Jennifer Gray Thompson is a nationally recognized leader in wildfire recovery and resilience, and a fierce advocate for disaster survivors. Named a Forbes 50 Over 50 Impact Leader, she is the founder and CEO of After the Fire USA, a survivor-led, survivor-focused nonprofit advancing equitable recovery from megafires nationwide. After the 2017 North Bay Fires, she transformed a small local effort into a national model supporting communities after catastrophic fire. Jennifer was instrumental in delivering more than $6 billion in federal tax relief for disaster survivors. A former high school teacher and public administrator, she designs survivor-centered recovery systems, advises federal policy, and hosts the How to Disaster podcast, spotlighting leaders who know how recovery actually works.

In this episode, Jan and Jennifer discuss:

• How mega fires have increased dramatically and reshaped disaster recovery in the U.S.
• The mission of After the Fires USA is to support local leaders after disasters
• Why collaboration between jurisdictions and leaders is essential in LA’s recovery
• The limits of philanthropy versus the role of federal disaster funding

Key Takeaways: 

• Mega fires are becoming more frequent and complex, requiring new models of coordination and leadership. Communities must rely on collaboration rather than waiting for a single hero or agency to solve recovery.
• Philanthropy can help with targeted needs, but it cannot replace federal disaster funding at the scale required. Public systems must function properly for recovery to be equitable and complete.
• Building back to wildfire-prepared standards, including Zone Zero defensible space, is essential for future insurability and safety. These measures are practical and can still be implemented in ways that are visually appealing.
• Trauma significantly affects how survivors make decisions in the first year after a disaster. Understanding this emotional reality is key to providing ethical support and avoiding exploitation.

“There is no one group or person; no one is a hero or a savior. The community itself is the hero and savior.” – Jennifer Gray Thompson

Connect with Jennifer Gray Thompson:

How to Disaster Podcast

Website: https://www.howtodisaster.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HowtoDisasterPodcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howtodisaster

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-disaster/id1556177625

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6qf4grpRpMbegzl56vM4fM

Audible: https://www.audible.com/podcast/How-to-Disaster/B08JJQ4MWC

After the Fire USA

Website: https://afterthefireusa.org

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@afterthefireusa

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/afterthefireusa

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

Connect with Jan Brzeski:

Website: https://scipfinance.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbrzeski/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RebuildingLAafterthefires

Email: [email protected] 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.