Bridging the Gap IAEM Series – Episode 14: The Student Perspective on Emergency Management

Bridging the Gap IAEM Series – Episode 14: The Student Perspective on Emergency Management

Ron Crane of SummitET speaks with emergency management students from Massachusetts Maritime Academy at the 2024 International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) Conference.

In this special IAEM Conference Series episode of Bridging the Gap, SummitET podcast host and former emergency manager Ron Crane meets with Massachusetts Maritime Academy students about their experiences studying and interning in Emergency Management and their perceptions regarding challenges in the field.

SummitET Bridging the Gap Podcast IAEM Series Kenn Honig

Bridging the Gap IAEM Series – Episode 13: Emergency Management Insights from Kenn Honig

In this special IAEM Conference Series episode of Bridging the Gap, SummitET host Adam Montella is joined by Kenn Honig, a seasoned emergency management consultant with a long career in law enforcement and emergency management at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Join this insightful discussion as they navigate the evolution of emergency management practices, the technological advancements over the decades, and the undeniable importance of personal contacts in the field.

SummitET Bridging the Gap podcast IAEM series Episode 12 DC Metro Emergency Management

Bridging the Gap IAEM Series – Episode 12: D.C. Metro Area Emergency Management

In this special IAEM Conference Series episode of Bridging the Gap, Shannon McCrone, TT&E Program Manager with the U.S. House Sergeant at Arms and Ron Benedict, Readiness, Response and Resiliency Program Manager with DC Department of Health share their experiences, challenges, and ideas for improvement in emergency management in the DC metro area.

Bridging the Gap IAEM Series Podcast Episode 11 Preston Wilson and Dam Safety

Bridging the Gap IAEM Series – Episode 11: Preston Wilson and Dam Safety

In this special IAEM Conference Series episode of Bridging the Gap, host Ron Crane with SummitET is joined by Preston Wilson, CEO of Resilience Solutions Consulting. Prior to this role, Preston was the training manager for FEMA’s National Dam Safety Program, where he was responsible for developing and delivering training on emergency management and dam safety nationwide.

Bridging the Gap podcast, IAEM Series Episode 10: Kansas City Metro Area Emergency Management

Bridging the Gap IAEM Series – Episode 10: Kansas City Metro Area Emergency Management

In this IAEM Conference Series podcast episode of Bridging the Gap, SummitET host Ron Crane sits down with Claire Canaan and Morgan Hunter, emergency managers from the Kansas City metropolitan area. They discuss challenges in the EM field including staffing shortages and communication barriers, and the importance of embracing change and innovation.

Bridging the Gap podcast graphic, IAEM Conference Series

Bridging the Gap IAEM Series – Episode 9: Kevin Kupietz with Elizabeth City State University

In this IAEM Conference Series podcast episode of Bridging the Gap, SummitET host Ron Crane discusses current challenges and opportunities in Emergency Management education with Elizabeth City State University Professor Kevin Kupietz, PhD.

SummitET Bridging the Gap podcast graphic

Bridging the Gap IAEM Series – Episode 8: Jeremy Urekew and Garner Environmental

In this IAEM Conference Series episode of SummitET’s podcast Bridging the Gap, Jeremy Urekew with Garner Environmental and Ron Crane of SummitET discuss ideas for improving challenges in the Emergency Management field. Jeremy has a background in emergency management, fire service, hazmat response, and counterterrorism work. With 25 years of experience in the public sector, he moved to the private sector by joining Garner Environmental Services, Inc., a disaster and emergency response company headquartered in Houston, TX.

Bridging the Gap preparedness podcast graphic

Bridging the Gap IAEM Series – Episode 7: The DHS Community Lifeline Status System with Hal Grieb

In this special IAEM Conference Series episode of Bridging the Gap, SummitET experts discuss the Community Lifeline Status System Project with Hal Grieb of G&H International Services. This software reporting tool is developed for the DHS to operationalize FEMA’s Community Lifelines construct and provides a data-driven framework to help emergency managers assess and report on critical services during disasters.

Bridging the Gap IAEM Series – Episode 13: Emergency Management Insights from Kenn Honig

Bridging the Gap IAEM Series – Episode 13: Emergency Management Insights from Kenn Honig

Adam Montella of SummitET speaks with Kenn Honig, seasoned emergency management professional at the 2024 International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) Conference.

