Ms. Hunter is a pioneering leader in emergency management, known for her commitment to preparedness, community resilience, and inclusive practices. As the Founder and CEO of Aspiring Emergency Managers Online (AEMO), she empowers individuals to excel in the field. With a degree in Homeland Security Emergency Management from Pierce College, Ms. Hunter played crucial roles during the COVID-19 pandemic as the Planning Section Chief at the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department. She also served as the Educational and Outreach Coordinator for the Center of Excellence for Homeland Security and Emergency Management, focusing on workforce development. Ms. Hunter advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion, particularly in issues related to disabilities and accessibility, leaving a lasting impact on the field.

With over 40 years of experience in emergency and crisis management, Mr. Davis brings unmatched expertise to our team. A U.S. Air Force veteran, his career spans roles with FEMA, the American Red Cross, and corporations like Walgreens and Amazon. He is the Founder-President of Preparedness Matters, LLC, and has authored disaster preparedness guides for underserved communities. As committee chair of NVOAD and an advisor for I-DIEM, he is a passionate advocate for inclusivity and community preparedness. Mr. Davis's leadership and dedication make him an invaluable addition to our board.

Ms. Estrada brings over a decade of experience in emergency management, with roles spanning healthcare at the University of Miami Health System and tribal preparedness with the Seminole Tribe of Florida. She played a key role during Hurricane Irma and continues to support her community through volunteer work, including serving on the CoE HSEM Board and the Miami Climate Alliance. Her diverse experience in County, Tribal, and healthcare sectors, along with her commitment to mentoring and advocacy, makes her a strong advocate for building resilient, inclusive communities. Ms. Estrada’s dedication aligns perfectly with AEMO's mission to support emerging talent in emergency management.

Ms. English, an Emergency Management Specialist with the Bureau of Reclamation, brings a wealth of experience in community resilience and disaster response. She previously served with the American Red Cross as a Disaster Action Team Supervisor and Case Manager, showcasing her leadership in crisis situations. With a Master’s in Public Administration from UNC Chapel Hill, her academic background strengthens her practical expertise. Ms. English is a strong advocate for promoting emergency management careers, particularly at HBCUs, reflecting her commitment to diversity and inclusion in the field

Mr. Athiyal brings over 14 years of expertise in public health, specializing in emergency preparedness, project management, and biosafety. As Senior Manager at the Georgia Public Health Laboratory, he excels in leadership, regulatory compliance, and partnership building during crises. His knowledge of Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and quality management adds immense value to our team. Mr. Athiyal's passion for leadership development aligns with AEMO's mission, and his recent Doctorate in Strategic Leadership in Emergency Management highlights his commitment to excellence.

Ms. Davis is a seasoned expert in Emergency Management and Business Continuity, currently serving as President and CEO of the Resiliency Initiative. With a career spanning roles at Fortune 500 companies like Disney and Walmart, as well as collaborations with FEMA and the Federal Reserve, her experience is both broad and impactful. She has also contributed to nonprofit organizations, including The American Red Cross and Save the Children. Recognized as Emergency Manager of the Year by the International Emergency Management Association in 2018. Ms. Davis was also inducted into the Women's Hall of Fame for Emergency Management in 2013.

Mr. Caughill is an accomplished emergency management professional with extensive experience in the financial services and commercial sectors. He was a founding member of M&T Bank’s Crisis Management Office, serving as Assistant Vice President, where he led programs in situational awareness, mitigation, and planning. As Founder of North Buffalo Preparedness Group, he consults on all phases of disaster management. He also serves as Director of Disaster Management at the Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park and hosts "The SitPic Pod" podcast on emergency management. Mr. Caughill holds a Bachelor’s in Emergency Management and is pursuing multiple certifications, including CEM and FEMA Continuity Practitioner Level I.

Dr. Richardson is an emerging leader in Emergency Management, with experience across healthcare, state, local, and federal sectors, including FEMA and public health partners. As a senior consultant with Deloitte, he brings innovative approaches to our organization, including his development of the Innovative Structural Theory of Emergency Management, bridging research and practice. Honored with the Rising Star Award at the 2020 Florida Governors Hurricane Conference, Dr. Richardson was also named to the 2023 Alpha Phi Alpha 40 Under 40 list. His dedication to supporting students and emerging leaders is a testament to his commitment to the field.

Mr. Briese brings a wealth of experience, including his roles as Executive Director of the Colorado State Fire Chiefs and the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) from 1985 to 2007. As Principal at Briese and Associates, he specializes in strategic planning, performance management, and stakeholder engagement. His notable achievements include serving as Region 8 Administrator with FEMA, Vice President of Emergency Management at ICF International, and an adjunct instructor at the University of Colorado's Center for Homeland Security. Mr. Briese's expertise in organizational performance and governance makes him a valuable asset to our Advisory Board. We look forward to leveraging his insights to advance AEMO's mission of empowering aspiring emergency managers globally.

Mr. Christ brings extensive experience in advising emergency management and healthcare preparedness organizations globally, offering invaluable expertise to our team. As a Master Exercise Practitioner and Professional Continuity Practitioner certified by FEMA, he is dedicated to excellence in the field. His passion for designing and evaluating exercises for government entities, along with his Lean Six Sigma Green Belt proficiency, showcases his commitment to continuous improvement. Additionally, Mr.Christ's role as a senior consultant with Crisis Prevention and Response, Inc. reflects his dedication to enhancing emergency response strategies. His lifelong volunteerism as a firefighter/EMT and Search and Rescue Team Leader demonstrates his unwavering commitment to public safety and community service.

Mr. Ballou is an experienced Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator for Mitigation and Resiliency at the Travis County Office of Emergency Management, dedicated to enhancing community safety and resilience. His background includes significant roles with the Department of State Health Services and the Texas Department of Emergency Management, where he developed expertise as a planner and training specialist. With 27 years of honorable service in the U.S. Army, he exemplifies a commitment to service and preparedness. Mr. Ballou holds a master’s degree in Management with a specialization in Emergency Management from the University of Maryland Global Campus. Since joining AEMO in June 2020, he has shown a passion for mentoring aspiring emergency managers, providing invaluable insights and guidance to foster growth in the community.