18 GIU 2024 · Healthcare in a disaster is a basic need that brings many challenges. To achieve success in a disaster, much time and preparation and planning needs to be accomplished before a disaster strikes. In this podcast we have a wide-ranging discussion with Tom Cotter, MPH, executive director of https://healthcareready.org/ Tom brings more than a decade of global health readiness and response expertise to expand the nonprofit’s mission-driven work addressing health equity. During his 15-year career as a public health and emergency management professional, Cotter has piloted and launched innovative international strategies to localize emergency response operations and build sustainable response functions worldwide.  Cotter holds a Master of Public Health degree from Boston University School of Public Health, a certificate from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and earned his Bachelor of Arts in Public and Community Service Studies at Providence College. He also attended the University of the Philippines as part of an international research team focused on the socioeconomic determinants of health and has served as an emergency response coordinator for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services since 2013.During the podcast Tom referenced a previous podcast, https://disasterzone.buzzsprout.com/1176869/14763355-myths-on-public-behavior-in-disaster-movies which is linked here. And, the issue of supply chain and blood supply was mentioned, and another previous Disaster Zone Podcast on that topic, https://disasterzone.buzzsprout.com/1176869/7859668-blood-donations-disasters-and-covid-19. https://dynamis.com/, a leading provider of information management software and security solutions, is a sponsor of this podcast.  Eric Holdeman is a professional emergency manager who is passionate about providing information that can help families, businesses & governments become better prepared for disasters of all types. Hear first hand expert insights from Eric on his https://disasterzone.buzzsprout.com, https://www.govtech.com/em/emergency-blogs/disaster-zone& http://ericholdeman.com/.

4 GIU 2024 · El Paso, like many border jurisdictions, works to maintain good working relationships with their cross-border international neighbors. What makes it much more challenging is the mass migration of immigrants that has occurred in recent years, beginning in 2019. Jorge Rodriguez, the podcast guest is the Emergency Management Director for the El Paso City-County Office of Emergency Management. He has held that position for over seven years. He leads the Office of Emergency Management’s mission to cultivate a resilient community through collaborative partnerships to prevent, prepare, mitigate, respond and recover from large-scale emergencies and disasters. The podcast discusses their challenge of emergency management’s role in dealing with the influx of migrants. Jorge also highlights his belief that emergency management is moving to a stage of our profession where we need to be transitioning from an “all-hazards” approach to one that is “all-crisis.” This is because we are being called upon to provide leadership in areas that have not been emergency management’s domain. This episode is sponsored by https://www.bentearsolutions.com/ which offers comprehensive capabilities and deep industry knowledge necessary to help you solve the most complex issues of your organization. We advise public and private organizations on an all-inclusive approach to disaster preparedness that addresses governance, planning, operational procedures, technology implementation, training, and exercises in order to achieve a successful and sustainable program.  Eric Holdeman is a professional emergency manager who is passionate about providing information that can help families, businesses & governments become better prepared for disasters of all types. Hear first hand expert insights from Eric on his https://disasterzone.buzzsprout.com, https://www.govtech.com/em/emergency-blogs/disaster-zone& http://ericholdeman.com/.

21 MAG 2024 · Emergency management and crisis leadership demand more than technical skills and knowledge in today’s fast-paced and complex world. To better access information on demand, make appropriate decisions, and lead most effectively, it is essential to understand how the brain works. A critical cognitive skill set known as executive function (EF) is at the heart of effective decision-making in high-pressure situations. Leaders with robust EF skills are at a distinct advantage. They are better equipped to make informed decisions under pressure and navigate the intricacies of contemporary organizational landscapes and global challenges. EF is especially critical in crisis management and high-stakes decision-making scenarios where clarity of thought and efficient action can be game-changers. The podcast Guest is Kim Guevara, MA Founder and CEO at https://www.mozaiksolutions.com/  Kim has 25 years’ experience in emergency management, homeland security, and development. She has provided services to all levels of government, the U.S. military, and the private and non-profit sectors. Kim’s combined experience in emergency/crisis management, health community initiatives in humanitarian crises, and organizational leadership also led her to co-create the Crisis Athlete™ program. At its core, the program challenges, questions, and envisions new, more sustainable pathways for crisis leaders to think about resilience by leveraging and applying the power of neuroscience at the individual, organizational, and community levels. You can read about this topic here: https://www.domesticpreparedness.com/articles/executive-function-the-crisis-leaders-edge-in-a-high-pressure-world?utm_source=DomesticPreparedness&utm_campaign=cf427b42c7-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2024_01_03_09_50_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-bea7c13990-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D. For more brain tools see http://www.crisisathlete.com.https://dynamis.com/, a leading provider of information management software and security solutions, is a sponsor of this podcast.  Eric Holdeman is a professional emergency manager who is passionate about providing information that can help families, businesses & governments become better prepared for disasters of all types. Hear first hand expert insights from Eric on his https://disasterzone.buzzsprout.com, https://www.govtech.com/em/emergency-blogs/disaster-zone& http://ericholdeman.com/.

