The Four Pillars

The Disaster Recovery Coalition of America (DRCA) is dedicated to fortifying the nation’s ability to respond to and recover from disasters. Through a multifaceted approach centered on advocacy, collaboration, education, and leadership, DRCA ensures that communities across America are better prepared and more resilient in the face of adversity.

Advocacy

At the heart of DRCA’s mission is advocacy. DRCA tirelessly champions policies and legislation that support robust disaster recovery and preparedness efforts. By engaging with lawmakers, policymakers, and stakeholders at every level of government, DRCA strives to secure the necessary funding and resources to enhance the nation’s disaster resilience. The coalition’s advocacy efforts also focus on raising public awareness about the importance of disaster preparedness and the need for a coordinated response. DRCA amplifies the voices of those affected by disasters, ensuring that their needs and concerns are addressed in the corridors of power.

Collaboration

Collaboration is a cornerstone of DRCA’s strategy. Recognizing that effective disaster recovery requires a collective effort, DRCA brings together a diverse array of partners, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, private sector companies, and community groups. By fostering these partnerships, DRCA creates a network of resources and expertise that can be mobilized quickly in the wake of a disaster. The coalition also works to build relationships between communities and emergency responders, ensuring that local needs and capabilities are integrated into disaster response plans. Through shared resources, and coordinated response efforts, DRCA ensures that all parties are aligned and ready to act when disaster strikes.

Education

Education is critical to DRCA’s mission. The coalition provides a wide range of training programs and educational resources designed to equip individuals, businesses, and communities with the knowledge and skills they need to effectively prepare for and respond to disasters. From workshops and seminars to online courses and certification programs, DRCA members offer comprehensive training on topics such as emergency planning, risk assessment, and crisis management. By promoting a culture of preparedness, DRCA empowers people to take proactive steps to protect themselves, their families, and their communities. Additionally, the coalition identifies and disseminates best practices, new capabilities and technologies ensuring that disaster recovery efforts are informed by the latest knowledge and innovations in the field.

Leadership

Leadership is the driving force behind DRCA’s efforts. The coalition takes a proactive role in shaping the future of disaster recovery in America. By setting standards, developing innovative solutions, and driving forward-thinking initiatives, DRCA leads the way in building a more resilient nation. The coalition’s leaders serve as thought leaders and advocates, participating in national and international forums to share insights and influence disaster recovery policies and practices. DRCA also mentors and supports emerging leaders in the field, fostering a new generation of professionals dedicated to advancing disaster resilience. Through visionary leadership, DRCA ensures that the nation is prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

Why join the DRCA?

Representation in Washington, D.C.
& with state emergency management leaders

DRCA members receive direct representation on Capitol Hill and with federal agencies like FEMA and state agencies like TDEM and FDEM, ensuring that members’ interests are communicated to decision-makers on issues related to disaster recovery policies, funding, and procurement.

Policy Advocacy on Disaster Recovery Reforms

The Coalition advocates for policy changes in disaster recovery programs, such as housing, debris management, procurement, and contract management reform at FEMA, to improve efficiency and reduce barriers for members engaged in recovery efforts.

Congressional Affairs Strategy Development

DRCA actively engages with Congress to shape disaster recovery legislation, particularly around housing and emergency management procurement, ensuring members have a voice in influencing the next wave of disaster recovery laws.

Access to Key Decision-Makers

Through exclusive events and strategic introductions, members can connect with high-level government officials, FEMA representatives, state emergency
managers, and other critical stakeholders in the disaster recovery ecosystem.

Member Working Groups

DRCA facilitates working groups that allow members to collaborate on industry challenges, share best practices, and collectively develop solutions to pressing issues such as housing shortages, disaster resiliency, and funding gaps.

Partnerships with National Organizations

DRCA fosters partnerships with other leading national organizations in the emergency management and disaster recovery sectors, providing members with opportunities for cross-sector collaboration and broadening their impact.

Exclusive Industry Insights and Briefings

Members receive access to exclusive briefings and industry reports that cover the latest developments in disaster recovery policy, federal funding programs, and regulatory changes, keeping them informed and competitive.

Workshops and Webinars

DRCA plans to host regular webinars and in-person workshops on disaster recovery trends, FEMA procurement processes, and disaster housing policy, providing members with critical knowledge to enhance their operations and strategies. Members can suggest topics and lead these events with DRCA hosting and driving attendance.

Disaster Recovery Conference Discounts

DRCA members receive discounted rates for industry-leading conferences and seminars where they can learn from experts, share insights, and explore new business opportunities.

Thought Leadership Opportunities

DRCA can offer members the opportunities to speak at major industry events, contribute to white papers, and participate in panel discussions, establishing themselves as leaders in the disaster recovery space.

Recognition and Awards

Members have the chance to be recognized through DRCA’s Member of the
Month Program for their contributions to disaster recovery efforts, helping to
build their reputation and highlight their leadership within the industry.

