural and man-made disasters.
2024 WILDFIRE LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
Episode Description:
“It's not enough just to give, you have to always receive as well with the same grace and gratitude and aloha.” —Jennifer Gray Thompson
“Aloha is boundless, and we know that Aloha reaches all shores and all states. Even in the most trying of times together, we are one team.” —Mahina Martin
Welcome to the final day of the 2024 Wildfire Leadership Summit. We're so glad you could join us for this last session— it's been an incredible few days filled with insightful discussions, powerful presentations, and meaningful connections.
Today, we have an exciting lineup of speakers and workshops that are sure to leave you feeling inspired and empowered in your important work. This community of wildfire leaders is truly special, and we are honored that we get to learn from each other one last time.
With that, let's get started on an amazing final day as Jennifer shares the importance of reciprocal care and community support, the need to create a formalized support system and database for disaster recovery experts, the challenges of funding long-term recovery efforts, and the goal of making it easier for communities to access the help they need during disaster recovery.
Connect with After The Fire USA:
Highlights:
👩🏻💼Meet Jennifer Gray Thompson, MPA, Founder & CEO of After the Fire USA
Jennifer Gray Thompson, named one of Forbes’ “50 over 50” IMPACT Leaders in 2022, has led Rebuild North Bay Foundation since January 2018, transforming it into a national leader in megafire recovery. A lifelong Sonoma Valley resident, she holds a master’s degree in Public Administration from USC and has worked for the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors. Post-2017 North Bay fires, she became Executive Director of RNBF, which aids wildfire-affected communities across the American West. As CEO, she developed the Wildfire Resiliency Network and Survivor Deployment Model, advocated for federal policies, and hosted national Wildfire Leadership summits. Jennifer also created the “How to Disaster” podcast and serves on boards supporting Latino communities and first responders’ mental health.
👩🏻💼Meet Mahina Martin, Director of Public Affairs, Maui
Mahina Martin is the Director of Public Affairs for the County of Maui in Hawaii. In this role, she leads the county's public outreach and communication efforts, particularly during times of crisis and disaster recovery. Mahina played a key leadership role in coordinating Maui's remembrance and healing activities for the one-year anniversary of the devastating West Maui fires in 2022. Through her work, Mahina has demonstrated a deep commitment to supporting her community and upholding the cultural values of aloha and resilience in the face of adversity. Her collaborative approach and ability to bring people together have been instrumental in Maui's recovery efforts.
2024 WILDFIRE LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
Episode Description:
“Indigenous values can shift how we deal with disasters.” —Kainoa Horcajo
Disaster recovery isn't just about rebuilding infrastructure— it's about honoring the deep connections between people and place. Principles like reciprocity, collective responsibility, and deep connection to the land can shape a more compassionate and community-centered approach to rebuilding after crises. By honoring these time-tested philosophies, we unlock powerful pathways to healing and resilience.
Kainoa Horcajo is a cultural practitioner and consultant who has dedicated his career to sharing the wisdom of Native Hawaiian traditions. As the founder of The Mo'olelo Group, he provides training and guidance to organizations seeking to integrate Indigenous perspectives into their work.
Listen in as Kainoa delves into the role of Hawaiian values like kuleana, ohana, and aloha in shaping disaster response and recovery, the importance of cultural connections and local identity, the application of indigenous principles throughout the entire disaster pipeline, the significance of rites of passage and community support, and the meaning of aloha as the "how" in disaster work.
Connect with After The Fire USA:
Highlights:
👨🏻💼Meet Kainoa Horcajo, Owner, The Mo'olelo Group
Kainoa Horcajo is a Cultural Consultant, Storyteller, Speaker, Writer, and Actor based in Wailuku, Hawaii. He is the Principal Owner of The Mo’olelo Group, a multidisciplinary consultancy specializing in Cultural Integration, Community Outreach, Communications, and Experience design. With a background in International Relations from the University of San Diego, Kainoa has held significant roles such as Director of Culture at Grand Wailea and Hawaiian Cultural Ambassador. His work focuses on applying indigenous knowledge systems to corporate structures and the hospitality industry, fostering a deeper understanding and connection with Hawaiian culture, history, and people.
The podcast currently has 128 episodes available.