How to Disaster

2024 WILDFIRE LEADERSHIP SUMMIT

Episode Description: 

"We're going to have to come together in order to be climate resilient." —Elizabeth Christy 

 

 "The earth knows how to respond." —Caitlin Cornwall

 

  "There's this window of opportunity after a catastrophe." —Joe Nordlinger

 

Disasters are complex challenges that require integrated solutions. While technology can provide powerful tools, traditional wisdom, and community-based approaches are equally vital. Effective disaster resilience must harness both cutting-edge innovations and time-tested local knowledge.

In this episode, we hear from a diverse panel of experts working to make communities more resilient to wildfires. Elizabeth Christy from the US Green Building Council, Caitlin Cornwall from the Sonoma Ecology Center, and Joe Nordlinger of the Napa Firewise Foundation share their unique perspectives and strategies.

The discussion covers key insights on the importance of long-term landscape management, the role of indigenous practices, the need for collaboration and funding, and ways to maintain momentum between disasters. Don't miss this insightful conversation on building truly resilient communities. Tune in now!

 

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
  
  

Highlights:

• 04:38 Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge in Practice
• 09:24 Thinking About the Land Differently
• 13:31 Pre-Wildfire Resilience
• 19:56 Keeping the Momentum

 

Meet the Moderator

👩🏻‍💼 Lisa Micheli, Executive Board Member, After the Fire USA

Dr. Micheli joined Sonoma County's Pepperwood Foundation in October of 2009 as its inaugural Executive Director and now serves as the organization's President and CEO. She brings more than 30 years of experience applying her technical, policy, and fundraising expertise to the design and implementation of ecological restoration, research, and education programs. She started her career at the US Environmental Protection Agency and then completed her graduate studies at UC Berkeley as a NASA Earth Systems Research Fellow in 2000.  She now focuses her research on relationships between climate, watershed health, and biodiversity and has published numerous peer-reviewed studies on river restoration, climate adaptation, and community-based approaches to biodiversity conservation.

Dr. Micheli specializes in facilitating interdisciplinary collaborations focused on using relevant research to craft collective solutions to today's most pressing landscape conservation challenges.  She serves as the co-chair of Pepperwood's Terrestrial Biodiversity Climate Change Collaborative (TBC3), a Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation Bay Area climate adaptation research initiative, with Dr. David Ackerly, Dean of UC Berkeley's College of Natural Resources. She also chairs the Golden Gate Biosphere Reserve team of the international Large Landscape Conservation Peer Network facilitated by the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy. She has been recognized as a Phi Beta Kappa scholar, a Robert and Patricia Switzer Foundation Environmental Leader, a Bay Nature Institute Local Hero for Environmental Education, and a Fellow of the California Academy of Sciences.  She is a member of the American Geophysical Union and the Society for Conservation Biology. Dr. Micheli serves as a director on After The Fire board and as a science advisor to the Sempervirens Fund, the Chile-California Conservation Network, the Bay Area Open Space Council, and the Water Research Foundation

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisamicheli/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisa.micheli1 
  
  

Meet the Panel:

👩🏻‍💼Elizabeth Christy, Education Programs Manager, US Green Building Council California

Elizabeth graduated in Environmental Studies from Temple University. Elizabeth worked under Joanne Donahue, the Manager of Land Restoration at the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education cultivating native plants and removing invasive species from the Penn's Native Acre. Elizabeth also designed and installed an educational sensory garden for students. Elizabeth also worked in the West End of Outdoor Horticulture at Longwood Gardens, where she oversaw the orchard, Migratory Bird Sanctuary, vegetable garden, idea garden, trial garden, and children's garden.

Since moving to California, Elizabeth has been the Program Manager for Eco Urban Gardens. She developed and implemented the Farm to Table and Farm to School programs. Elizabeth combines her passion for regenerative landscape and urban design with the impact on community health and environmental justice. She has a Docent Naturalist certification from Eaton Canyon Nature Center and has volunteered for the LA County Arboretum and California Native Plant Society.

