Speakers

Partnerships in Response and Recovery for Ever-Changing Disasters

Session will discuss the shift in response and recovery methodologies by the Red Cross in recent years, as disasters are more frequent and devastating. The pathway to recovery has become more complex, leading to creative and innovative partnerships in the government, NGO, and for-profit sectors. The Red Cross has been able to better serve those in need, in particular vulnerable communities, by leveraging the strengths of our partners and volunteers.

About Bernie Nazari

Bernie Nazari is the Volunteer Partner to CEO of the American Red Cross: Los Angeles Region and Volunteer Partner to the Senior Vice President of Service to Armed Forces and International Services of the American Red Cross. He has volunteered with the organization since 1996, starting as a CPR instructor before focusing primarily on disaster response. Having worked in shelters, feeding operations, and logistics initially, he transitioned into Planning, focusing primarily on innovative technologies and geospatial tools to aid in disaster response. His work focused on building resilience in vulnerable communities throughout Los Angeles County.
His disaster work has ranged from responding to numerous disasters in the Los Angeles Region, from the Woolsey fire in 2018 to the MCI in Monterey Park in 2023. Outside the state, he has deployed to large incidents such as Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Ida.
Domestically, he serves as lead liaison officer, interfacing between the Red Cross and various government agencies, as well as overseeing community partnerships and communications during disasters. Internationally, he is part of IT and Telecommunication Emergency Response Unit, which provides technology services for large international disasters.