UNESCO Forms Strategic Partnership with PeakPSG and SummitET to Advance Global Disaster Risk Reduction

UNESCO Forms Strategic Partnership with PeakPSG and SummitET to Advance Global Disaster Risk Reduction

by | Mar 10, 2026 | Awards, SummitET News

Collaboration aims to strengthen community resilience and establish adaptable disaster management frameworks worldwide 

St. Petersburg, FL — UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) established a new partnership with PeakPSGTM and SummitET® on February 2, 2026. This collaboration underscores the critical importance of unified efforts between intergovernmental organizations, governments, civil society, and private sector entities to achieve U.N. Sustainable Development Goals, with a special focus on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and resilience-building. 

UNESCO and summitet discussing global risk reduction

The partnership is designed to enhance global preparedness and reduce the impact of disasters by establishing a scalable, interoperable, and globally adaptable disaster management framework. This framework will be implemented at the local level in many countries but will involve national, regional, and local jurisdictions, ensuring communities benefit from improved risk reduction strategies. 

UNESCO, PeakPSG, and SummitET will collaborate on the development of standardized disaster plans, preparedness protocols, and interoperable data and communications systems. Leveraging advanced technologies, including the Previstar® platform, the initiative will enable integrated operations and resource coordination during crises, helping communities build robust resilience against future disasters. 

Key objectives include: 

  • Establishing city and county DRR cells to localize resilience efforts. 
  • Co-producing risk assessments, contingency plans, and conducting annual preparedness exercises. 
  • Aligning all activities with existing national strategies to ensure cohesive and effective disaster management. 

This strategic alliance is set to deliver a transformative, adaptable disaster management model, empowering communities worldwide to mitigate disaster impacts and secure a more resilient future. 

Agencies and countries interested in participating or accessing these services may engage directly with UNESCO field offices under the DRR initiative.  

Private companies, non-government organizations, and other interested partners who wish to contribute or support these disaster risk reduction initiatives are encouraged to get involved. For more information on how to participate or make donations, please contact Partners@PeakPSG.com. 

  

About UNESCO 

UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) is a specialized agency of the United Nations committed to advancing education, science, culture, and communication worldwide. By fostering global cooperation and innovative partnerships—including with the private sector—UNESCO works to build resilient societies and strengthen our shared humanity. The organization places a strong emphasis on disaster risk reduction (DRR) and resilience-building, mobilizing resources and expertise to help communities prepare for and respond to the challenges of an increasingly complex world. 

About PeakPSGTM and SummitET® 

PeakPSG, together with its affiliated company SummitET, delivers comprehensive preparedness and risk reduction solutions designed to empower governments and communities to enhance resilience and minimize the impact of disasters. Leveraging in-depth technical expertise, specialized training, innovative planning tools, and advanced technologies, PeakPSG and SummitET support clients in building robust disaster management capabilities and fostering safer, more resilient communities worldwide. 

About Previstar® 

Previstar is a software platform designed to help organizations anticipate risk, strengthen preparedness, and improve decision-making before, during, and after critical events. Built with input from practitioners across public safety, emergency management, and operational leadership, Previstar brings planning, analysis, and collaboration into a single, intuitive system.

SummitET News

SummitET Receives the 2025 Hire Vets Medallion Award from the U.S. Department of Labor

SummitET Receives the 2025 Hire Vets Medallion Award from the U.S. Department of Labor

by | Dec 16, 2025 | Awards, Defense Industry, SummitET News

St. Petersburg, FL

The U.S. Department of Labor has recognized SummitET as one of the record-breaking 887 recipients of the 2025 HIRE Vets Medallion Award. SummitET earned the gold award after applying earlier this year. The Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans Act (HIRE Vets Act) Medallion Award Program is the only federal award program that recognizes employers who successfully recruit, hire, and retain veterans.

a gold and a platinum colored medallion on an American flag background
man in suit jacket smiling

John Duda, CEO

“Receiving our fifth HIRE Vets Medallion Award is a true honor,” said John Duda, CEO of SummitET. “This recognition highlights our ongoing commitment to recruiting, supporting, and advancing veterans within our team. The exceptional experience and skills of our Veterans not only enhance our organization but also distinguish us as leaders in the preparedness industry.”

SummitET joins 886 other companies from 48 states, plus the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico, who have shown a commitment to hiring veterans, but also ensuring that they have a long-term career and growth plan that uses the diverse skills they acquired through their military service.

Recipients of the 2025 HIRE Vets Medallion Award meet rigorous employment and veteran integration assistance criteria, including veteran hiring and retention percentages; availability of veteran-specific resources; leadership programming for veterans; dedicated human resource efforts; pay compensation and tuition assistance programs for veterans. Over 2,200 employers have earned a total of 5,371 HIRE Vets Medallion Awards since 2019.

