2024 WILDFIRE LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
Episode Description:
Mutual aid is a critical component of effective disaster recovery. By sharing resources, expertise, and lessons learned, communities can bounce back faster and stronger in the face of catastrophic events. Mutual support is the foundation for building resilience and restoring hope.
In this episode, we hear from Josiah Nishita, the Managing Director for Maui County, John Smith, the Public Works Highways Division Chief of Maui, Scott Westrope, the Fire Chief for the City of Santa Rosa, and Paul Lowenthal, the Deputy Fire Chief for the City of Santa Rosa.
From navigating the complexities of debris removal and infrastructure repair to fostering community engagement and maintaining resilience, this panel shares invaluable insights on the power of mutual aid and how to do it right. Don't miss this episode to learn how collaboration and shared experiences can transform disaster recovery.
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:
01:26 Maui: Where We Were and How Far We’ve Come
05:20 The Day After the Horrifying August 8th
09:57 One Year After
14:43 Fighting For Our Home
19:47 Facing the Unexpected
22:58 Connecting Sta Rosa with Maui
29:07 The Importance of Building Trust
33:54 Build Relationships Early
37:31 Pay It Forward
Meet the Moderator
👩🏻💼 Reva Feldman, Former City Manager, Malibu (2016-2021) / Advisor, After the Fire USA
Reva Feldman has more than twenty years of experience in public service. She has been with the City since 2005, serving as the Assistant City Manager and Administrative Services Director before her appointment as City Manager in May 2016. Reva brings with her strong leadership skills, knowledge, experience, and a deep dedication to the community.
Meet the Panel:
👨🏻💼Paul Lowenthal, Deputy Fire Chief, City of Santa Rosa
Paul Lowenthal is the Division Chief Fire Marshal for the city of Santa Rosa. He's been involved in fire and disaster recovery since 2017 when he first led the Debris Task Force for the city of Santa Rosa, following the Tubbs fire and Nuns Fire. In 2020 Paul played a key role in coordinating recovery after the Glass Fire. More recently, Paul has been assisting with recovery in Maui County. He's a board member of the Fire Safe Council for Sonoma County.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-lowenthal-2115638a/
👨🏻💼Scott Westrope, Fire Chief, City of Santa Rosa
Scott Westrope is the Fire Chief for the city of Santa Rosa. He began his fire service in San Luis Obispo County, first with a Pismo Beach Fire Department and then with San Luis Obispo County. He came to Santa Rosa in 2000 and has held the ranks of firefighter, paramedic, Captain, training captain, battalion chief and Deputy Fire Chief. He became the interim fire chief in 2020 and fire chief in 2021. He holds a bachelor's degree in emergency services management and is a state of California Certified Chief Officer.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-westrope-4b24068a/
👨🏻💼John Smith, Highways Chief, County of Maui
John Smith is the Public Works Highways Division Chief for Maui County. He is a seasoned engineering professional with over 22 years of experience in infrastructure design, construction, and maintenance. He manages all operations and provides oversight for personnel and program budgets regarding county roadway systems. John now serves as the CO lead for the Office of Recovery, infrastructure recovery support function, and leads all fire debris removal efforts while restoring critical services such as clean drinking water, sanitary sewer, and electricity.
👨🏻💼Josiah Nishita, Managing Director, County of Maui: Office of the Mayor
Josiah Nishita is the managing director for the county of Maui. He has played a crucial role in leading Maui's disaster recovery efforts following the devastating wildfires that impacted the island in August 2023. Josiah has demonstrated exceptional leadership in coordinating the county's response and recovery operations, including establishing emergency shelters, facilitating debris removal, and restoring critical infrastructure.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josiah-nishita-21a96442/
Connect with the County of Maui:
Website: https://www.mauicounty.gov/
Connect with the City of Sta Rosa:
Website: https://www.srcity.org/