You can never start them too early.

Riding backwards is fun Arden, but leaders ride forwards.

@rusnivek

Yesterday, I was asked to speak at the big lessons learned symposium from the 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season.

Former FEMA Deputy Administrator Tim Manning kicked everything off in the morning.

Me? I was specifically asked to address crisis communications and disaster communications in the response phase for September-October in the Florida Keys and November-December in the US Virgin Islands. #PIO #PAO #ESF15 #ExternalAffairs

Also, I was fortunate to be introduced by Director for the Pacific Region of the National Weather Service Ray Tanabe.

His surveys on hydration during disasters is super interesting.

He’s a super nice guy too.

Other speakers also shared stories from Texas, US Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.

Additional panel discussions… 

…and group discussions played out with all participants too.

All islands EMAs were represented including state, DoD, and Federal agencies.

I’m proud to share all our successes in each of these places with everyone attending today.  

So much to learn esp in disaster communications.

@rusnivek

Lots to see, lots to do, lots to share as we kick off a packed symposium on this #AlohaFriday.

What’s it like tweeting from the front of the symposium?

Showcasing the #PIO skills from Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria in 3…2…1…

@rusnivek

Looking forward to seeing a few of the FEMA NAC peeps tomorrow.

Also, happy to see that many have decided to continue their service on this council.

@rusnivek

Going to see all the FEMA Consortium partners and principals today.

Despite the shutdown, it seems like almost all leadership made it too.

Gotta be on my best behavior.

@rusnivek

Hello Mundays!

FOUR CONCUR issues

THREE password resets

TWO voucher problems

…and ONE busted wireless mic I forgot to charge.

TPS reports are so much “fun”.

@rusnivek

“As you may have heard by now the U.S. government is now in a lapse in appropriation, more affectionately known as a shutdown.”

Shutdown? Me? @rusnivek? Nope – not me. #EXEMPT

@rusnivek

Now finalizing my disaster presentation for next week’s big disaster / crisis communications presentation.

You know I’ll be sharing a few tips on disaster response and recovery like why you should pack more sun tan location in your GoBag.

Jeez.

@rusnivek