How to Disaster

2024 WILDFIRE LEADERSHIP SUMMIT

Episode Description:

“How you frame your argument is how you get them to listen.” —Jeff Okrepkie

“We're willing to help anybody out that is going through this now or in the future.” —Steve Crowder

“There's no playbook when it comes to a wildfire... Be ready, because you know this is going to impact you at some point, maybe not directly but you will be.” —Kevin Goss

“There is a next step, and we just have to keep moving forward.” —Jenn Kaaoush

Disaster can strike anyone, even those sworn to serve the public. Yet, in the face of unimaginable loss, these community leaders refuse to be silenced. They're taking their fight to the halls of Congress, forging bipartisan bonds to secure critical aid and resources for megafire recovery.

Meet the panel: Council Members Steve Crowder (Town of Paradise), Jenn Kaaoush (Town of Superior), Jeff Okrepkie (City of Santa Rosa, and Founder of Coffey Strong), and Kevin Goss (Chair of the Board of Supervisors, County of Plumas) — survivors who've transformed their pain into powerful advocacy.

Tune in as Jennifer Gray Thompson guides the discussion on the importance of advocacy and building relationships with federal legislators to address the unique challenges faced by megafire communities while emphasizing the value of having a "seat at the table" and the need for continued collaboration and support.

Connect with After The Fire USA:

• Website: https://afterthefireusa.org/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AfterTheFireUSA
• X: https://twitter.com/AfterTheFireUSA
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afterthefireusa/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atf3r
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuTefxZgWUJkDVoZGZQpxgQ

Highlights:

• 02:12 Purpose: How to Advocate for Your Community
• 04:07 Meet Jeff Okrepkie, Steve Crowder, Kevin Goss, Jenn Kaaoush
• 12:30 The Bipartisan Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act, 5863
• 18:02 Ask a Seat at the Table Where Decisions Are Made
• 23:10 Where Party Don’t Matter

Meet the Panel:

👨🏻‍💼Steve Crowder, Councilmember, Town of Paradise

Steve Crowder was first elected to serve on the Town Council on November 6, 2018. Council Member Crowder was then reelected on November 8, 2022 to serve a subsequent four-year term.

Prior to running for Council, Steve served on numerous Stakeholder Committees for the Town, including, The Beautification, Business License, and Sewer Committee, as well as well as serving as a board member for the Paradise Ridge Chamber of Commerce.

Steve has been a Paradise resident since 2013. He and his wife own an embroidery and shirt printing business and serve the community through participation in fraternal and service organizations, such as the Paradise Moose Lodge, Paradise Rotary Club, and the Paradise Parade of Flags.

Steve and his wife Lori have 3 children and 4 grandchildren and are both heavily involved in the community.

👨🏻‍💼Kevin Goss, Chair of the Board of Supervisors, County of Plumas

Kevin Goss is the Plumas County Supervisor of District Two, which encompasses the largest district in Plumas County, including the community of Greenville. Goss has served as a county supervisor for 12 years and has been a key leader in the recovery efforts following the Dixie Fire, the single-largest wildfire in California state history. Goss has been actively involved in federal advocacy efforts, working alongside organizations like After the Fire to ensure the needs of his fire-impacted community are heard in Washington, D.C. With over a decade of experience in local government, Goss brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep commitment to supporting his constituents through the challenges of disaster recovery.

👩🏻‍💼 Jenn Kaaoush, Councilmember, Town of Superior

As a Councilwoman for the Town of Superior and former Director of Superior Rising, Kaaoush has been a dedicated advocate for her community since the 2021 Marshall Fire, streamlining processes, sourcing funds, and pushing for state and federal support. She has joined After The Fire USA to advocate for fire survivors, supp...

2024 WILDFIRE LEADERSHIP SUMMIT

Episode Description:

“Trust is so important to building a community of practice. And part of that trust comes from understanding where people are and where they stand.” —Michael McCormick

“Once the scene is stabilized and we start to clean things up, and then there comes a point where we start rebuilding things... and that's when the long-term recovery begins.” —Matt McRae

“There are simultaneous disasters occurring at the same time everywhere, and you never know what's going to hit you at that time, and you have to be prepared for it all. Anything and everything that could come, you have to be ready for.” —Heather Buch

Building a strong, collaborative community of practice could be a game-changer for long-term disaster recovery efforts. By connecting experts, local leaders, and frontline responders, this type of network has the potential to streamline resource-sharing, accelerate rebuilding timelines, and empower communities to bounce back stronger after catastrophic events. Establishing these vital peer-to-peer connections is crucial, especially as communities increasingly face the compounding challenges of climate change.

Facilitating the discussion are Farallon Strategies President Michael McCormick, Lane County District 5 Commissioner Heather Buch, and Lane County’s Long-Term Recovery Manager Matt McRae

The workshop covered a wide range of topics, from the differences between emergency response and long-term community development to the need for better resource-sharing and peer-to-peer mentorship. Participants also engaged in interactive exercises and a lively Q&A session, underscoring the hunger for this type of collaborative network.

Don't miss your chance to learn their strategies and get inspired to make a difference in your community. Listen now to the full discussion.