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-christy-3a1600272/ 

 

Connect with USGBA:

• Website: https://usgbc-ca.org/

 

👩🏻‍💼Caitlin Cornwall, Senior Project Manager, Sonoma Ecology Center

Caitlin is a biologist who leads planning and partnerships and advises on technical projects. She's worked since 1998 as a leader at Sonoma Ecology Center. She has a bachelor's degree in biology, and a master's in botany, and is an expert on land use ecology, watershed health indicators, and communicating with non-technical audiences, as well as building diverse partnerships. She's a native of Sonoma, and she's been a lead author of the Biodiversity Action Plan, the roadmap for climate resilience and homes for sustainable Sonoma Valley. 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitlin-cornwall-65769016/ 

 

Connect with Sonoma Ecology Center: 

• Website: https://sonomaecologycenter.org/ 
  

 

👨🏻‍💼Joe Nordlinger, CEO, Napa Communities Firewise Foundation

Joe Nordlinger is the CEO of the Napa community's Firewise Foundation and brings a unique blend of wildfire preparedness and business expertise to this challenge. He has over two decades of experience in professional services, management, and corporate leadership, and chairs the Mount Veter Fire Safe Council and volunteers as a firefighter in Napa. He has helped the Fire Safe Council grow and secure over $100 million in grant funding, and he merges private sector strategies with fire safety.

• Webiste: https://napafirewise.org/ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-nordlinger-2aa871/ 

 

2024 WILDFIRE LEADERSHIP SUMMIT

Episode Description: 

"There's no greater power, no greater strength, and no greater drive to persevere than when you're fighting for your family and you're fighting for your home, even in the face of insurmountable odds." —Josiah Nishita

 

"We were the home to the most disastrous wildfire at the time, and that's one of those titles that you don't want, but at the same time you don't want to lose it, because that means that somebody else has gone through something worse than you." —Paul Lowenthal 

 

"That trust with someone that had gone through it and built it before was so necessary. As a new community going through this, you don't know who to trust." —John Smith 

 

"We learned some lessons the hard way, but other communities don't have to.  We continue to pay it forward. We continue to help others. That is our mission, that is our goal." —Scott Westrope

 

Mutual aid is a critical component of effective disaster recovery. By sharing resources, expertise, and lessons learned, communities can bounce back faster and stronger in the face of catastrophic events. Mutual support is the foundation for building resilience and restoring hope.

In this episode, we hear from Josiah Nishita, the Managing Director for Maui County, John Smith, the Public Works Highways Division Chief of Maui, Scott Westrope, the Fire Chief for the City of Santa Rosa, and Paul Lowenthal, the Deputy Fire Chief for the City of Santa Rosa.  

From navigating the complexities of debris removal and infrastructure repair to fostering community engagement and maintaining resilience, this panel shares invaluable insights on the power of mutual aid and how to do it right. Don't miss this episode to learn how collaboration and shared experiences can transform disaster recovery.

 

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

Highlights:

• 01:26 Maui: Where We Were and How Far We've Come
• 05:20 The Day After the Horrifying August 8th
• 09:57 One Year After
• 14:43 Fighting For Our Home
• 19:47 Facing the Unexpected
• 22:58 Connecting Sta Rosa with Maui
• 29:07 The Importance of Building Trust
• 33:54 Build Relationships Early
• 37:31 Pay It Forward

 

Meet the Moderator

👩🏻‍💼 Reva Feldman, Former City Manager, Malibu (2016-2021) / Advisor, After the Fire USA

Reva Feldman has more than twenty years of experience in public service. She has been with the City since 2005, serving as the Assistant City Manager and Administrative Services Director before her appointment as City Manager in May 2016. Reva brings with her strong leadership skills, knowledge, experience, and a deep dedication to the community.

 

Meet the Panel:

👨🏻‍💼Paul Lowenthal, Deputy Fire Chief, City of Santa Rosa

Paul Lowenthal is the Division Chief Fire Marshal for the city of Santa Rosa. He's been involved in fire and disaster recovery since 2017 when he first led the Debris Task Force for the city of Santa Rosa, following the Tubbs fire and Nuns Fire. In 2020 Paul played a key role in coordinating recovery after the Glass Fire. More recently, Paul has been assisting with recovery in Maui County. He's a board member of the Fire Safe Council for Sonoma County. He managed the development of the Santa Rosa vegetation management program and the vegetation management ordinance. He also has helped develop the city's community wildfire protection plan.