SummitET previously received the HIRE Vets Medallion Award in 2024, 2023, 2021, and 2020.

About SummitET  

SummitET® is a veteran-owned, Florida-based preparedness solutions company that provides proven, full-spectrum solutions to threats facing government, non-government, and private organizations through industry-leading experts. In addition to expert-led custom trainings, exercises, consulting, and plan and policy development, SummitET also offers its software solution, Previstar®, which delivers the same high-quality preparedness and response capabilities. Both SummitET’s expert services and Previstar software equip organizations and their people to effectively manage and respond to crisis situations.

​About the HIRE Vets Medallion Program 

The HIRE Vets Medallion Award is earned by businesses that demonstrate unparalleled commitment to attracting, hiring and retaining veterans. The 2026 HIRE Vets Medallion Award application period will open to employers on Jan. 31, 2026. For more information about the program and the application process, visit HIREVets.gov.

SummitET News

SummitET Receives the 2025 Hire Vets Medallion Award from the U.S. Department of Labor

SummitET Receives 2024 HIRE Vets Medallion Award from the U.S. Department of Labor

by | Oct 31, 2024 | Awards, Defense Industry, SummitET News

October 31, 2024 | St. Petersburg, FL

U.S. Acting Secretary of Labor Julie A. Su recognized Summit Exercises and Training LLC (SummitET®) as one of 839 recipients of the 2024 HIRE Vets Medallion Award during a virtual award ceremony presented by U.S. Department of Labor. SummitET earned the Gold Medallion award for the fourth time since 2020. The Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans Act (HIRE Vets Act) Medallion Program is the only federal award program that recognizes employers who successfully recruit, hire, and retain veterans.

a gold and a platinum colored medallion on an American flag background
man in suit jacket smiling

John Duda, CEO

“We are honored to receive the HIRE Vets Medallion Award a fourth time, a testament to our dedicated team and unwavering values,” expressed John Duda, CEO of SummitET. “This award embodies our strategic efforts to recruit, retain, and empower veterans, acknowledging their invaluable contributions and unique skill sets that both strengthen our organizational capabilities and set us apart in the preparedness field.”

SummitET joins 838 other companies from 49 states, plus the District of Columbia, who have shown a commitment to hiring veterans and ensuring long-term career and growth plan that utilizes diverse skills acquired through military service. 

Recipients of the 2024 HIRE Vets Medallion Award meet rigorous employment and veteran integration assistance criteria, including veteran hiring and retention percentages; availability of veteran-specific resources; leadership programming for veterans; dedicated human resource efforts; pay compensation and tuition assistance programs for veterans.

About SummitET  

Summit Exercises and Training LLC (SummitET®) is a Florida-based, veteran-owned preparedness solutions company that provides proven full spectrum solutions to threats facing U.S. and international government and non-government organizations, as well as private entities through industry-leading experts and impeccable customer service. 

About the HIRE Vets Medallion Program 

The HIRE Vets Medallion Award is earned by businesses that demonstrate unparalleled commitment to attracting, hiring and retaining veterans. The 2025 HIRE Vets Medallion Award application period will open to employers on Jan. 31, 2025. For more information about the program and the application process, visit HIREVets.gov. 

There are different awards for large employers (500-plus employees), medium employers (51-499 employees), and small employers (50 or fewer employees). Additionally, there are two award tiers: platinum and gold.

SummitET News

SummitET Graduates from MissionLink’s 2023 Cohort; Joins Esteemed ‘Trusted Innovation Ecosystem’ in NatSec Tech

SummitET Graduates from MissionLink’s 2023 Cohort; Joins Esteemed ‘Trusted Innovation Ecosystem’ in NatSec Tech

by | Nov 17, 2023 | Awards, SummitET News

November 16, 2023 | St. Petersburg, FL  –  

Summit Exercises and Training LLC (SummitET®) a Preparedness Solutions Company®, is proud to announce that John Duda, CEO, has graduated from MissionLink, an exclusive nationwide network that serves as a force-multiplier and gateway to accelerating innovation and advancing solutions to National Security threats.

Founded in 2010, MissionLink’s mission is to connect passionate problem solvers with next-gen, mission-critical capabilities in NatSec tech to the right resources, customers, investors, advisors and partners to solve the rapidly evolving national security concerns across commercial and federal sectors. For more than 10 years, MissionLink has been on the cutting edge of National Security and is recognized as the organization that has most captured the timeliness and immediacy of the latest security developments, discoveries and breakthroughs.