In this special IAEM Conference Series episode of Bridging the Gap, SummitET host Adam Montella is joined by Kenn Honig, a seasoned emergency management consultant with a long career in law enforcement and emergency management at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Join this insightful discussion as they navigate the evolution of emergency management practices, the technological advancements over the decades, and the undeniable importance of personal contacts in the field.

Reflecting on Historical Challenges

Kenn’s journey in emergency management is deeply rooted in some of America’s most significant tragedies, notably the first World Trade Center attack in 1993 and the events of 9-11. As a sergeant assigned to the Port Authority Police Academy during the 1993 attack, Honig was thrust into the heart of crisis management, making quick decisions with limited technology. The attack revealed substantial deficits in emergency response technology, particularly in communication and coordination among various command posts.

The Role of Technology

One of the key points Honig emphasizes is the transformation of technology from the early 1990s to today. In 1993, pagers and basic communication tools were the norm, often leading to miscommunication and delays. By 9-11, while technology had evolved, it still faced significant limitations. The collapse of the World Trade Center towers highlighted the vulnerability of communication systems. Honig recounts how the Nextel Direct Connect was among the few communication tools that functioned effectively amidst the chaos.

Embracing Simplicity and Redundancy

Despite technological leaps, Honig underscores the necessity of simple, reliable, and redundant systems. His experiences taught him that during crises, advanced technology could fail, and having basic, foolproof methods as backups is crucial. For instance, during the aftermath of 9-11, Honig relied on personal contacts and straightforward solutions like “sneaker nets” to relay messages when technology faltered.

Building a Robust Emergency Toolkit

Honig advocates for an emergency toolkit that includes not just advanced technology but also essential items like pad and paper, chargers for various devices, and access codes for vital systems. He stresses the importance of having these tools readily available and familiar to all users to ensure seamless operation during emergencies. Try this PIO go bag.

Networking and Continuous Learning

For aspiring emergency managers, Honig’s advice is clear: build a robust network of contacts. Attending conferences, joining professional groups like the International Association of Emergency Managers, and continually engaging with peers across sectors are vital steps. These relationships can prove invaluable during crises, enabling swift coordination and resource mobilization.

Final Thoughts

Kenn Honig’s extensive career and experiences offer profound insights into the evolution of emergency management. His emphasis on the balance between leveraging technology and maintaining essential, simple methods and the power of personal connections provides a comprehensive guide for both seasoned and new emergency managers. As the field continues to evolve, these principles will remain foundational in managing and mitigating future crises effectively.

Join us next time on Bridging the Gap as we continue to explore the critical aspects of emergency management, featuring experts who share their knowledge and experiences to help us all navigate the complexities of the vital field.

Meet the Experts Featured in This Podcast

Kenn Honig headshot

Kenn Honig

President of Critical Incident Management & Training; Former Sr Mgr for Public Safety with the Port Authority of NY/NJ

Adam Montella headshot

Adam Montella

Executive VP, SummitET; Former GM of Emergency Mgmt for the Port Authority of NY/NJ; Disaster Management SME

SummitET Bridging the Gap Podcast IAEM Series Kenn Honig

Bridging the Gap IAEM Series – Episode 13: Emergency Management Insights from Kenn Honig

In this special IAEM Conference Series episode of Bridging the Gap, SummitET host Adam Montella is joined by Kenn Honig, a seasoned emergency management consultant with a long career in law enforcement and emergency management at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Join this insightful discussion as they navigate the evolution of emergency management practices, the technological advancements over the decades, and the undeniable importance of personal contacts in the field.

SummitET Bridging the Gap podcast IAEM series Episode 12 DC Metro Emergency Management

Bridging the Gap IAEM Series – Episode 12: D.C. Metro Area Emergency Management

In this special IAEM Conference Series episode of Bridging the Gap, Shannon McCrone, TT&E Program Manager with the U.S. House Sergeant at Arms and Ron Benedict, Readiness, Response and Resiliency Program Manager with DC Department of Health share their experiences, challenges, and ideas for improvement in emergency management in the DC metro area.

Bridging the Gap IAEM Series Podcast Episode 11 Preston Wilson and Dam Safety

Bridging the Gap IAEM Series – Episode 11: Preston Wilson and Dam Safety

In this special IAEM Conference Series episode of Bridging the Gap, host Ron Crane with SummitET is joined by Preston Wilson, CEO of Resilience Solutions Consulting. Prior to this role, Preston was the training manager for FEMA’s National Dam Safety Program, where he was responsible for developing and delivering training on emergency management and dam safety nationwide.