Connect with After The Fire USA:

• Website: https://afterthefireusa.org/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AfterTheFireUSA
• X: https://twitter.com/AfterTheFireUSA
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afterthefireusa/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atf3r
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuTefxZgWUJkDVoZGZQpxgQ

Highlights:

• 00:21 Reducing Risk and Recovering Better
• 04:04 Workshop: Tracing Back Connections
• 08:33 Response vs Recovery
• 12:33 Competing Issues at Play
• 19:30 What Makes a Production Network Possible
• 21:08 Workshop: Finding Value in Need
• 23:18 Q&A

👨🏻‍💼Meet Michael McCormick, President, Farallon Strategies

Michael McCormick, AICP, is the Partnerships Lead, Founder, and President of Farallon Strategies, LLC, a California-based advisory, policy, and management consulting firm focused on climate change solutions and community resilience.

With experience across local, regional, state, and federal levels, as well as in non-profit, business, and government sectors, Michael leverages his diverse background to create interconnected governance strategies. He leads various initiatives, including work with the CSU Chancellor’s Office, the California Resilience Partnership, and CivicWell, and serves as an advisor and board member for multiple organizations.

Michael also teaches climate change, land use, and resilience at UC Davis and has held significant roles in local planning, consulting, and government, including serving in Governor Brown’s Office and the White House Council on Environmental Quality.

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mccormickplanner/

Connect with Farallon Strategies:

• Website: https://farallonstrategies.com/

👩🏻‍💼Meet Heather Buch, Commissioner, District 5, Lane County

Heather Buch is a dedicated public servant currently serving as a County Commissioner for Lane County, Oregon, since 2019. She has been instrumental in leading the county through significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the Holiday Farm Fire. Heather’s leadership extends to securing critical funding for disaster recovery and advocating for affordable housing. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Seattle University and has a background in real estate and non-profit work. Heat...

2024 WILDFIRE LEADERSHIP SUMMIT

Episode Description:

This recovery is slow, it's painful, and it's costly. We need patience, and aloha, and support because we're all in this together.” —Angus McKelvey

“We have a lot of challenges moving forward, and it's figuring out the strategy of how we're going to approach it. And once you get that strategy, you have to figure out how do we get it to implementation.” —Troy Hashimoto

Disaster recovery is not just about the visible on-the-ground efforts - it also involves complex state-level decisions and coordination that can make or break a community's rebuilding journey. Senators and state legislators play a crucial role in securing funding, navigating bureaucracy, and setting the stage for long-term resilience. Yet, their perspectives are often overlooked in the midst of the chaos.

In this discussion, Sonoma County Supervisor Elect Rebecca Hermosillo interviews Hawaii District 5 Senate Senator Troy Hashimoto and Hawaii District 6 State Senator Angus Mckelvey to unpack the unseen challenges and strategic considerations they've faced in supporting the Lahaina community after the devastating wildfires.

From grappling with budget constraints and insurance crises to spearheading temporary housing solutions and advocating for permanent rebuilding, these elected officials offer a unique insider's view on the state's role in disaster recovery. Tune in to hear their insights and learn how state-level leadership can make a lasting impact on communities in crisis.

Connect with After The Fire USA:

• Website: https://afterthefireusa.org/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AfterTheFireUSA
• X: https://twitter.com/AfterTheFireUSA
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afterthefireusa/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atf3r
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuTefxZgWUJkDVoZGZQpxgQ

Highlights:

• 03:01 Challenges in the Aftermath of the Fires
• 14:12 State and County Collaboration
• 17:47 Lesson Learned for Future Plans
• 21:10 Keep Moving Forward
• 26:32 Working with the Community

Meet the Moderator:

👩🏻‍💼 Rebecca Hermosillo, Supervisor Elect, County of Sonoma

Rebecca Hermosillo is the First District Supervisor Elect for Sonoma County. With over 11 years of experience in public service, she has been instrumental in community engagement and policy implementation. Rebecca’s dedication to her community is evident through her active involvement in local organizations, including the boards of Pepperwood Preserve and Speedway Children’s Charities. Her journey from the daughter of Mexican immigrants to a prominent public servant highlights her commitment to improving the lives of those in her community

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-hermosillo-2a2651157/

Meet the Panel:

👨🏻‍💼Troy Hashimoto, Hawaii State Senator - District 5

Troy Hashimoto is a State Senator representing Central Maui, the neighboring district to Lahaina which was devastated by the recent wildfires. Prior to becoming a State Senator, Hashimoto served as the Chair of the Housing Committee in the Hawaii House of Representatives.

In his current role, Hashimoto has been deeply involved in the legislative response and recovery efforts for the Lahaina community. He has also worked to secure state funding for infrastructure rebuilding, temporary housing solutions, and long-term housing strategies in the burn zone.

Drawing on his previous experience in housing policy, Hashimoto has emphasized the critical importance of addressing the housing crisis exacerbated by the fires, in order to support the repopulation and rebuilding of Lahaina. He has worked closely with the Maui County government to coordinate the state's recovery efforts and ensure they align with the community's needs and long-term vision.

