In this heartfelt closing session of the Wildfire Leadership Summit, Jennifer Gray Thompson reflects on the journey from disaster to recovery. She shares the powerful story of how communities across California, Oregon, and Hawaii have rebuilt after devastating wildfires—from Santa Rosa and Paradise to Greenville and Lahaina. With gratitude for…
In this heartfelt closing session of the Wildfire Leadership Summit, Jennifer Gray Thompson reflects on the journey from disaster to recovery. She shares the powerful story of how communities across California, Oregon, and Hawaii have rebuilt after devastating wildfires—from Santa Rosa and Paradise to Greenville and Lahaina. With gratitude for…
A heartfelt address on Maui’s wildfire recovery, community resilience, and rebuilding efforts, delivered by a local leader. The speaker reflects on the importance of community-led recovery, cultural preservation, emergency preparedness, and housing stability. Highlights include progress on rebuilding Lahaina, strengthening emergency management, and ensuring residents can return home. The talk…
Join moderator Reva Feldman and an expert panel as they explore the role of technology in disaster response and recovery. Panelists include iO Wright, co-founder of Post Fire; John Mills CEO, Watch Duty; and Adrienne Heinz,Clinical Research Psychologist, VA National Center for PTSD and Stanford University School of Medicine. Learn…
State Senator Ben Allen shares a heartfelt message at the After the Fire 2025 Wildfire Leadership Summit, highlighting the challenges and progress in wildfire recovery for communities across Los Angeles County. He reflects on lessons learned from past disasters, emphasizes the importance of collaboration and survivor voices, and thanks the…
In this insightful panel discussion, community leaders share their powerful stories and strategies for equitable wildfire recovery. Tawnya Somauroo, Co-Founder, Marshall Together, discusses how her organization supports fire survivors through advocacy, legislative reform, and community rebuilding. Ash Level, Strategic Partnerships, Engagement, & Storytelling, Altadena Rising, underscores the importance of centering…
Join Jennifer Gray Thompson as she moderates an insightful panel discussion with Christine Kwon, Jen Goodlin, and Nicole Huguenin on leadership and community-driven disaster recovery. Drawing from their experiences responding to wildfires in California and Hawaii, the panel explores the challenges of post-disaster leadership, building trust, addressing gaps in recovery,…
In September 2020, historic windstorms sparked massive wildfires across Oregon, scorching over 1 million acres and forcing thousands to evacuate. Communities faced unprecedented fire behavior due to extreme winds, heat, and drought. This video highlights the heroic response of first responders, public officials, and community organizations, showing how Oregon’s communities…
In this closing session of the After the Fire 2025 Wildfire Leadership Summit, participants reflect on resilience, recovery, and innovation in disaster preparedness. The session features remarks from summit organizers, a presentation by Sam Shockley, Senior Product Manager at Amazon, who leads disaster relief operations across the Americas. She shares…
At the After the Fire 2025 Wildfire Leadership Summit, Sam Shockley of Amazon shares how strategic preparation, partnerships, and technology have transformed the company’s disaster response. From the 16-day response to Hurricane Dorian to delivering aid within 72 hours today, Sam highlights the development of global relief hubs, pre-positioned supplies,…
In this compelling session from the After the Fire 2025 Wildfire Leadership Summit, moderator Lisa Micheli leads a powerful discussion on building long-term climate resilience with Abby Ross, Founder, The Resiliency Company, and Jonathan Parfrey, Executive Director, Climate Resolve. Abby shares her journey from leading Network for Good to founding…
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…
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…
“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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