Bridging the Gap podcast, IAEM Series Episode 10: Kansas City Metro Area Emergency Management

Bridging the Gap IAEM Series – Episode 10: Kansas City Metro Area Emergency Management

In this IAEM Conference Series podcast episode of Bridging the Gap, SummitET host Ron Crane sits down with Claire Canaan and Morgan Hunter, emergency managers from the Kansas City metropolitan area. They discuss challenges in the EM field including staffing shortages and communication barriers, and the importance of embracing change and innovation.

Bridging the Gap podcast graphic, IAEM Conference Series

Bridging the Gap IAEM Series – Episode 9: Kevin Kupietz with Elizabeth City State University

In this IAEM Conference Series podcast episode of Bridging the Gap, SummitET host Ron Crane discusses current challenges and opportunities in Emergency Management education with Elizabeth City State University Professor Kevin Kupietz, PhD.

SummitET Bridging the Gap podcast graphic

Bridging the Gap IAEM Series – Episode 8: Jeremy Urekew and Garner Environmental

In this IAEM Conference Series episode of SummitET’s podcast Bridging the Gap, Jeremy Urekew with Garner Environmental and Ron Crane of SummitET discuss ideas for improving challenges in the Emergency Management field. Jeremy has a background in emergency management, fire service, hazmat response, and counterterrorism work. With 25 years of experience in the public sector, he moved to the private sector by joining Garner Environmental Services, Inc., a disaster and emergency response company headquartered in Houston, TX.

Bridging the Gap preparedness podcast graphic

Bridging the Gap IAEM Series – Episode 7: The DHS Community Lifeline Status System with Hal Grieb

In this special IAEM Conference Series episode of Bridging the Gap, SummitET experts discuss the Community Lifeline Status System Project with Hal Grieb of G&H International Services. This software reporting tool is developed for the DHS to operationalize FEMA’s Community Lifelines construct and provides a data-driven framework to help emergency managers assess and report on critical services during disasters.

Bridging the Gap IAEM Series – Episode 12: D.C. Metro Area Emergency Management

Bridging the Gap IAEM Series – Episode 12: D.C. Metro Area Emergency Management

Ron Crane of SummitET speaks with Shannon McCrone with the U.S. House Sergeant at Arms and Ron Benedict with DC Department of Health at the 2024 International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) Conference.

In this special IAEM Conference Series episode of Bridging the Gap, our host is joined by Shannon McCrone, TT&E Program Manager with the U.S. House Sergeant at Arms and Ron Benedict, Readiness, Response and Resiliency Program Manager with DC Department of Health. Shannon and Ron share their experiences, challenges, and ideas for improvement in emergency management in the Washington D.C. metro area.

Integrating Technology

A key challenge in emergency management, as noted by Shannon and Ron, is the slow pace at which public entities adopt new technology including AI and CRM systems. Utilizing resources available through the private sector could greatly enhance efficiency and streamline the processing of evaluations and after-action reports. Coming together and bridging technological gaps can be pivotal for the field with proper support from leaders and communities in both sectors.

Ron and Shannon pointed out that emergency managers may sometimes over-communicate, particularly in after-action reports. They suggest an efficient solution: condensing after-action reports to two pages and focusing on key issues to accommodate leadership’s time constraints.

Regarding planning and preparedness methods, Shannon recommends innovative approaches, such as utilizing games in exercises to engage EM partners and convey information.

Regional Collaboration

The D.C. area, like other metropolitan areas, requires effective collaboration and communication planning to disseminate disaster response information to diverse populations. With overlapping goals and limited funding, emergency management agencies across the region could benefit from coordinating and sharing training, exercise programs, and grant funding, thereby improving efficiency and success rates.

Advice for Aspiring Emergency Managers

Shannon and Ron advise aspiring emergency managers to leverage their diverse backgrounds and skillsets, network within the field, and remain receptive to undertaking a variety of tasks to gain experience.

Individuals new to and interested in the field of EM are encouraged to volunteer, seize opportunities, accept entry-level positions, and gradually gain experience. They should consider taking calculated risks with their career paths and involve themselves in as many aspects of the field as possible. Individuals from professional backgrounds outside of the field often excel in emergency management due to acquired transferrable skills including event planning, client management, business logistics, etc.

