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Continuity of Government: Crisis Management
Continuity of Government: Crisis Management
The unfortunate experiences shaped by the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina has provided New Orleans with a unique understanding of what is needed to maintain government functions and respond to crisis effectively.
The panel discussion will focus on Louisiana's crisis plans before Hurricane Katrina, what they experienced and learned during the crisis, and any adjustments made after the hurricane was over. Panelists will also broaden the discussion about what they have learned from their experiences in New Orleans and how it can be applied to varying circumstances throughout the country. The panel will then provide an opportunity for audience participation through a question and answer session.
Four distinguished Panelists have accepted our invitation to speak on this important topic:
Deputy Secretary Michael Balboni, New York
Michael Balboni was appointed Deputy Secretary for Public Safety in January 2007. Mr. Balboni is the administration's senior homeland security and law enforcement official. Prior to accepting this appointment, Michael Balboni represented New York's 7th Senate District, located in Nassau County, since 1997. Previously he served in the New York State Assembly for eight years. In 2004, then-federal Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge appointed then-Senator Balboni to a national Task Force that examined the flow of homeland security dollars from the federal government to local communities. He has also been appointed to numerous boards, committees, and advisory councils focusing on Homeland Security issues.
Major General Hunt Downer, Louisiana
Major General Downer has served as the Assistant Adjutant General since September 2001 where he is the principle assistant for all Army National Guard Issues. He is also responsible for assisting the Adjutant General in all matters pertaining to the supervision and management of the Louisiana Department of Military Affairs. At the request of the Governor, Major General Downer also serves as the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for the State of Louisiana, a cabinet level position. He was also tasked to assist the Governor's office as the Legislative Affairs Liaison. The General began his military career as an enlisted soldier, United States Army Reserve in 1968.
Colonel Michael Edmonson, Louisiana
Colonel Michael Edmonson has twenty-seven years of service with the Louisiana State Police. He was recently appointed by Governor Bobby Jindal to the highest ranking officer within the Louisiana State Police and serves as the State Police's 25th Superintendent. He also serves as the Deputy Secretary of the Department of Public Safety which overseas a number of state offices, boards and commissions.
Honorable Richard T. Moore, Massachusetts State Senator
Senator Richare T. Moore was first elected to the Massachusetts Senate in 1996. Prior to election to the Senate, he was a nine term member of the MA House of Representatives. In 1994, President Clinton nominated Sen. Moore to serve as Associate Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in Washington, D.C. Senator Moore served in the Clinton Administration for two years where he led successful efforts to develop a National Mitigation Strategy- a comprehensive nationwide plan to help individuals, communities, and states reduce the risk of disaster from natural and technological hazards. For his efforts, Senator Moore was presented with the "Distinguished Service Award," FEMA's highest award. Senator Moore Currently co-chairs the NCSL Homland Security and Emergency Preparedness Task Force.
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