13 MAG 2024 · A recent cascade of solar flares and coronal mass ejections has ignited vibrant auroras, stretching as far south as Alabama and Northern California. However, alongside this spectacle comes the potential for disruptions to Earth's communications systems throughout the upcoming weekend. This special rebroadcast episode covers "space weather". Everyone is familiar with the functions of the National Weather Service (NWS) and its role in forecasting the weather here on earth. They also have another function which is forecasting “space weather.” That is the topic of this podcast. Yes, there are potential dangers that can come from solar activity. The podcast guest is Mr. Shawn Dahl, a physical scientist who has worked at the Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) since 2015 as a space weather forecaster. He is now a senior space weather forecaster and also provides Impact-based Decision Support Services (IDSS) issues and relations on behalf of SWPC. In this podcast the threats that come from the sun are reviewed as well as the detection methods and also the various dangers that are possible from solar activity. You can learn more about the SWPC at  http://www.swpc.noaa.gov/. https://www.merits.com/is a first-of-its-kind, all-hazards, digital credentialing platform that equips emergency responders with innovative tools to securely manage their personnel on-site, no matter the situation. Merit's platform is relied on in mission-critical situations such as the Surfside building collapse and at secure Health and Human Service facilities and is trusted by a growing network of thousands of partners.Eric Holdeman is a professional emergency manager who is passionate about providing information that can help families, businesses & governments become better prepared for disasters of all types. Hear first hand expert insights from Eric on his https://disasterzone.buzzsprout.com, https://www.govtech.com/em/emergency-blogs/disaster-zone& http://ericholdeman.com/.

7 MAG 2024 · Since 2020 John Carr and Samantha Montano have been studying disaster movies and how they influence the public’s perceptions of disasters. Multiple researchers attributed the prevalence of disaster myths to disaster movies, but no empirical studies had supported or refuted that claim. John Carr is a disaster Researcher and Educator out of Kansas City, Missouri. John's research interests include citizen engagement in disasters, CERT teams, rural emergency management, and disaster movies. John is an Emergency Management Analyst at Argonne National Laboratory, and also serves as Executive Director for the Consortium for Humanitarian Service and Education. His doctoral dissertation was on Disaster Movies and the Perception of Human Behavior Myths in Disasters. It can be found and accessed at: https://digitalcommons.jsu.edu/etds_dissertations/18/. This podcast focuses on his research and findings concerning the impact of disaster movies on public perceptions of what will happen in a disaster. This episode is sponsored by https://www.bentearsolutions.com/ which offers comprehensive capabilities and deep industry knowledge necessary to help you solve the most complex issues of your organization. We advise public and private organizations on an all-inclusive approach to disaster preparedness that addresses governance, planning, operational procedures, technology implementation, training, and exercises in order to achieve a successful and sustainable program.   Eric Holdeman is a professional emergency manager who is passionate about providing information that can help families, businesses & governments become better prepared for disasters of all types. Hear first hand expert insights from Eric on his https://disasterzone.buzzsprout.com, https://www.govtech.com/em/emergency-blogs/disaster-zone& http://ericholdeman.com/.