Furthermore, patience is an important quality for new emergency managers, as changes within government processes can be gradual, requiring time for implementation.

Meet the Experts Featured in This Podcast

Shannon McCrone headshot

Shannon McCrone

TT&E Program Manager with U.S. House Sergeant at Arms

Ron Benedict headshot

Ron Benedict

Readiness, Response and Resiliency Program Manager with DC Department of Health

Man wearing business attire and glasses, smiling

Ron Crane

Associate VP, SummitET; Former Emergency Manager; Firefighter & HAZMAT Technician

SummitET Bridging the Gap Podcast IAEM Series Kenn Honig

Bridging the Gap IAEM Series – Episode 13: Emergency Management Insights from Kenn Honig

In this special IAEM Conference Series episode of Bridging the Gap, SummitET host Adam Montella is joined by Kenn Honig, a seasoned emergency management consultant with a long career in law enforcement and emergency management at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Join this insightful discussion as they navigate the evolution of emergency management practices, the technological advancements over the decades, and the undeniable importance of personal contacts in the field.

SummitET Bridging the Gap podcast IAEM series Episode 12 DC Metro Emergency Management

Bridging the Gap IAEM Series – Episode 12: D.C. Metro Area Emergency Management

In this special IAEM Conference Series episode of Bridging the Gap, Shannon McCrone, TT&E Program Manager with the U.S. House Sergeant at Arms and Ron Benedict, Readiness, Response and Resiliency Program Manager with DC Department of Health share their experiences, challenges, and ideas for improvement in emergency management in the DC metro area.

Bridging the Gap IAEM Series Podcast Episode 11 Preston Wilson and Dam Safety

Bridging the Gap IAEM Series – Episode 11: Preston Wilson and Dam Safety

In this special IAEM Conference Series episode of Bridging the Gap, host Ron Crane with SummitET is joined by Preston Wilson, CEO of Resilience Solutions Consulting. Prior to this role, Preston was the training manager for FEMA’s National Dam Safety Program, where he was responsible for developing and delivering training on emergency management and dam safety nationwide.

Bridging the Gap podcast, IAEM Series Episode 10: Kansas City Metro Area Emergency Management

Bridging the Gap IAEM Series – Episode 10: Kansas City Metro Area Emergency Management

In this IAEM Conference Series podcast episode of Bridging the Gap, SummitET host Ron Crane sits down with Claire Canaan and Morgan Hunter, emergency managers from the Kansas City metropolitan area. They discuss challenges in the EM field including staffing shortages and communication barriers, and the importance of embracing change and innovation.

Bridging the Gap podcast graphic, IAEM Conference Series

Bridging the Gap IAEM Series – Episode 9: Kevin Kupietz with Elizabeth City State University

In this IAEM Conference Series podcast episode of Bridging the Gap, SummitET host Ron Crane discusses current challenges and opportunities in Emergency Management education with Elizabeth City State University Professor Kevin Kupietz, PhD.

SummitET Bridging the Gap podcast graphic

Bridging the Gap IAEM Series – Episode 8: Jeremy Urekew and Garner Environmental

In this IAEM Conference Series episode of SummitET’s podcast Bridging the Gap, Jeremy Urekew with Garner Environmental and Ron Crane of SummitET discuss ideas for improving challenges in the Emergency Management field. Jeremy has a background in emergency management, fire service, hazmat response, and counterterrorism work. With 25 years of experience in the public sector, he moved to the private sector by joining Garner Environmental Services, Inc., a disaster and emergency response company headquartered in Houston, TX.

Bridging the Gap preparedness podcast graphic

Bridging the Gap IAEM Series – Episode 7: The DHS Community Lifeline Status System with Hal Grieb

In this special IAEM Conference Series episode of Bridging the Gap, SummitET experts discuss the Community Lifeline Status System Project with Hal Grieb of G&H International Services. This software reporting tool is developed for the DHS to operationalize FEMA’s Community Lifelines construct and provides a data-driven framework to help emergency managers assess and report on critical services during disasters.

Bridging the Gap IAEM Series – Episode 11: Preston Wilson and Dam Safety

Bridging the Gap IAEM Series – Episode 11: Preston Wilson and Dam Safety

Ron Crane of SummitET speaks with Preston Wilson, CEO of Resilience Solutions Consulting, at the 2024 International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) Conference.