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-lowenthal-2115638a/ 

👨🏻‍💼Scott Westrope, Fire Chief, City of Santa Rosa

Scott Westrope is the Fire Chief for the city of Santa Rosa. He began his fire service in San Luis Obispo County, first with a Pismo Beach Fire Department and then with San Luis Obispo County. He came to Santa Rosa in 2000 and has held the ranks of firefighter, paramedic, Captain, training captain, battalion chief and Deputy Fire Chief. He became the interim fire chief in 2020 and fire chief in 2021. He holds a bachelor's degree in emergency services management and is a state of California Certified Chief Officer. He sits on the board for REDCOM, he is the Vice President of the Sonoma County Fire Chiefs Association, represents all of the cities on the Sonoma County Fire Service working group, is the Area Director for the California Fire Chiefs Association and serves as Sonoma County's Operational Area Coordinator. 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-westrope-4b24068a/ 

 

👨🏻‍💼John Smith, Highways Chief, County of Maui

John Smith is the Public Works Highways Division Chief for Maui County. He is a seasoned engineering professional with over 22 years of experience in infrastructure design, construction, and maintenance. He manages all operations and provides oversight for personnel and program budgets regarding county roadway systems. John now serves as the CO lead for the Office of Recovery, infrastructure recovery support function, and leads all fire debris removal efforts while restoring critical services such as clean drinking water, sanitary sewer, and electricity. John holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Ohio University and is a registered professional engineer.

 

👨🏻‍💼Josiah Nishita, Managing Director, County of Maui: Office of the Mayor

Josiah Nishita is the managing director for the county of Maui. He has played a crucial role in leading Maui's disaster recovery efforts following the devastating wildfires that impacted the island in August 2023. Josiah has demonstrated exceptional leadership in coordinating the county's response and recovery operations, including establishing emergency shelters, facilitating debris removal, and restoring critical infrastructure. He has also been instrumental in fostering strong partnerships with other communities and organizations to leverage mutual aid and best practices. His dedication to supporting the Maui community through this challenging time has been widely recognized, and he continues to be a driving force in the county's ongoing recovery and resilience efforts.

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josiah-nishita-21a96442/ 

 

Connect with the County of Maui:

• Website: https://www.mauicounty.gov/ 

 

Connect with the City of Sta Rosa:

• Website: https://www.srcity.org/ 

 

2024 WILDFIRE LEADERSHIP SUMMIT

 

Episode Description: 

"If we're not building with sustainable materials and we're not designing with sustainability in mind, we'll be in an even worse place environmentally."  —Andrew Rothgaber

 

"We were able to achieve gold standard…so that people know that they have a higher chance that if there's a hurricane that comes through, that they will not have a loss of property."  —Bungane Mehlomakulu

 

Across the world, millions of people struggle to find affordable, high-quality housing. This crisis has far-reaching consequences, impacting communities, the environment, and the well-being of society. Hence, innovative solutions are urgently needed to provide dignified living spaces that are accessible to all. 

Leading ICON's mission are Andrew Rothgaber, the Senior Director of Public Sector Business Development, and Bungane Mehlomakulu, the Director of Building Science and Performance. With backgrounds in robotics, engineering, and construction, this dynamic duo is spearheading ICON's efforts to disrupt the industry and address the global housing crisis.

From exploring the durability and resilience of ICON's 3D-printed wall systems to unveiling the company's digital design tools, this discussion offers a glimpse into the transformative potential of this technology. Join the Q&A around this revolutionary innovation and learn how ICON is paving the way for a more accessible and visually stunning future of housing.

