Strengthening Organizational Resilience through Disaster Exercises

In a crisis, a plan is only as good as your organization's ability to execute it. Whether you’re preparing for a localized power outage or a major natural disaster, the scale doesn't change the need for readiness. Join us to learn how proactive navigation networks and "muscle memory" developed through drills can bridge the gap between chaos and coordinated response, ensuring no neighbor is left behind when every second counts. John Emily Rickel from Gryphon Place and Chad Veeser from Michigan 2-1-1 describe how to develop a disaster drill to test organizational capacity to respond when minutes count.

Objectives:

• Discuss what a disaster exercise is and why you need them.

• Review the steps to developing a disaster exercise that tests your organizational capacity. 

• Construct and test your disaster exercise.

Chad Veeser

Chad Veeser has been the Emergency Management Officer for Michigan 2-1-1 since October 2021, and has also supported 2-1-1 in the State of Michigan during disasters as part of his work with the Michigan Community Service Commission since 2014. Previously, Chad worked in other nonprofit and local governmental roles. He secured his Professional Emergency Management credentials for the State of Michigan in 2023 and holds a master’s in public administration with a concentration in nonprofit management. In addition, he serves as Appointee to the Michigan Citizen-Community Emergency Response Coordinating Council (MCCERCC), as the Treasurer for Michigan Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (MI VOAD), and as a chair for the Inform USA disaster workgroup. 

He has directed National Service teams and volunteer groups from around the nation during the extensive Southeast Michigan Flooding of 2014, helped with the management of water donations for the State of Michigan during the Flint Water Crisis and Recovery, and supported responses and recoveries through a dozen other weather and manmade disasters and emergencies. These events have led him to work with corporate and foundation leaders, local and regional government, Michigan VOAD, Michigan’s Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division, FEMA, and other federal partners, as well as in previous roles as a volunteer and donations director and in foundation management over the past 15+ years.

Chad lives in Traverse City with his two sons, Nathan and Nolan, is an avid fan of movies and games, and enjoys hiking and kayaking in the beauty of Michigan!

Emily Ruckel

Emily has worked in the Information and Referral field since 2006, serving in roles ranging from I&R Specialist and Resource Manager to Vice President of 211. As Vice President of Evaluation & Advancement at Gryphon Place, they oversee 211 operations in Michigan and Ohio, as well as data, reporting, quality assurance, and organizational fundraising and development efforts.