In this special IAEM Conference Series episode of Bridging the Gap, our host is joined by Preston Wilson, CEO of Resilience Solutions Consulting. Prior to this role, Preston was the training manager for FEMA’s National Dam Safety Program, where he was responsible for developing and delivering training on emergency management and dam safety nationwide. Preston was also the primary author of FEMA’s Emergency Operations Planning: Dam Incident Planning Guide which provides practical instruction on how to develop emergency operation plans for dam incidents. 

Dam Safety and Emergency Management Challenges

Dam safety is often an overlooked facet of emergency management, and in many cases, requires additional support and specialized professional insight from someone like Preston. Most dams in the United States are privately owned, which can range from small operations to large utility companies. Integrating dam safety into state and local emergency management plans can be challenging as it requires connecting these private owners with emergency managers and the community to ensure alignment of mitigation and recovery efforts.

Oroville Dam Incident

A disconnect between dam owners and the emergency management community led to one of the largest evacuations in dam incident history. The Oroville Dam, owned by the California Department of Water Resources, suffered a critical failure in February 2017. Heavy rainfall led to the erosion of the dam’s main and emergency spillways, which threatened the structural integrity of the dam. Although there were no lives lost, the incident resulted in the evacuation of nearly 188,000 residents living downstream, making it one of the largest non-hurricane evacuations in United States history. The damage to the spillways and subsequent repair costs totaled over $1 billion, highlighting the severe financial and logistical impacts of inadequate dam safety planning and emergency preparedness.

Many in emergency management believe this could have been mitigated with better planning and coordination between officials and the dam owners. 

Hazard Mitigation Plans

Another issue, according to Preston, is that dams are being included in Emergency Management hazard mitigation plans as a checkbox exercise rather than through a thorough planning process. An integrated approach to dam safety should involve more collaboration with dam owners and the surrounding community.

Dam Safety as a Shared Responsibility

Preston offered his advice to emergency managers in support of this collaboration: 

  • Reframe dam safety as a shared responsibility. 
  • Develop Emergency Action Plans for high hazard dams. 
  • Involve community members in preparedness exercises. 
  • Remember that each community and its needs are different and adopt plans that are unique to the situation. 
  • Solicit help from private companies such as RSC and SummitET.

 

    Meet the Experts Featured in This Podcast

    Preston Wilson headshot

    Preston Wilson

    CEO, Resilience Solutions Consulting; Dam Safety Subject Matter Expert

    Man wearing business attire and glasses, smiling

    Ron Crane

    Associate VP, SummitET; Former Emergency Manager; Firefighter & HAZMAT Technician

    SummitET Bridging the Gap Podcast IAEM Series Kenn Honig

    Bridging the Gap IAEM Series – Episode 13: Emergency Management Insights from Kenn Honig

    In this special IAEM Conference Series episode of Bridging the Gap, SummitET host Adam Montella is joined by Kenn Honig, a seasoned emergency management consultant with a long career in law enforcement and emergency management at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Join this insightful discussion as they navigate the evolution of emergency management practices, the technological advancements over the decades, and the undeniable importance of personal contacts in the field.

    SummitET Bridging the Gap podcast IAEM series Episode 12 DC Metro Emergency Management

    Bridging the Gap IAEM Series – Episode 12: D.C. Metro Area Emergency Management

    In this special IAEM Conference Series episode of Bridging the Gap, Shannon McCrone, TT&E Program Manager with the U.S. House Sergeant at Arms and Ron Benedict, Readiness, Response and Resiliency Program Manager with DC Department of Health share their experiences, challenges, and ideas for improvement in emergency management in the DC metro area.

    Bridging the Gap IAEM Series Podcast Episode 11 Preston Wilson and Dam Safety

    Bridging the Gap IAEM Series – Episode 11: Preston Wilson and Dam Safety

    In this special IAEM Conference Series episode of Bridging the Gap, host Ron Crane with SummitET is joined by Preston Wilson, CEO of Resilience Solutions Consulting. Prior to this role, Preston was the training manager for FEMA’s National Dam Safety Program, where he was responsible for developing and delivering training on emergency management and dam safety nationwide.

