Episode 80 - Recorded the Day After the American Airlines Flight 5342, Senior Emergency Managers Kelly McKinney and Tom Serio Discuss Public and Private Sector Emergency Management Imperatives

Summary

In this episode of 'Five Minutes to Chaos', Steven Kuhr discusses the evolving landscape of crisis management in 2025 with emergency management experts Kelly McKinney and Tom Serio. They share personal experiences from recent disasters, the complexities of federal crisis management, and the importance of effective communication and coordination among stakeholders. The conversation emphasizes the human element in crisis management, the role of the private sector, and the need for emergency managers to demonstrate their value through effective execution and preparedness. The episode concludes with reflections on the future of FEMA and the necessity for public-private partnerships in crisis response.

Takeaways

Crisis management is essential in today's complex environment.

Understanding your 'why' is crucial for emergency managers.

FEMA's role is often misunderstood; they are not first responders.

Effective communication is vital during a crisis.

The private sector plays a significant role in disaster recovery.

Emergency managers must demonstrate their value through action.

Preparedness and planning are key to successful crisis management.

Coordination among various stakeholders is critical in emergencies.

Survivability should be the focus of business continuity plans.

The future of FEMA may require restructuring and better integration with local agencies.

Contact Information

Via LinkedIn