 

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

Highlights:

• 00:22 ICON's Mission and the 3 Elements of a Revolutionary Home  
• 06:00 Facts About 3D Printed Homes
• 12:03 ICON's Printed Wall System
• 18:41 Speed + Efficiency + Beauty + Affordable
• 24:30 Q&A Segment 

 

 

👨🏻‍💼 Meet Andrew Rothgaber, Senior Director- Public Sector, ICON

Andrew has been with ICON for the past three years, having moved to Austin from Oahu to work on the company's mission of addressing the global housing crisis through innovative 3D printing construction methods. 

At Icon, Andrew oversees the company's robotics, advanced materials, software, and architectural design efforts. He is passionate about using technology to deliver high-performing, beautiful, and sustainable homes at a lower cost and faster pace than traditional construction methods. He is committed to ICON's goal of building a billion homes before retirement, in order to make dignified housing more accessible worldwide.

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rothgaber/ 

 

👨🏻‍💼Meet Bungane Mehlomakulu, Director of Building Science and Performance, ICON

Bungane Mehomakulu is an expert in sustainable building design with nearly 20 years of experience in the built environment developing low-energy, high-performance solutions for buildings focused on the health and wellbeing of the people who use them. His career focuses on developing design solutions incorporating building needs, architectural intent, and building science and performance. He is actively engaged in local and national discussions to create a more sustainable built environment.

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bmehlo/ 

Connect with ICON:

• Website: https://www.iconbuild.com/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/icon3dtech 
• X: https://twitter.com/icon3dtech 
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/icon3dtech 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/icon3dtech 
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/icon3dtech 

 

2024 WILDFIRE LEADERSHIP SUMMIT

 

Episode Description: 

"You got to be able to get out there and be able to assess the situation, not only from the building standpoint but the infrastructure standpoint, so that your decision-makers have the opportunity to make decisions and know what's facing them in terms of their top priorities." —Karl Fippinger

 

"An authentic leader who's vulnerable and who's willing to talk about their feelings and let it show— that's so important to me as a resident as well as a follower of that leader." —Jane Riley 

 

"One day, we can stop talking about rebuilding after wildfires, and talk more about preventing. But we have huge land management issues, and when we start solving that, we can avoid some of these disasters." —Mike Renner

 

Rebuilding after a wildfire is an immense challenge for any community. Navigating the complex web of building codes, regulations, and infrastructure issues requires resilience, creativity, and a deep understanding of the unique needs of each affected area. Restoring a sense of home and normalcy in the wake of such devastation is a monumental task that demands the collective efforts of leaders, experts, and the community itself.

In this discussion, we are joined by Jane Riley, the Director of Advance Planning and Housing at 4Leaf Inc.; Mike Renner, the Director of Development Recovery Services at 4Leaf Inc.; and  Karl Fippinger, the Vice President of Fire and Disaster Mitigation at ICC. 

Tune in as Jane, Mike, and Karl delve into the role of building codes for resilience and disaster mitigation, the power of showing empathy in communicating rebuilding requirements to traumatized communities, the qualities of an effective leader in post-disaster, the importance of prevention in building a more resilient future, plus much more. 

 

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

Highlights:

• 00:22 Meet Reva Feldman
• 02:21 Meet Jane Riley, Mike Renner, and Karl Fippinger
• 05:37 Why Codes Are Important in Home Rebuilding
• 11:09 The Importance of Correct Updated Information in Disaster
• 17:34 What We Can Do Better
• 27:08 TakeAway: Helping the Decision-Makers, Authentic Leadership, and Land Management Issues

 

 

Meet the Moderator

👩🏻‍💼Reva Feldman, Former City Manager, Malibu (2016-2021) / Advisor, After the Fire USA

Reva Feldman has more than twenty years of experience in public service. She has been with the City since 2005, serving as the Assistant City Manager and Administrative Services Director before her appointment as City Manager in May 2016. Reva brings with her strong leadership skills, knowledge, experience, and a deep dedication to the community.

 

Meet the Panel

👩🏻‍💼 Meet Jane Riley, Director of Advance Planning and Housing at 4Leaf Inc.