    Bridging the Gap podcast, IAEM Series Episode 10: Kansas City Metro Area Emergency Management

    Bridging the Gap IAEM Series – Episode 10: Kansas City Metro Area Emergency Management

    In this IAEM Conference Series podcast episode of Bridging the Gap, SummitET host Ron Crane sits down with Claire Canaan and Morgan Hunter, emergency managers from the Kansas City metropolitan area. They discuss challenges in the EM field including staffing shortages and communication barriers, and the importance of embracing change and innovation.

    Bridging the Gap podcast graphic, IAEM Conference Series

    Bridging the Gap IAEM Series – Episode 9: Kevin Kupietz with Elizabeth City State University

    In this IAEM Conference Series podcast episode of Bridging the Gap, SummitET host Ron Crane discusses current challenges and opportunities in Emergency Management education with Elizabeth City State University Professor Kevin Kupietz, PhD.

    SummitET Bridging the Gap podcast graphic

    Bridging the Gap IAEM Series – Episode 8: Jeremy Urekew and Garner Environmental

    In this IAEM Conference Series episode of SummitET’s podcast Bridging the Gap, Jeremy Urekew with Garner Environmental and Ron Crane of SummitET discuss ideas for improving challenges in the Emergency Management field. Jeremy has a background in emergency management, fire service, hazmat response, and counterterrorism work. With 25 years of experience in the public sector, he moved to the private sector by joining Garner Environmental Services, Inc., a disaster and emergency response company headquartered in Houston, TX.

    Bridging the Gap preparedness podcast graphic

    Bridging the Gap IAEM Series – Episode 7: The DHS Community Lifeline Status System with Hal Grieb

    In this special IAEM Conference Series episode of Bridging the Gap, SummitET experts discuss the Community Lifeline Status System Project with Hal Grieb of G&H International Services. This software reporting tool is developed for the DHS to operationalize FEMA’s Community Lifelines construct and provides a data-driven framework to help emergency managers assess and report on critical services during disasters.

    Bridging the Gap IAEM Series – Episode 10: Kansas City Metro Area Emergency Management

    Bridging the Gap IAEM Series – Episode 10: Kansas City Metro Area Emergency Management

    Ron Crane of SummitET speaks with Claire Canaan and Morgan Hunter, emergency managers from the Kansas City metropolitan area, at the 2024 International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) Conference.

    In this special IAEM Conference episode of SummitET’s podcast Bridging the Gap, host and former emergency manager Ron Crane sits down with Claire Canaan and Morgan Hunter, emergency managers from the Kansas City metropolitan area. They discuss challenges in the EM field including staffing shortages and communication barriers, and the importance of embracing change and innovation.

    Regional Coordination in Kansas City Metro Area

    Claire, the current Emergency Management Director with the City of Belton, Missouri is joined by former colleague, Morgan Hunter, Emergency Management Planner with Johnson County, Kansas. Due to regional proximity, Morgan and Claire use a regional coordination technique that encompasses unique cooperation and resource sharing in the Kansas City metropolitan area, facilitated by the Mid America Regional Council. This allows for seamless collaboration across state lines for small and large events like the Super Bowl parades and the upcoming FIFA World Cup in 2026. This collaboration drew them to participate in our podcast series as a team to discuss their unique and shared challenges in emergency management. 

    Challenges and Successes in Emergency Management

    Claire and Morgan consider their experiences and challenges as newer emergency managers. COVID-19, for example, had a serious impact on each of their careers, changing the way they previously operated and shifted their understanding of the importance of communication and relationship-building in emergency management.

    Our guests agree the emergency manager’s role is continuously evolving, pushing practitioners into new areas on a consistent basis. This evolution creates the need for more personnel and dedicated positions to remain successful and effectively serve their communities. Additionally, restructuring and redefining responsibilities within their departments has become important to allow space for upcoming emergency managers to experience continued education and growth. 

    Morgan and Claire also stressed the importance of community outreach and collaboration with various stakeholders, including other city or county departments, nonprofit organizations, etc. Specifically, they emphasize creating dedicated or known channels to directly communicate with stakeholders on an ongoing basis. They feel this approach would allow them to maintain lines of communication that are on-the-ready when an emergency event occurs.

    Embracing Change and Innovation

    Morgan and Claire urge experienced emergency managers to accept change and innovative ideas. They recommend making training more engaging with technology-based learning and improving communication by using social media and digital platforms to connect with communities and partners.

