Keynote Address
Fifty Years Strong: Facing Threats, Forging Hope, and Turning Research Into Action
Ed Conley, Emergency Manager and Crisis Leadership Author
Monday, July 14, 9:20 to 10:00 a.m. MDT
Location: Interlocken A/B
In today’s emergency management landscape, rapidly changing policies, diminishing budgets, and escalating disasters are putting our communities and institutions to the test. But these challenges, while daunting, are surmountable through bold action and collaboration.
As a veteran disaster responder who has faced floods, earthquakes, and hurricanes, keynote speaker Ed Conley will argue that our field’s history of linking research and practice offers a blueprint for the future. He will also offer strategies to transform scientific insights into practical tools that assist emergency managers in making informed decisions and influencing disaster policy. This keynote will demonstrate how we can strengthen our resilience against any storm by uplifting aspiring crisis leaders and establishing or revitalizing creative partnerships. As we face strong headwinds in our research and emergency management communities, now is the time to rally, not retreat. Conley will call for us to leverage the influence, expertise, and heart of our field to chart a forward course grounded in the our commitment to mitigate hazards losses and create safer, stronger communities.
Ed Conley
Ed Conley is a crisis management expert with more than 30 years of experience in disaster response and recovery leadership. During his nearly three decades at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), he led teams during major incidents, including 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, the 2010 Haiti earthquake, and the Columbine school shooting. Conley positively transformed national capabilities for disaster preparedness and response through his development of the widely adopted External Affairs framework, which has strengthened communication, engagement, and coordination among Congress, state and local governments, the media, and the private sector. Conley also held senior-level positions supporting organizations like the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the U.S. Coast Guard. In recent years, he has worked to enhance disaster readiness across the Pacific, Asia, and Africa through training and speaking engagements. Conley is also an award-winning author and a respected instructor at several institutions that specialize in homeland security and emergency management.
For a full bio, please visit: edwardconley.com