Jane Riley has been a planning professional for more than 30 years. She served as Planning Manager for the County of Sonoma through the 2017 Tubbs Fire, 2019 Kincade Fire, and lost family properties in the 2018 Carr Fire. She was first introduced to 4Leaf through their shared recovery work in Sonoma and retired from the county to join 4Leaf in 2020. She currently serves as 4Leaf's Director of Advance Planning and Housing and assists in planning related fire work recovery efforts wherever needed. 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jane-riley-aicp-89941824/

 

Connect with 4Leaf Inc.: 

• Website: https://www.4leafinc.com/ 

👨🏻‍💼Meet Mike Renner, Director of Development Recovery Services at 4Leaf Inc.

Mike is the Director of Development Recovery Services for 4Leaf. He's a seasoned Director with more than 20 years of industry experience serving clients throughout the US in the scopes of planning, building, code enforcement, and post-disaster development recovery services. He leads all infrastructure creation and implementation of 4Leaf's development recovery programs. The programs provide permitting assistance to communities impacted by wildfires. Currently, he's the lead recovery efforts in Maui and he's also overseen the recovery programs in Sta Cruz County, Sonoma County, Paradise, Jackson County, Oregon, and the city of Malibu. 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-renner-7ba50bb4/ 

 

Connect with 4Leaf Inc.: 

• Website: https://www.4leafinc.com/ 

👨🏻‍💼Meet Karl Fippinger, Vice President of Fire and Disaster Mitigation at ICC

Karl Fippinger, CEM, PMP, is Vice President of Fire and Disaster Mitigation for the International Code Council's Government Relations Department where he leads the Code Council's national fire service and emergency management activities.

Fippinger brings more than 30 years of domain experience, having served as an assistant fire chief with the Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire Department in Prince William County, Va., and as an adjunct instructor with the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department in Fairfax, Va. He also brings deep experience in public and private sector emergency management across federal, state, and local disaster preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery.

Fippinger holds the Certified Emergency Manager credential with the International Association of Emergency Managers and is a certified Project Management Professional with the Project Management Institute.

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karl-fippinger/ 

 

Connect with ICC:

• Website: https://www.iccsafe.org/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/International-Code-Council/122907857740822?ref=ts 
• X: https://twitter.com/IntlCodeCouncil 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intlcodecouncil/ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/31134 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ICCMEDIA

2024 WILDFIRE LEADERSHIP SUMMIT

 

Episode Description: 

"We have to grow the 'we' if we're going to survive in the future." —Supervisor James Gore

 

Effective leadership is not about commanding authority, but about cultivating a shared vision and empowering the community. True leaders understand that their role is to listen, collaborate, and build trust with those they serve.  

James Gore serves as the District 4 Supervisor for Sonoma County, California, where he has been at the forefront of innovative disaster recovery and community resilience efforts. As a passionate public servant, Supervisor Gore is committed to bridging the gap between government and the people.

In this thought-provoking talk, Supervisor Gore shares invaluable insights on the power of transparent leadership, the importance of embracing failures, and the transformative potential of a united community in the wake of disasters.

 

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

Highlights:

• 00:36 The Biggest Fire
• 07:23 Make Sense of Tragedy
• 12:41 Plan a Mission; Get Results
• 16:57 Inspired by the "WE"

 

👨🏻‍💼Meet James Gore, 4th District Supervisor, County of Sonoma; President of NACO

Supervisor James Gore was born and raised in the 4th District, living in Cloverdale, Healdsburg, and the Mark West area of Santa Rosa. He attended Jefferson Elementary in Cloverdale and graduated from Montgomery High in Santa Rosa.

In 2013, James returned home to Sonoma County to raise his family.  He was elected to the Board of Supervisors in 2014 after running a relentless, positive campaign built on inclusiveness and a commitment to own the future and deliver for the residents of Sonoma County.  As he embarks upon his 4th year on the Board, James is slated to become Chairman of the Board of Supervisors in 2018.  Beyond his work as County Supervisor, James is also serving on several counties, regional, statewide, and national organizations.

