VEMS2025: C3 - Proactive Preparedness in Action: The Operation Ready FLG Full-Scale Exercise - Ashleigh Makuch, Wes Dison, & Aaron Walker

In alignment with the VEMS 2025 theme, "Don't Count on Luck," this session delves into Operation Ready FLG, a triennial full-scale exercise at the Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) - the gateway to the Grand Canyon. This FAA-mandated exercise tested critical response capabilities in an aircraft crash and mass-casualty incident scenario, designed and facilitated by Emergency Management Partners (EM Partners). Presenters Ashleigh Makuch and Gil Zavlodaver will share insights on designing and executing this high-stakes exercise involving over 25 regional agencies, the largest full-scale in Arizona in over 5 years. The exercise aimed to fortify readiness and seamless coordination among local, state,  federal, private sector, and NGO partners, encompassing emergency medical response, firefighting, mass-casualty triage, public information, emergency operations center activation, and medical/healthcare response. This session will explore actionable lessons for building capabilities in complex scenarios, ensuring that every component of the response from operational communication and scene security to patient transport and interagency collaboration operates beyond chance. Join us to examine how a commitment to rigorous preparedness planning can prevent reliance on luck, translating into tangible improvements for real-world readiness.

Ashleigh Makuch is a Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) with over 10 years of experience in emergency management, currently serving as the Preparedness Director for EM Partners, LLC, and having held positions previously in state, higher education, and county agencies. Her background includes emergency operations planning, continuity planning, training and exercise development, and emergency operations center activations. She is also experienced in human services, including mass care, community recovery and Individual Assistance, and voluntary agency and private sector coordination. Ashleigh’s significant achievements include, rewriting the Arizona State Emergency Response and Recovery Plan, working Arizona’s COVID-19 pandemic response and recovery, providing technical review of federal and gubernatorial declaration documents, and supporting wildfires, flooding, and other disasters in Arizona. She is an instructor for continuity of operations planning courses and FEMA National Emergency Management Basic Academy courses. Ashleigh also serves as an assessor for the Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP). Ashleigh holds a Master of Arts in Security Studies from the Naval Postgraduate School, Center for Homeland Defense and Security (NPS CHDS). She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Criminology/Criminal Justice from Northern Arizona University. 

VEMS2025: G3 - Better to be Prepared than Lucky: Lessons Learned from Implementing a Regional Exercise Series - Taylor Jones & Alex Weston

In 2024, the NOVA Emergency Management Training & Exercise Working Group was tasked with developing and implementing several regional exercises for hazards that would impact the whole Northern Virginia region. This session will discuss the lessons learned from both the development and the implementation of an exercise series centered on a DC Walkout (seminar and tabletop) and a tabletop exercise focusing on a nationwide IT system outage 72 hours before regional hurricane impacts.

VEMS2025: F3 - The Blue Book: Collaborative Planning for Cyber Catastrophes - Thomas (Tom) Berry, Emma Williams, & Joel Silverman

It is becoming increasingly clear that nation-state actors are attempting to destabilize the nation’s environment by attacking cyber networks to (a) disrupt community lifelines through attacks on critical infrastructure systems, (b) erode public trust through disinformation, and (c) compromise the ability of the United States to defend the homeland and project power globally. This scenario is not unlike the nuclear threat of the mid-1900s, which terrified the world and the American people and precipitated a greater planning effort than had yet been required of civil defense.

Tom Berry is an experienced Emergency Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the areas of domestic and international disaster response. 

VEMS2025: GS2 - Hurricane Helene: Response and Recovery in Southwest Virginia - Andy John, Curtis Crawford, Justin Haga, Jonathan Simmons, Tyler Hall, & Billy Chrimes

Join us for an insightful panel discussion on the response and recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene in Southwest Virginia. This expert panel will feature representatives from local emergency management, the National Weather Service, Virginia Cooperative Extension, search and rescue teams, and state emergency management. Together, they will share firsthand experiences, challenges faced, and lessons learned in managing the storm’s impact. From preparedness strategies to long-term recovery efforts, this discussion will provide valuable insights into the collaborative efforts that helped communities rebuild and strengthen resilience for future disasters. This session offers a unique opportunity to engage with experts and enhance your understanding of disaster management in our region.

