Leading and Healing After Fire explores the personal and professional toll of leadership in post-disaster recovery and the importance of sustaining the well-being of those who step into these challenging roles. Moderated by Jolie Wills, a cognitive scientist and disaster recovery expert, the panel features Clara Bergen, Amy Bernstein, and Adrienne Heinz—each sharing deeply personal stories and insights from their work and lived experiences in disaster-impacted communities. Together, they discuss burnout, resilience, trauma, and the path toward healing and post-traumatic growth for leaders navigating recovery after wildfire.

 

Connect with After The Fire USA: 

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In this powerful talk, a Sonoma County native and Kaiser Permanente leader shares how the organization invested nearly $24 million in post-disaster recovery efforts after the Tubbs Fire. Through partnerships with 65 nonprofits, the initiative focused on four pillars—economic security, mental health and resilience, housing stability, and community infrastructure. From funding the first health equity planner for the City of Santa Rosa to supporting undocumented workers and scaling mental health access in schools, this talk highlights how listening to community voices can shape equitable, long-term recovery. The presentation also spotlights regional efforts in Maui and Southern California, showing how Kaiser Permanente's civic partnerships continue to strengthen community health across the nation.

 

Connect with After The Fire USA: 

• Website: https://afterthefireusa.org/

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This powerful video presentation highlights the inspiring story of Rogue Food Unites (RFU) — a grassroots organization born from the 2020 Oregon wildfires that transformed crisis response through the power of food and community. From serving hot meals during disaster recovery to building sustainable food systems that support local farmers, RFU has created a compassionate model of resilience, equity, and nourishment. Through collaboration with restaurants, volunteers, and partner organizations, they've provided fresh, culturally appropriate, and organic meals to thousands, proving that food is more than survival — it's connection, healing, and hope.

 

Connect with After The Fire USA: 

• Website: https://afterthefireusa.org/

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• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuTefxZgWUJkDVoZGZQpxgQ

 

In this heartfelt and insightful panel, longtime mortgage banker and moderator Tim Carpenter leads a discussion with Lori Gay President & CEO, Neighborhood Housing Services of Los Angeles, and Sidra Goldwater Advisor, Disaster Recovery & Rebuilding, Fannie Mae. Together, they explore the human and financial dimensions of post-disaster recovery—from restoring hope to rebuilding homes and addressing complex issues like heirs' property and intergenerational wealth. Lori shares powerful on-the-ground stories of resilience and the importance of "hope as leverage." At the same time, Sidra offers expert insights into Fannie Mae's disaster response, lending guidance, and innovative tools for long-term housing stability. This session highlights how compassion, clarity, and collaboration drive true recovery—turning numbers into stories of hope.

 

Connect with After The Fire USA: 

• Website: https://afterthefireusa.org/

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• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuTefxZgWUJkDVoZGZQpxgQ

 

Moderator Casey Taylor leads a thoughtful discussion with panelists Jessica Pyska, J. Lopez, Laura Blaul, and Karl Flippinger on leadership, collaboration, and the power of partnerships in community resilience. Together, they share real-world experiences from across sectors—government, education, and emergency management—highlighting lessons learned, challenges faced, and strategies that strengthen local response and recovery efforts. This engaging conversation showcases how teamwork and shared vision drive meaningful progress in communities.

 

Connect with After The Fire USA: 

• Website: https://afterthefireusa.org/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AfterTheFireUSA

• X: https://twitter.com/AfterTheFireUSA

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• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuTefxZgWUJkDVoZGZQpxgQ

 

11 The Heart of Leadership in Disasters: Honest Lessons from Years on the Frontline

 

In this inspiring talk, Katie Simmons, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer of Butte County, shares insights on the power of friendship, trust, and human connection in community recovery. Drawing from real experiences, she explores how relationships and social capital form the invisible infrastructure that sustains resilience long after disaster strikes. Her message highlights how empathy, collaboration, and shared purpose help rebuild not only communities—but also the bonds that hold them together.

 

Connect with After The Fire USA: 

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Day two of the 2025 After the Fire Leadership Summit opens with warm remarks from Jennifer Gray Thompson, emphasizing honesty, resilience, and the daily dedication of community leaders in wildfire recovery. She introduces keynote speaker Katie Simmons, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Butte County, who shares heartfelt insights on the realities, challenges, and hope found in long-term disaster recovery and leadership.

 

Connect with After The Fire USA: 

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• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuTefxZgWUJkDVoZGZQpxgQ

 

The Power of Connection: Friendship and Trust in Recovery

In this heartfelt closing panel, two leaders—John Smith, Administrator of Maui's Office of Recovery, and Paul, Division Chief Fire Marshal from Santa Rosa—share how tragedy sparked an enduring partnership. Moderated by Lorez Bailey, a Sonoma County recovery leader, the conversation explores the human side of disaster recovery: the friendships, humor, and trust that sustain communities long after the headlines fade. Together, they reveal how empathy, cultural respect, and authentic relationships are the true foundations of resilience.

 

Connect with After The Fire USA: 

• Website: https://afterthefireusa.org/

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• X: https://twitter.com/AfterTheFireUSA

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• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuTefxZgWUJkDVoZGZQpxgQ

 

Australian resilience expert Renae Hanvin, Founder and CEO of Resilient Ready, shares powerful insights on how "invisible infrastructure"—the social connections that bind communities—plays a crucial role in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. Speaking at an international forum, she explores how social capital—the trust, networks, and coordination among people—builds true resilience beyond systems and technology. Drawing from Australia's experiences with bushfires, floods, and droughts, Renae highlights the importance of bonding, bridging, and linking ties, and unveils a groundbreaking national framework developed with Professor Daniel Aldrich to make these invisible connections visible and valued in disaster planning.

 

Connect with After The Fire USA: 

• Website: https://afterthefireusa.org/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AfterTheFireUSA

• X: https://twitter.com/AfterTheFireUSA

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• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atf3r

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuTefxZgWUJkDVoZGZQpxgQ

 

In this panel on Funding and Philanthropy in Disaster Recovery, leaders from Napa Valley Community Foundation, Hawaii Community Foundation, and Ballmer Group discuss lessons learned from disaster response across California and Hawaii. Julia DeNatale, Keanu Lau Hee, and Nina Revoyr share how philanthropy can evolve to meet long-term community needs, support nonprofits under strain, and adapt funding strategies that align with real recovery timelines.

 

Connect with After The Fire USA: 

• Website: https://afterthefireusa.org/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AfterTheFireUSA

• X: https://twitter.com/AfterTheFireUSA

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afterthefireusa/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atf3r

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuTefxZgWUJkDVoZGZQpxgQ