• Website: http://supervisorjamesgore.com/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1147402832 
• X: https://twitter.com/supervisorgore?lang=en 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesgore4/ 

 

2024 WILDFIRE LEADERSHIP SUMMIT

 

Episode Description: 

 "It's never about benefiting our organization, it's about benefiting the cause." —Jennifer Gray Thompson 

Day 2 of the 2024 Wildfire Leadership Summit is underway and the insights are about to get even more powerful! 

After an inspiring and insightful first day, we are thrilled to continue our important discussions on disaster recovery, rebuilding, and reimagining. 

As we come together once again to support one another and chart the path forward, let us carry the energy and optimism of day one into these next critical sessions. 

Tune in as our host, Jennifer Gray Thompson, discusses the organization's ethical approach to data sharing, its meaningful partnership with United Airlines, and the importance of acknowledging ongoing disasters as the world faces the era of climate change. 

 

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

Highlights:

• 00:22 We Will Go Running  
• 02:13 Thank you United Airlines

 

👩🏻‍💼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: 

"A shared vision of reality where we can all see what's happening allows us all to respond to the same thing accordingly." —John Mills

 

Preparing for the future of disasters requires innovative solutions that go beyond traditional approaches. By consolidating critical information and leveraging technology, communities can enhance their resilience and responsiveness when faced with unpredictable challenges. Empowering citizens with real-time, reliable data is key to navigating the complexities of disaster recovery and rebuilding.

John Mills, the CEO and co-founder of Watch Duty, is a visionary leader who has dedicated his career to improving disaster preparedness and response. Drawing from his personal experiences, he has built a nonprofit organization that harnesses the power of technology and human expertise to provide communities with the information they need during times of crisis.

Listen in as John shares how Watch Duty is revolutionizing disaster response by leveraging technology, human expertise, and a commitment to democratizing access to real-time, verified information to empower communities and emergency responders with the critical knowledge they need during times of crisis.

 

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

Highlights:

• 03:34 What is Watch Duty 
• 07:50 How Does It Work? 
• 11:49 Interpreting Tones 
• 16:01 A Bigger Opportunity to Make a Change 

 

👨🏻‍💼Meet John Mills, CEO and Co-Founder of Watch Duty

John Clarke Mills is the CEO and co-founder of Watch Duty, a cutting-edge disaster intelligence platform that provides real-time wildfire tracking and updates. Launched in August 2021, Watch Duty leverages advanced technology to enhance public safety by delivering timely and accurate information to users in fire-prone areas.

With a background in software engineering, John previously co-founded Zenput, a company specializing in operations execution software. His expertise in technology and his commitment to community safety have driven the success of Watch Duty. Under his leadership, the platform has become an essential tool for residents and emergency responders alike, helping to mitigate the impact of wildfires and save lives.

John's innovative approach and dedication to using technology for the greater good continue to inspire and protect communities vulnerable to natural disasters.

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnclarkemills/ 

 

Connect with Watch Duty:

• Website: https://www.watchduty.org/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/watchdutyapp 
• X: https://twitter.com/watchdutyapp 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/watchdutyapp/ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/watch-duty/ 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@watchdutyapp  

 

2024 WILDFIRE LEADERSHIP SUMMIT

 

Episode Description: 

"There's a lot that can be done if you open up the doors and just change the way that you do things." —Jim Alvey

 

"We don't do anything globally without partnerships. As a disaster relief organization, we're trying to get the most relief, the most amount of people, the fastest amount of time, for the least amount of money. And you don't do that by yourself." —Danielle Dreis

 

When disaster strikes, the path to recovery often requires a collaborative effort between private and nonprofit organizations, working hand-in-hand with the affected community. This powerful synergy can unlock innovative solutions and ensure resources reach those in greatest need. By bridging gaps and leveraging unique strengths, these partnerships become a driving force in restoring hope and resilience in the aftermath.

Facilitated by Vidya Simpath, the Senior Product Manager of Amazon's Disaster Relief Program, this discussion unpacks the invaluable lessons learned in the wake of the devastating Maui fires, from immediate housing assistance to long-term rebuilding efforts, and more. 

Tune in as our panel, VP of Disaster Recovery at Good360 Jim Alvey, and GEM Hawaii Executive Director Danielle Dreis share insights on successful private-nonprofit partnerships, adapting to unique disaster challenges, and the importance of local collaboration and grassroots efforts in long-term recovery. 