Board Participation and Leadership Roles

Members can join the DRCA Board of Directors, providing them with the
opportunity to shape the Coalition’s strategic direction and influence the future of disaster recovery policy and practice.

Board of Directors

Pete Gaynor

Chairman

Jonathan Burgiel

President of Tetra Tech’s Disaster Recovery Business Unit

John Sullivan

President, DRC Emergency Services

Jon Hoyle

President Thompson Engineering

Mike Rice

President, Lemoine Disaster Services – The Lemoine Company, LLC

Austin Renfroe

Chief Executive Officer, RENFROE

Ashley Ramsay-Naile

President, Crowder Gulf

Bob Caudle

Director, Government Sales, United Rentals

Joshua Hay,

CEO & Co-Founder of Indelible Management Solutions

John Mitchell, CHMM

Sr Director, APTIM Emergency Management & Disaster Services

Brooks Wallace. P.E.

President, Debris Tech

Hala Z. Titus, PE, BCEE, PMP

North America Unit President, CDM Smith

Nathan Yearsley

President and CFO, Blue Chip Group LLC

Frank Robinson

President & Founder, Atlys Global

Danny Maldonado

Vice President of Operations at Garner ES

Suzanne Settoon

Vice President of Disaster Recovery & Resiliency, Metric Consulting

James “Jimmy” Screen, III

Senior Vice President of Volkert, Inc

Eric M. Leckey

Managing Director, Business and Government Relations, Ceres

James Joseph

President, State, Local & Commercial Division, Tidal Basin

Daniel Craig, MBA

Chairman Emeritus

Roy Dunn

Chief Emergency Management Officer, Longview Solutions Group

Management Team

Lisa Miller

DRCA Policy Advisor, Lisa Miller & Associates

Casey Long​

Executive Director, DRCA

Danielle Aymond

DRCA’s General Counsel

David Preston

DRCA Communications Advisor

Broad Industry Exposure

DRCA (The Disaster Recovery Coalition of America) represents a broad range of industries that all play a critical role in disaster preparedness, logistics, response, recovery and mitigation on a National level; including, but not limited to, the following industries

Power/Utilities Insurance & Restoration

Health & Public Safety (COVID-19)

Consulting, Project & Program Management

Planning, Training & Exercising

Disaster Housing Solutions

Critical Commodities

Environmental Remediation

Finance & Accounting

Transportation & Logistics

Construction & Engineering

Environmental Remediation

Flood Response & Management

Response & Recovery

Supply Chain Management

Retail

Insurance

Mitigation

Operations

Heavy Equipment

Grant Management

Business Continuity

DRCA addresses critical industry-specific issues on behalf of our membership by bringing together leaders from the Federal, State and local governments and the private sector to develop relationships and identify industry-specific opportunities and core challenges in the following areas.

Broad Industry Exposure

DRCA (The Disaster Recovery Coalition of America) represents a broad range of industries that all play a critical role in disaster preparedness, logistics, response, recovery and mitigation on a National level; including, but not limited to, the following industries

Power/Utilities Insurance & Restoration

Health & Public Safety (COVID-19)

Consulting, Project & Program Management

Planning, Training & Exercising

Disaster Housing Solutions

Critical Commodities

Environmental Remediation

Finance & Accounting

Transportation & Logistics

Construction & Engineering

Environmental Remediation

Flood Response & Management

Response & Recovery

Supply Chain Management

Retail

Insurance

Mitigation

Operations

Heavy Equipment

Grant Management

Business Continuity

DRCA addresses critical industry-specific issues on behalf of our membership by bringing together leaders from the Federal, State and local governments and the private sector to develop relationships and identify industry-specific opportunities and core challenges in the following areas.

Representative List of Industry Issues

Disaster Response & Recovery

Public Assistance, Individual Assistance, Policy, Field Operations

Mitigation

Flood Plain Management, Grants, National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), HMGP & PDM, 

Accounting

Financial Management, Reimbursement

Project & Program Management & Consulting

FEMA, State & local Governments and private sector partners

Environmental Remediation

Historical, disaster recovery

Logistics & Supply Chain Management

Distribution of Critical Commodities, Assets & Resources

Disaster Housing

FEMA, HUD, CDBG, Opportunities for Providing Housing Solutions following Disasters

Construction & Restoration

Disaster Recovery efforts following significant events.

Preparedness

Grants, planning, training & exercises

Supply Chain Managment

Educating governmental officials on new technologies and available technical assistance resources

Flood Response & Management

Disaster Recovery, Preparedness, Mitigation

Grant Management

Federal, state and local governments

Public Assistance (PA)

PA Program, Technical Assistance Contracts (TACs), Pilot Program, Regulations/Policies, ESF-3

Construction & Engineering

Emergency Management

Individual Assistance (IA)

Housing, Call Centers, TACs, Inspections, Regulations, Policies, Shelters, ESF-6 

Want to become a member?