VEMS2025: D1 - Libraries: More Than Books: A Tool for Emergency Managers - Amanda Jackson

Libraries are more than just books and computers, they are a vital resource for you before and after a disaster strikes. Learn how your local library is a tool for disaster recovery.

Amanda B. Jackson is the Director of the Chesapeake Public Library, a role she has held since 2018. She brings extensive experience in library and cultural institution leadership, having previously served as the Director of both the Gadsden Public Library and the Gadsden Museum of Art in 2006.

From Desk to Deployment: How Field Experience Amplifies Organizational Preparedness and Resilience - Hannah Winant

This session will explore the critical value of deploying emergency management staff to gain hands-on experience through real-world responses, with a special focus on lessons learned from Arlington County staff deployments via intragovernmental aid and EMAC requests. While the upfront costs in time and resources for staff deployments can be high, these short-term sacrifices yield immense long-term returns for the individual and organization. Attendees will learn how deployment experiences align with FEMA Core Competencies, contribute to practical skills and initiatives that drive agency resilience, and increase employee confidence and capabilities. We will showcase real examples of EMAC deployment benefits, from newly implemented operational procedures to enhanced coordination skills, illustrating how on-the-ground exposure can transform theoretical knowledge into practical, life-saving expertise.

VEMS2025: D4 - The Human Impact of Hurricane Helene: Sheltering, Recovery, and Resilience - Mike Guzo & Michael Whitaker

Disasters are more than just response and recovery—they are about people. This panel will explore the human side of Hurricane Helene, focusing on sheltering operations, unmet needs, and the challenges faced by vulnerable populations. Representatives from the local health department, regional emergency management, the Department of Social Services, and FEMA will share their experiences in addressing housing, medical needs, mental health, and long-term recovery efforts. Learn how communities came together to support those most affected and what steps can be taken to improve preparedness and response for future disasters.

VEMS2025: C2 - Motivational Leadership - Rich Troshak

Challenging working conditions and stress can leave your Emergency Management and Emergency Communication personnel unmotivated and less productive. This course provides motivational techniques you can use to enhance the 9-1-1 and EOC work environment. Explores leadership styles and how they impact morale. Encouraging healthy attitudes and professional development in the workplace can help prevent unnecessary turnover and burnout.

Rich Troshak presently serves as the Director of 9-1-1 and Geospatial Services (NGS) Outreach Division for the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM). Previously he was the Operational Planning Branch Chief for VDEM, and Emergency Operations Specialist for the Virginia Office of EMS. During his 33-year career in public safety he was also a PSAP Director in Virginia, Michigan, Kansas City, and served as Project Manager for the Department of Homeland Security Philadelphia MegaCenter. Rich is a life member of the Virginia Chapter of the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) where he served two terms as Chapter President.

VEMS2025: E1 - When Worlds Collide: 9-1-1 and Emergency Management - Rich Troshak

While 9-1-1 centers usually operate independently from emergency management, during an emergency or disaster they work together to play an essential role to communities they serve.  This presentation will explore the convergence of technology and operations between both disciplines, and the ways we utilize tools for situational awareness, interoperability, and public notifications.  We will discuss cyber threats, artificial intelligence, and the importance of COOP planning related to 9-1-1 outages and other impacts to public safety critical infrastructure.  Will share details of emergency communications impacts from Helene and actions taken in response.  Working together, we can better prepare and respond to emergencies throughout Virginia.

Rich Troshak presently serves as the Director of 9-1-1 and Geospatial Services (NGS) Outreach Division for the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM). Previously he was the Operational Planning Branch Chief for VDEM, and Emergency Operations Specialist for the Virginia Office of EMS. During his 33-year career in public safety he was also a PSAP Director in Virginia, Michigan, Kansas City, and served as Project Manager for the Department of Homeland Security Philadelphia MegaCenter. Rich is a life member of the Virginia Chapter of the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) where he served two terms as Chapter President.

VEMS2025: B1 - Leveraging National Weather Service Expertise: A Case Study of Service Before, During, and After Hurricane Helene

This presentation will explore the critical role played by the National Weather Service (NWS) in supporting emergency management efforts concerning Hurricane Helene. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the NWS products and services provided in advance, during and after Helene. The presentation will showcase a timeline of NWS services, highlight successful interagency coordination, and share key lessons learned that can be applied in future emergency situations in Virginia. Attendees will have the opportunity to share feedback about the effectiveness of NWS services related to Helene.