 

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

Highlights:

• 01:30 What Authentic Partnerships Look Like in Disaster Recovery
• 08:20 Navigating Failures 
• 16:09 Digging in Locally
• 20:22 Amazon's Strategic Response 
  
  

Meet the Moderator:

👩🏻‍💼Vidya Sampath, Senior Product Manager, Disaster Relief Program, Amazon

Vidya Simpath is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in data analytics and project management, specializing in end-to-end medical supply chain & logistics management, clinical care workflow design, and strategic planning. Known for her ability to identify and communicate complex issues with clarity, Vidya excels at cutting through the noise to facilitate informed decision-making. She has a proven track record of collaborating effectively across cultures, time zones, deadlines, and organizations, ensuring smooth project execution. Vidya's success lies in her ability to seamlessly balance her technical expertise with management and operational responsibilities, leading teams and managing budgets with equal proficiency.

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vidyasampathglobalhealth/ 

 

Meet the Panel

👨🏻‍💼Meet Jim Alvey, VP of Disaster Recovery at Good360

Jim Alvey is the Vice President of Disaster Recovery and Philanthropy at Good360, a nonprofit organization that leads the global distribution of donations through partnerships with socially responsible companies. Jim's work includes cultivating partnerships with foundations and companies to expand the organization's product donor network, increase nonprofit sector collaboration, and connect with different government agencies. He focuses on medium to long-term disaster recovery efforts. 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimalvey 

 

Connect with Good360:

• Website: https://good360.org/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Good360.org 
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/good360 
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/good360usa/ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/good360 
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCItn_VoR1grL7MqOWFgAArA 

 

👩🏻‍💼 Meet Danielle Dreis, Executive Director, Hawaii, Global Empowerment Mission (GEM)

Danielle Dreis is a seasoned humanitarian professional with over a decade of experience working in developing countries. Since 2011, she has dedicated her career to providing aid and disaster response in challenging environments. Her expertise spans a wide range of areas, including marketing and communication, logistics, budget and contract management, fundraising, and team building. Danielle's passion for making a difference in the lives of others is evident in her tireless efforts to ensure the effective delivery of vital resources and support to those in need.

• Website:  https://danielledreis.com/ 
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielledreis/ 

 

Connect with GEM:

• Website: https://www.globalempowermentmission.org/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theglobalempowermentmission
• X: https://twitter.com/gemmissions
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/globalempowermentmission 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@globalempowermentmission 

2024 WILDFIRE LEADERSHIP SUMMIT

 

Episode Description: 

"Our mission should be developing communities to better withstand the challenges of our climate, building better and smarter in the first place, not just building back better. Together, we can create a safer, more prepared locality, a more prepared state, a more prepared nation." —Chris Smith

 

Disaster recovery should empower, not exhaust. By rethinking individual assistance to be survivor-centric, we can restore dignity and put communities on the path to true resilience in the face of catastrophe.

Chris Smith is an experienced emergency manager who previously served as the Director of the Individual Assistance program at IEM/FEMA. In this role, he worked to support disaster survivors and communities through the provision of critical financial assistance and recovery resources. Drawing on his expertise in individual assistance, Chris now serves as a disaster consultant, dedicated to improving the way communities prepare for and recover from catastrophic events.

 

Join the discussion as Chris discusses the need to evolve the disaster recovery paradigm, leveraging state/local roles, private sector engagement, and innovative technologies to create a more responsive, streamlined system that better supports survivors, especially those impacted by wildfires, through individualized assistance and a focus on community resilience.