“We are proud to welcome John Duda into MissionLink’s esteemed alumni network,” said Andy Lustig, cofounder and Organizing Board member of MissionLink. “Our objective is to seed and accelerate innovation across the country, from Washington D.C. to Silicon Valley, and bridge enterprise and national security missions with dual-use commercial capabilities – and the 2023 cohort is certainly representative of the innovation and momentum happening in NatSec tech.”

John Duda, Chief Executive Officer and founding partner at SummitET

John Duda

Chief Executive Officer

Expert Feature

SummitET was selected by world class technologists and thought leaders that serve on MissionLink’s Board of Advisors, such as Will Grannis, CTO of Google; Tim Newberry of Ten Eleven Ventures and former founder of Blackhorse Solutions; Tim Estes of Authentic Capital and former founder of Digital Reasoning; Bill Crowell of Alsop Louie Ventures and former NSA; Alan Wade, former CIA; and Ron Gula of Gula Tech Adventures and former cofounder of Tenable. Throughout the program, cohort members attended a series of events, led by notable speakers such as Matt Devost, OODA Network; Jennifer Ewbank, CIA; Scott Frederick, Sands Capital; Lt Gen (ret.) Scott Howell, former JSOC Commander; Brian MacCarthy, Booz Allen Ventures; Tim Gillespie, In-Q-Tel; and Amit Yoran, Chairman & CEO of Tenable.  

Upon completion, SummitET now joins a powerful alumni network of more than 600 CXOs, including the founders and CEOs of Rapid7, MAG Aerospace, Cofense, Altamira, Cloudera, Cylance, Crowdstrike, Novetta, Cleversafe and Dovel Technologies; many of which credit MissionLink with providing their company with the game changing access, insight and opportunity needed to drive meaningful growth and impact to their industry and customers.

Jeremy King, MissionLink cofounder and Organizing Board member, also commented, “National security’s mission has become much broader and is rapidly evolving, and the need for collaboration between the government and commercial sector is critical now more than ever. For decades, the answer was ‘public-private partnership’ – we believe it is now time to empower industry innovation and facilitate ‘private-public partnership.’ MissionLink has become the most exclusive room in the country to learn, share and contribute to the thought leadership and innovative technologies for what happens Next.”

MissionLink logo

The MissionLink Organizing Board includes Jeremy King of Benchmark Executive Search; Matt Devost of OODA Inc.; and Andy Lustig and Katherine Ferguson of Cooley LLP. MissionLink is backed by an elite advisory board comprised of the best and brightest minds from the defense, Intelligence and NatSec tech sectors who are deeply committed to building a strong ecosystem for success – including Lt Gen (ret.) Scott Howell, former JSOC Commander; Chris Gladwin, CEO of Ocient and former founder/CEO of Cleversafe; Dawn Meyerriecks, former CIA, DNI and DISA; Maj Gen (ret.) Aaron Prupas, former Project MAVEN; Sue Gordon, former NGA and CIA; Bill Crowell, former NSA; Charlene Leubecker, former CIA; Bob Gourley, former CTO at DIA; Bryan Ware, former DHS; Jonathan Moneymaker, CEO Blue Halo and former President of Altamira; Ellen McCarthy, former Department of State; Fran Landolf, former NSA; Cyndi Gula and Ron Gula of Gula Tech Adventures; Will Grannis, CTO of Google; Jen Sovada, President of Sandbox AQ; Lt Gen Rhett Hernandez, former Chief of Army Cyber Command; Peggy Styer and Jack Kerrigan of Razor’s Edge Ventures; Tim Newberry, Ten Eleven Ventures; Wes Blackwell, Partner at Booz Allen Ventures; Constantine Saab, Partner at Valor Equity; and Jim Hunt, Managing Partner of Lavrock Ventures. 

About SummitET  

Summit Exercises and Training LLC (SummitET®) is a Florida-based, veteran-owned preparedness solutions company that provides proven full spectrum solutions to threats facing U.S. and international government and non-government organizations, as well as private entities through industry-leading experts and impeccable customer service. 

About MissionLink  

MissionLink is a non-profit trade association and exclusive network that includes decision makers, government leaders, top founders and CEOs from across the US who are building the most cutting-edge mission critical capabilities in cyber, AI, virtual reality, IoT, space and quantum science. MissionLink companies are addressing the next generation of threats across national security, healthcare, financial services, ecommerce, social media, life sciences, automotive and transportation, logistics, supply chain, manufacturing and critical infrastructure. Backed by an elite advisory board comprised of the best and brightest minds from defense, Intel and homeland security sectors, MissionLink’s trusted innovation ecosystem fosters access, insight and opportunity to bridge enterprise and national security missions with dual-use commercial capabilities. For more information, please visit the MissionLink website. 