    The Future of Emergency Management

    Both Morgan and Claire express the need for more opportunities for new professionals in emergency management. They recognize the value in fresh, innovative ways to communicate with stakeholders and advocate for opportunities to train and perform with new fervor for the field. This also helps spotlight emergency management, creating new pathways for entry and increasing visibility to communities and elected officials on the importance of the role of emergency managers. With support from the community and government, they hope they can better allocate resources, make timely decisions, and continue to operate at a high standard that continuously results in the highest success rate.

    Meet the Experts Featured in This Podcast

    Claire Canaan, Emergency Management Director with the City of Belton, Missouri

    Claire Canaan

    Emergency Management Director with the City of Belton, Missouri

    Morgan Hunter, Emergency Management Planner with Johnson County, Kansas

    Morgan Hunter

    Emergency Management Planner with Johnson County, Kansas

    Man wearing business attire and glasses, smiling

    Ron Crane

    Associate VP, SummitET; Former Emergency Manager; Firefighter & HAZMAT Technician

    SummitET Bridging the Gap Podcast IAEM Series Kenn Honig

    Bridging the Gap IAEM Series – Episode 13: Emergency Management Insights from Kenn Honig

    In this special IAEM Conference Series episode of Bridging the Gap, SummitET host Adam Montella is joined by Kenn Honig, a seasoned emergency management consultant with a long career in law enforcement and emergency management at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Join this insightful discussion as they navigate the evolution of emergency management practices, the technological advancements over the decades, and the undeniable importance of personal contacts in the field.

    SummitET Bridging the Gap podcast IAEM series Episode 12 DC Metro Emergency Management

    Bridging the Gap IAEM Series – Episode 12: D.C. Metro Area Emergency Management

    In this special IAEM Conference Series episode of Bridging the Gap, Shannon McCrone, TT&E Program Manager with the U.S. House Sergeant at Arms and Ron Benedict, Readiness, Response and Resiliency Program Manager with DC Department of Health share their experiences, challenges, and ideas for improvement in emergency management in the DC metro area.

    Bridging the Gap IAEM Series Podcast Episode 11 Preston Wilson and Dam Safety

    Bridging the Gap IAEM Series – Episode 11: Preston Wilson and Dam Safety

    In this special IAEM Conference Series episode of Bridging the Gap, host Ron Crane with SummitET is joined by Preston Wilson, CEO of Resilience Solutions Consulting. Prior to this role, Preston was the training manager for FEMA’s National Dam Safety Program, where he was responsible for developing and delivering training on emergency management and dam safety nationwide.

    Bridging the Gap podcast, IAEM Series Episode 10: Kansas City Metro Area Emergency Management

    Bridging the Gap IAEM Series – Episode 10: Kansas City Metro Area Emergency Management

    In this IAEM Conference Series podcast episode of Bridging the Gap, SummitET host Ron Crane sits down with Claire Canaan and Morgan Hunter, emergency managers from the Kansas City metropolitan area. They discuss challenges in the EM field including staffing shortages and communication barriers, and the importance of embracing change and innovation.

    Bridging the Gap podcast graphic, IAEM Conference Series

    Bridging the Gap IAEM Series – Episode 9: Kevin Kupietz with Elizabeth City State University

    In this IAEM Conference Series podcast episode of Bridging the Gap, SummitET host Ron Crane discusses current challenges and opportunities in Emergency Management education with Elizabeth City State University Professor Kevin Kupietz, PhD.

    SummitET Bridging the Gap podcast graphic

    Bridging the Gap IAEM Series – Episode 8: Jeremy Urekew and Garner Environmental

    In this IAEM Conference Series episode of SummitET’s podcast Bridging the Gap, Jeremy Urekew with Garner Environmental and Ron Crane of SummitET discuss ideas for improving challenges in the Emergency Management field. Jeremy has a background in emergency management, fire service, hazmat response, and counterterrorism work. With 25 years of experience in the public sector, he moved to the private sector by joining Garner Environmental Services, Inc., a disaster and emergency response company headquartered in Houston, TX.

    Bridging the Gap preparedness podcast graphic

    Bridging the Gap IAEM Series – Episode 7: The DHS Community Lifeline Status System with Hal Grieb

    In this special IAEM Conference Series episode of Bridging the Gap, SummitET experts discuss the Community Lifeline Status System Project with Hal Grieb of G&H International Services. This software reporting tool is developed for the DHS to operationalize FEMA’s Community Lifelines construct and provides a data-driven framework to help emergency managers assess and report on critical services during disasters.