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

Highlights:

• 01:02 Mitigating Against Home Loss
• 04:22 What is the Individual Assistance (IA) Program 
• 08:53 Key Elements to Pay Attention To
• 14:30 7 Key Principles to Support Survivors
• 19:50 Right Assistance at the Right Time 
• 24:05 The Role of Education  
• 27:14 Building Back Better AND Smarter   

 

👨🏻‍💼 Meet Chris Smith, Director of Individual Assistance and Disaster Housing, IEM/FEMA Director of Individual Assistance (2015-2022) 

Chris Smith, Director of Individual Assistance and Disaster Housing at IEM, is a seasoned emergency management professional with over 25 years of experience. His career highlights include leading the Office of Response and Recovery's Individual Assistance Division at FEMA, managing the distribution of over $52 billion in federal assistance during 175 federally declared disasters. Chris also played a key role in developing and implementing a funeral assistance program funded by Congress in response to COVID-19, delivering over $2 billion in aid. Prior to his time at FEMA, Chris held influential positions in Nevada, including serving as the Chief of Emergency Management and Homeland Security Advisor to the Governor. His diverse experience, academic prowess, and commitment to community resilience make him a valuable asset to IEM and a respected figure in the field of emergency management and disaster recovery.

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-smith-9647944/ 

 

Connect with IEM: 

• Website: https://iem.com/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ieminc
• X: https://www.twitter.com/iemnews 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/we.are.iem 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_X0aJN-ROsVhxLdEQ7Qxwg 
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2JPGPzGVPRjVfhdJQyuO3m?si=5b5561dd3c9549e3 

 

2024 WILDFIRE LEADERSHIP SUMMIT

 

Episode Description: 

"The critical resources we used for this were imagination and creativity— things that are always with us, even immediately after a disaster. And by doing this, we have helped ourselves heal ourselves, we've helped our community heal." —Ken Donnell

 

"Children in our community haven't had the opportunity to share what happened to them." —Nance Presser

 

After a disaster, children often don't have the opportunity to process and share their experiences. Their voices can get lost in the chaos of recovery. But one community found a way to empower their young ones to tell their stories.

Ken Donnell, the founder of the nonprofit The Gift of Music, wrote "The Little Dozer That Did" after observing a local rancher's heroic actions during the Dixie Fire. With the help of Nance Presser, the book transformed into a community-driven children's coloring book and musical play. Involving local artists and educators, the project empowered young survivors to share their own stories.

From using imagination as a critical resource for recovery to adapting the story for other disaster-affected areas, this conversation offers a blueprint for supporting and amplifying the voices of children in times of crisis. Listen in. 

 

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

Highlights:

• 00:22 No Words Can Express
• 03:37 The Little Dozer
• 07:33 The Little Dozer in Spanish
• 09:01 The 3 Basic Tenets of Wildfire

 

👨🏻‍💼 Meet Ken Donnell, Author of "The Little Dozer That Did"

Ken Donnell is a Greenville resident who lost his home in the devastating Dixie Fire of 2021. Driven by a desire to help others cope with the trauma of displacement, he created "The Little Dozer that Did!", a children's coloring book based on the true story of a bulldozer that helped protect Greenville from the wildfire. Donnell found that the book has also resonated with adults, offering a positive way to process the emotional toll of the fire. Inspired by its success, he plans to write sequels about the Little Dozer's adventures, helping to heal and inspire others in the face of adversity.

 

👩🏻‍💼Meet Nance Presser, Editor, "The Little Dozer That Did", Consultant at ReCoverCa

Nance Elaine Presser is a dedicated and driven professional with over 20 years of experience in health, wellness, and fitness. She has a proven track record of success, having owned and operated successful wellness studios offering massage therapy, yoga, and tai chi instruction.  

In 2014, Nance expanded her entrepreneurial endeavors into network marketing, becoming an affiliate for doTerra Essential Oils and Enagic.  The devastating Dixie Fire of 2021, which destroyed her studio, home, and town, led her to a new path in disaster recovery.  For three years, she served as the Disaster Case Management Coordinator for Plumas Rural Services in Quincy, CA, providing crucial support to those impacted by the fire.  

Now, Nance is honored to be part of the HCD ReCoverCA team, assisting disaster survivors in securing grants for home rebuilds, rehabilitation, and fire mitigation.  Beyond her full-time commitment to disaster recovery, Nance is passionate about empowering health and wellness leaders to achieve unlimited abundance through independent distributorship. 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nance-elaine-presser-25ab171a/