Benini240copy Subject Matter Expert
Professional Focus
Program development, research and facilitation, particularly regarding good governance, policy, crisis preparedness response and recovery, with strong ties to education and training, building on a career in emergency management policy and operations.

Ongoing Activities
International Association of Emergency Management (IAEM). As a member of the first cohort of Certified Emergency Managers, (CEM) and a member of the first CEM Commission, I have long advanced the professionalization of the career field of emergency management. I am the Co-Chair of the Global Board for the Professional Development Training Certification (PDTC), and one of the two lead instructors. Courses are conducted in each of the eight IAEM Global regions.

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). As a NATO Civil Emergency Planning Expert, I am a member of the Standing Advisory Support Team to assist NATO member nations achieve their goals for disaster and defense resilience. I also have led training teams and designed multi-national exercises for NATO, and am the primary author of “Space Weather: Its Implications for NATO Planning and Operations” (2015).

George Washington University. Now in my 12th year, I am a part-time professor in the School of Engineering and Applied Science, where I teach graduate courses in Crisis, Disaster and Risk Management.

Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). I began and lead APEC’s work on Supply Chain Resilience. I managed a team involving all 21 APEC member economies to develop the Seven Principles of Supply Chain Resilience, and then, in a highly competitive funding environment, secured top ranking for commitment to a five-year implementation program. These activities are co-sponsored by US Department of State, US Department of Transportation, and US Agency for International Development with cooperation and involvement of United Nations, World Bank, and private sector partners.

US Trade and Development Agency. (USTDA) As a subcontractor, I support the USTDA Global Procurement Initiative. I organize study tours throughout the US, allowing visitors to interact with government officials addressing similar challenges.

US State Department Foreign Service Institute. Guest lecturer on topics of national security, leadership, and inter-organizational relationships.

Experience
The White House. As Director of Response and Planning, I led from the White House efforts to develop the comprehensive National Response Plan, to address natural disasters, terrorist events and public health emergencies. I also supported the President in disaster response operations, including four major hurricanes.

US Department of Transportation. In several positions, including Deputy Director of Emergency Transportation, I led a large US Government department’s success in preparing for, responding to and recovering from disasters. This resulted in several awards, including a special commendation medal for my actions during the attacks of 9/11, a gold medal for Hurricane Katrina, and special recognition from the Vice President. I managed development of Pandemic Influenza Plan for DOT, working closely with the Centers for Disease Control on protocols for entry and exit screening of airline passengers.

California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. In positions of increasing responsibility, over a 23-year period I served through disasters ranging from annual floods and wildfires to civil unrest and major earthquakes, responding directly to a Governor’s appointee. I developed and led programs for the California Specialized Training Institute between disaster response operations.

Other Information
Education: BS – Colorado State University; MPA – University of San Francisco
Publications: Several, including two pending book chapters
Family: Married to Aldo Benini, international humanitarian researcher; 3 children, 6 grandchildren