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/troy-hashimoto-b398523/

👨🏻‍💼Angus McKelvey, Hawaii State Senator - District 6

Angus McKelvey is a State Senator in Hawaii who represents the Lahaina community, which was devastated by the recent wildfires. As a first-term senator, he has been deeply involved in the recovery and rebuilding efforts of his constituents. Senator McKelvey was personally affected by the fires and has been working closely with the local community and gov...

2024 WILDFIRE LEADERSHIP SUMMIT

Episode Description:

“Indigenous values can shift how we deal with disasters.” —Kainoa Horcajo

Disaster recovery isn't just about rebuilding infrastructure— it's about honoring the deep connections between people and place. Principles like reciprocity, collective responsibility, and deep connection to the land can shape a more compassionate and community-centered approach to rebuilding after crises. By honoring these time-tested philosophies, we unlock powerful pathways to healing and resilience.

Kainoa Horcajo is a cultural practitioner and consultant who has dedicated his career to sharing the wisdom of Native Hawaiian traditions. As the founder of The Mo'olelo Group, he provides training and guidance to organizations seeking to integrate Indigenous perspectives into their work.

Listen in as Kainoa delves into the role of Hawaiian values like kuleana, ohana, and aloha in shaping disaster response and recovery, the importance of cultural connections and local identity, the application of indigenous principles throughout the entire disaster pipeline, the significance of rites of passage and community support, and the meaning of aloha as the "how" in disaster work.

Connect with After The Fire USA:

• Website: https://afterthefireusa.org/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AfterTheFireUSA
• X: https://twitter.com/AfterTheFireUSA
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afterthefireusa/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atf3r
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuTefxZgWUJkDVoZGZQpxgQ

Highlights:

• 02:50 What You Say Becomes Your Reality
• 08:04 Focus on FInding Connection First
• 13:17 Indigenous Values in Disaster Recovery
• 19:33 ‘We’ is Greater Than ‘Me’
• 24:03 The WHOLE Community Approach

👨🏻‍💼Meet Kainoa Horcajo, Owner, The Mo'olelo Group

Kainoa Horcajo is a Cultural Consultant, Storyteller, Speaker, Writer, and Actor based in Wailuku, Hawaii. He is the Principal Owner of The Mo’olelo Group, a multidisciplinary consultancy specializing in Cultural Integration, Community Outreach, Communications, and Experience design. With a background in International Relations from the University of San Diego, Kainoa has held significant roles such as Director of Culture at Grand Wailea and Hawaiian Cultural Ambassador. His work focuses on applying indigenous knowledge systems to corporate structures and the hospitality industry, fostering a deeper understanding and connection with Hawaiian culture, history, and people.

• Website: https://www.moolelogroup.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kainoa-horcajo-12079263/

2024 WILDFIRE LEADERSHIP SUMMIT

Episode Description:

“Nothing else mattered more than helping our people... Together, we have the chance to not only rebuild, but to do so in a way that honors our past, supports our present, and secures a resilient future.” —Honorable Richard Bissen

The August 2023 Maui wildfire is considered the deadliest wildfire incident in the U.S. in over a century. It ravaged over 10 square miles, destroying 2,200 structures and severely impacting the island's native forests, grasslands, and historic sites. This catastrophic event has left the community grappling with immense challenges, from rebuilding infrastructure to preserving their rich cultural heritage.

Maui Mayor Richard Bissen has been a steadfast leader in Maui's recovery efforts, drawing upon his extensive experience in disaster management and community engagement. Under his guidance, the island is exploring innovative strategies to address the unique cultural, economic, and environmental complexities that have arisen in the wake of the wildfire.

Tune in as Mayor Bissen offers a glimpse into the extraordinary challenges faced by the Maui community, their unwavering commitment to rebuilding with respect for their cultural heritage, and the visionary approaches they are employing to create a more sustainable and resilient future for the island.

Connect with After The Fire USA:

• Website: https://afterthefireusa.org/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AfterTheFireUSA
• X: https://twitter.com/AfterTheFireUSA
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afterthefireusa/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atf3r
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuTefxZgWUJkDVoZGZQpxgQ

Highlights:

• 02:28 Goal: Return the People to Their Lands
• 06:53 Challenges in Recovery
• 10:10 Balancing Economy and Mourning: A Bench Mark to Healing

👨🏻‍💼Meet Honorable Richard T. Bissen Jr.

Honorable Richard T. Bissen Jr. is the current Mayor of Maui County, having assumed office in January 2023. Prior to his mayoral role, he served as a judge in the Second Circuit Court of Hawaii from 2005 to 2021. Appointed by Governor Linda Lingle and later reappointed by Governor David Ige, Judge Bissen held a distinguished legal career before entering public service.

Born on February 28, 1962, Mayor Bissen holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. His career also includes roles as the interim director for the State of Hawaii Department of Public Safety and as the first deputy attorney general for the state.

As mayor, Bissen has faced significant challenges, including leading the recovery efforts following the devastating wildfires in Maui in August 2023. He is committed to supporting the community and guiding the island through this difficult time.

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/honorable-richard-t-bissen-a6a34a266/

Connect with the Government of Maui:

• Website: https://www.mauicounty.gov/