Episodes

Former FEMA Administrator and Bright Harbor President Pete Gaynor delivers a powerful keynote at the After the Fire 2025 Wildfire Leadership Summit, sharing candid insights on the future of federal disaster recovery and the urgent need for reform. Drawing from 15 years in emergency management—including leading the national COVID-19 response—Gaynor explores how FEMA’s systems have evolved, where they continue to fall short, and what changes are needed to make disaster recovery faster, more equit...

In Toxic Trails, moderator Lisa Micheli leads a powerful discussion with panelists Katie Simmons (Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, Butte County), Sarah Ali (Managing Director - Philanthropy, R&S Kayne Foundation), and Kevin Goss (Supervisor District 2, County of Plumas). Together, they examine the lasting environmental and public health impacts of wildfire disasters—addressing toxic debris, soil and water contamination, air quality, and the complexities of long-term recovery. The conversatio...

“The Block Captain System: Community-Led Recovery After Fire” This engaging session features Jeff Okrepkie, a survivor of the 2017 Tubbs Fire and co-founder of Coffey Strong, alongside fellow community leaders Brad Sherwood, Darragh Danton, Steve Rahmn, and Patty Ratermann. Together, they share how local residents organized through the Block Captain System—a grassroots network that connects neighbors, rebuilds trust, and accelerates disaster recovery. The discussion explores how survivors from S...

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...

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 ac...

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, t...

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-groun...

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 ...

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 shar...

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: Website: https://afterthefireusa.org/...

At the 2025 Wildfire Leadership Summit, Jennifer Gray Thompson of After the Fire USA shared the powerful story behind passing the bipartisan Disaster Relief Tax Bill (HR 5863) — a landmark victory for fire survivors across the nation. Featuring messages from Congressman Mike Thompson (Napa) and Congressman Doug LaMalfa (Butte County), this session highlights how relentless advocacy, unity, and persistence across party lines can create real change for wildfire-affected communities. Connect with ...

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 h...

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...

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: htt...

In this inspiring panel on Community-Led Resilience, Kasey Earnest, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu, moderates a powerful conversation with Nicole Huguenin, a generosity entrepreneur from Maui, and architect David Hertz of the LA County Fire Brigade. Together, they share how grassroots care networks, community brigades, and local leadership are transforming disaster response and recovery. From trauma-informed care to fire-adapted architecture, this session highlights how collective action...

Architects and community leaders from Paradise and Altadena share how they’re helping wildfire survivors rebuild with resilience, affordability, and heart. Jen Goodlin of Rebuild Paradise Foundation, Alex Athenson of the Foothill Catalog Foundation, and Chris Corbett of the Altadena Collective discuss innovative home design programs, pre-approved building plans, and community-led recovery efforts that honor local character while speeding up the rebuilding process. Connect with After The Fire US...

Miguel Santana, CEO of the California Community Foundation, shares how the organization mobilized rapid relief and long-term recovery efforts following devastating wildfires across Los Angeles. With over a century of service and a 25-year history in wildfire response, the foundation raised $60 million in just 30 days—providing direct support to hundreds of nonprofits and survivors. Santana emphasizes the importance of community leadership, accountability, and unity beyond politics in rebuilding ...

In this inspiring address, Jennifer Gray Thompson highlights the power of resilience, leadership, and community in the aftermath of wildfires. She honors fire survivors, leaders, and partners from across the country—acknowledging their courage, hard work, and dedication to recovery. From Maui to Los Angeles, Jennifer reminds everyone that rebuilding takes heart, collaboration, and innovation—and that we are the ones we’ve been waiting for. Connect with After The Fire USA: Website: https://after...

A moving opening from the 2025 After the Fire gathering featuring singer-songwriter and Eaton community member Aloe Blacc, joined by Kainoa Horcjo, a Cultural Leader from Maui. Together, they share songs, stories, and reflections on the power of Hawaiian values—Aloha, Ohana, and Kuleana—in guiding recovery and connection after loss. Through heartfelt music and unity, they remind us that healing and resilience come from community, culture, and shared spirit. Connect with After The Fire USA: Webs...

2024 WILDFIRE LEADERSHIP SUMMIT Episode Description:  “We are not hopeless against mega-fires. We are not hopeless against the era of climate change. We can do these things together because we are daring to hope and to help each other.”...

2024 WILDFIRE LEADERSHIP SUMMIT   Episode Description:  “Aloha does not mean hello and goodbye. Aloha has a much deeper meaning of love and respect. Hello to the return of our Indigenous kupuna knowledge and goodbye to the profit-making...

2024 WILDFIRE LEADERSHIP SUMMIT   Episode Description:  “We're not powerless. We are not powerless against wildfire. We know what we need to do.” —Amanda West “I try not to use the word remove. Just move them. You can have plants....

2024 WILDFIRE LEADERSHIP SUMMIT   Episode Description:   “As the recovery process continues, you have to continue to adapt.” —Emily Nilsen Disaster recovery is a complex challenge, but innovative lenders are stepping up to the...

2024 WILDFIRE LEADERSHIP SUMMIT   Episode Description:  “Home ownership is about stability. Homeownership is about building wealth. Homeownership is about families. But if you don't have a clear title, you don't know if that stability is...