23 APR 2024 · The emergency management community and average citizens are always interested in the disaster response aspect of a catastrophe. That interest fades dramatically as a disaster transitions to the recovery phase. With that in mind, this podcast takes a more in-depth look at the policy implications of the recovery phase of the Maui Firestorm of 2023.  The guest for this podcast is Luke Meyers, the Disaster Management Coordinator for the State of Hawaii, who works for the Governor. For the Maui disaster he is the State Disaster Recovery Coordinator. Previously Luke has worked in local emergency management at the city and county levels, serving as a planner, mitigation planner and city emergency management director. He previously served as the Hawaii State Emergency Management Director. You can listen to a previous podcast with Luke at https://disasterzone.buzzsprout.com/1176869/8878619-hawaii-emergency-management. https://dynamis.com/, a leading provider of information management software and security solutions, is a sponsor of this podcast. Eric Holdeman is a professional emergency manager who is passionate about providing information that can help families, businesses & governments become better prepared for disasters of all types. Hear first hand expert insights from Eric on his https://disasterzone.buzzsprout.com, https://www.govtech.com/em/emergency-blogs/disaster-zone& http://ericholdeman.com/.

2 APR 2024 · In this podcast Pete Gaynor, the immediate past Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator and Acting Secretary of Homeland Security shares his experiences and ideas on how to hire staff at all levels. He put a special emphasis on hiring and was personally involved in the selection process for senior positions at FEMA. Today he continues to lead by hosting training sessions on “Leading During Crisis.” You can learn more about that at his website, http://www.femapete.com  There are both in-person and on-line options for attending. Before becoming FEMA Administrator, he held leadership positions in emergency management in the State of Rhode Island and was initially the Deputy FEMA Administrator. Prior to his experience as an emergency manager, Mr. Gaynor served for 26 years as an enlisted Marine and Infantry Officer in the United States Marine Corps. During his tenure in the Marines, he was assigned as the Executive Officer responsible for the security of Presidential Retreat, Camp David; assigned as the Head of Plans, Policy, & Operations at the Headquarters Marine Corps during the September 11, 2001 attacks; and deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom with the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force. This episode is sponsored by http://www.ashbritt.com/, a national rapid-response emergency management and logistics company. Celebrating its 30th year, AshBritt has led response efforts following 60 federally declared disasters across 30 states and has conducted more than 400 missions, successfully serving over 600 clients. AshBritt is the trusted emergency management contractor for cities, counties, states and for federal agencies, including the Department of Defense where AshBritt holds a pre-position debris management contract which covers 25 U.S. states.   Eric Holdeman is a professional emergency manager who is passionate about providing information that can help families, businesses & governments become better prepared for disasters of all types. Hear first hand expert insights from Eric on his https://disasterzone.buzzsprout.com, https://www.govtech.com/em/emergency-blogs/disaster-zone& http://ericholdeman.com/.

19 MAR 2024 · In this podcast we have a wide-ranging discussion about the importance of weather to business and government operations around the world. Getting actionable weather forecasts has never been more important. We learn how these forecasts can be both pinpoint and actionable by incorporating what is about to happen with your operational procedures to both protect people and property. The podcast guest is Jonathan Porter, who is https://corporate.accuweather.com/ Senior Vice President, Weather Content and Forecast Operations and Chief Meteorologist. He is one of AccuWeather’s most accomplished subject matter experts. In this key leadership role, he blends his background in meteorology, weather news, and information technology to oversee AccuWeather’s team of over 100 highly experienced expert meteorologists, including some of the most gifted and talented weather forecasters assembled from around the world. Jon is also a broadcast meteorologist, routinely appearing on the AccuWeather Network as well as thousands of media interviews on major networks all around the world on a wide variety of weather and climate topics. Jon joined AccuWeather in 2004, after graduating from Pennsylvania State University with a degree in Meteorology and minor in Information Technology. He has held a series of demanding and progressively more responsible positions within the company. A Connecticut native, Jon has always been interested in weather and decided that he wanted to be a meteorologist in the fourth grade. Growing up, he was always fascinated with East Coast snowstorms. Jon is a Professional Member of the American Meteorological Society. He was appointed and served 7 years on the US government National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Environmental Information Services Working group, a federal advisory committee. Jon frequently delivers presentations at conferences and professional meetings – specifically focused on the exchange of weather data and warnings. This episode is sponsored by https://www.bentearsolutions.com/ which offers comprehensive capabilities and deep industry knowledge necessary to help you solve the most complex issues of your organization. We advise public and private organizations on an all-inclusive approach to disaster preparedness that addresses governance, planning, operational procedures, technology implementation, training, and exercises in order to achieve a successful and sustainable program.  Eric Holdeman is a professional emergency manager who is passionate about providing information that can help families, businesses & governments become better prepared for disasters of all types. Hear first hand expert insights from Eric on his https://disasterzone.buzzsprout.com, https://www.govtech.com/em/emergency-blogs/disaster-zone& http://ericholdeman.com/.