SummitET News

SummitET Receives the 2025 Hire Vets Medallion Award from the U.S. Department of Labor

SummitET Receives 2023 Hire Vets Medallion Award from the U.S. Department of Labor

by | Nov 9, 2023 | Awards, SummitET News

November 8, 2023 | St. Petersburg, FL  –  

U.S. Acting Secretary of Labor Julie A. Su recognized Summit Exercises and Training LLC (SummitET®) as one of the 859 recipients of the 2023 HIRE Vets Medallion Award during a virtual award ceremony presented by U.S. Department of Labor. SummitET earned the Gold award for the third time since 2020, after applying earlier this year. The Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans Act (HIRE Vets Act) Medallion Program is the only federal award program that recognizes employers who successfully recruit, hire, and retain veterans. 

HIRE Vets Medallion Gold Award 2023

“Earning the HIRE Vets Medallion Award is significant to our organization because it fully represents our people, culture, and values,” said John Duda, CEO of SummitET. “This award demonstrates our commitment both internally – to our staff – as well as to our customers in the public and private sectors, including in the Department of Defense.”

SummitET joins 858 other companies from 49 states, plus the District of Columbia, who have shown a commitment to hiring veterans, but also ensuring that they have a long-term career and growth plan that uses the diverse skills they acquired through their military service.

Recipients of the 2023 HIRE Vets Medallion Award meet rigorous employment and veteran integration assistance criteria, including veteran hiring and retention percentages; availability of veteran-specific resources; leadership programming for veterans; dedicated human resource efforts; pay compensation and tuition assistance programs for veterans. More than 1,600 employers have earned a HIRE Vets Medallion Award since 2018. 

About SummitET  

Summit Exercises and Training LLC (SummitET®) is a Florida-based, veteran-owned preparedness solutions company that provides proven full spectrum solutions to threats facing U.S. and international government and non-government organizations, as well as private entities through industry-leading experts and impeccable customer service. 

About the HIRE Vets Medallion Program 

The HIRE Vets Medallion Award is earned by businesses that demonstrate unparalleled commitment to attracting, hiring and retaining veterans. The 2024 HIRE Vets Medallion Award application period will open to employers on Jan. 31, 2024. For more information about the program and the application process, visit HIREVets.gov. 

There are different awards for large employers (500-plus employees), medium employers (51-499 employees), and small employers (50 or fewer employees). Additionally, there are two award tiers: platinum and gold. 

SummitET News

SummitET Ranks Fourth Year in a Row in Inc. Magazine’s Annual List of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies

SummitET Ranks Fourth Year in a Row in Inc. Magazine’s Annual List of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies

by | Aug 15, 2023 | Awards, SummitET News

August 15, 2023 - St. Petersburg, FL  – Today, Inc. magazine released its annual list of the nation’s 5000 fastest growing companies. Summit Exercises and Training LLC (SummitET®) made the data-driven list for the fourth year since 2020, with SummitET’s ranking occurring as a result of a three year revenue growth. This prestigious list provides a unique look at the top performing companies within the American economy’s most dynamic segment—its independent small businesses.  

“We are honored to be recognized for our support to our nation’s economy and security though our unique preparedness services.” said John Duda, SummitET CEO. “Our growth is driven by client confidence in achieving their preparedness goals and objectives through industry-knowledge and impeccable customer service. Our emphasis on our customer is what continues to put us out in front of the competition.”  

The Inc. 5000 encompasses nearly every industry and realm of business, proving that incredible growth is possible with solid foundations and tenacity. Complete results including company profiles can be found at 2023’s Inc. 5000, and the interactive database can be sorted by industry, region, and other criteria.

The annual Inc. 5000 Conference and Gala honoring the companies on the list will take place in San Antonio, Texas October 31 – November 2, 2023. Speakers will include some of the greatest innovators and business leaders of our generation.

 

About SummitET®

Summit Exercises and Training LLC (SummitET) is a veteran-owned small business that offers innovative preparedness solutions. When founded, our team sought to develop a flexible model that could be adapted to serve the needs of any organization, large or small. Drawing from a diverse base of experience in emergency management and response, as well as communications within the government, military, and private sectors, the SummitET team offers a comprehensive approach to the management and mitigation of risk. By combining the latest developments in learning and technology with the application of best practices in organizational behavior, strategy, and planning, SummitET has become an industry leader who serves a broad range of clients.

 

More about Inc. and the Inc. 5000

The world’s most trusted business-media brand, Inc. offers entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, connections, and community to build great companies. Its award-winning multiplatform content reaches more than 50 million people each month across a variety of channels including websites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and print. Its prestigious Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to recognize the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The global recognition that comes with inclusion in the 5000 gives the founders of the best businesses an opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers, and the credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. The associated Inc. 5000 Conference is part of a highly acclaimed portfolio of bespoke events produced by Inc. For more information, visit www.inc.com.

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