12 MAR 2024 · Take any emergency or disaster and you will find that communications is the key ingredient that needs to be present to have a successful outcome. Communications systems are changing rapidly to become lighter with more capabilities, including linking people and organizations with satellites. This is the topic for this podcast. Note, during the recording of this podcast we had our own “communications issues” that we had to work through by using a redundant communications system. Ivan Ruiz, the podcast guest is the Mission Operations Manager at https://somewearlabs.com/ a critical communications platform empowering the world’s most important organizations to communicate and coordinate during dynamic operations. Ivan works directly with Somewear Labs’ customers, from Special Operations Forces to first responders across the country. Prior to Somewear Labs, Ivan spent over 26 years as a Pararescueman in the United States Air Force, retiring at the highest enlisted rank, Chief Master Sergeant. Through his extraordinary heroism, valor, and bravery in combat, Ivan was awarded the Air Force Cross, the second highest military decoration, and three Bronze Stars with Valor. Ivan is a graduate of Grand Canyon University where he received his Bachelors of Science in Emergency Management. Ivan also received his Masters at Arkansas State University in Emergency Management and Disaster Preparedness.https://www.merits.com/is a first-of-its-kind, all-hazards, digital credentialing platform that equips emergency responders with innovative tools to securely manage their personnel on-site, no matter the situation. Merit's platform is relied on in mission-critical situations such as the Surfside building collapse and at secure Health and Human Service facilities and is trusted by a growing network of thousands of partners.Eric Holdeman is a professional emergency manager who is passionate about providing information that can help families, businesses & governments become better prepared for disasters of all types. Hear first hand expert insights from Eric on his https://disasterzone.buzzsprout.com, https://www.govtech.com/em/emergency-blogs/disaster-zone& http://ericholdeman.com/.

5 MAR 2024 · It is not often that the host of the Disaster zone Podcast learns about an organization that has the depth and breadth of International SOS, and not had any background on the organization before this podcast recording. Based on the guest’s experience with the federal government in multiple high-level positions, you will find this podcast of great interest. Josh Dozor is General Manager, Medical and Security Assistance Services servicing the Americas at International SOS where he is responsible for the oversight and delivery of assistance services. Josh oversees the integration and delivery of international operations, medical teams, security, and a global assistance network in the Philadelphia Assistance Center, one of 26 around the world. In this capacity, https://www.internationalsos.com/services/evacuations?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=sos%20medical%20evacuation_b_c&utm_campaign=isos_ta_na_brd_CjwKCAiA8YyuBhBSEiwA5R3-E6AmkjRnrNnDH4yOxWRcUce8al9HuHAv3fJv1FrcFRB8df0PbDSbBhoC8HYQAvD_BwE&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA8YyuBhBSEiwA5R3-E6AmkjRnrNnDH4yOxWRcUce8al9HuHAv3fJv1FrcFRB8df0PbDSbBhoC8HYQAvD_BwE provides a variety of essential services for its clients around the global including medical advice and referrals, evacuations, repatriation, international travel, and domestic workforce resilience missions.Prior to joining International SOS, he spent 13 years with FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), most recently serving as the Deputy Assistant Administrator for Response, where he led an organization responsible for coordinating the federal operational response to all threats and hazards to deliver capabilities needed to save and sustain lives, minimize suffering, and protect property in a timely and effective manner.  Prior to his service at FEMA, he served as the Director of Preparedness Policy for the White House Homeland Security Council. In this capacity, he developed and coordinated the administration’s policies and programs related to homeland security preparedness assistance, communications, planning, and doctrine.Josh began his government service with the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Science and Technology within the House of Representatives Majority Committee on Homeland Security.  He holds a Juris Doctorate from the Widener University Law School, Wilmington, Del. and a Master’s Degree in Public Health and Homeland Security from the Pennsylvania State University. https://dynamis.com/, a leading provider of information management software and security solutions, is a sponsor of this podcast.  Eric Holdeman is a professional emergency manager who is passionate about providing information that can help families, businesses & governments become better prepared for disasters of all types. Hear first hand expert insights from Eric on his https://disasterzone.buzzsprout.com, https://www.govtech.com/em/emergency-blogs/disaster-zone& http://ericholdeman.com/.