R8 Insider: Winter 2022

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Connecting and Informing Region 8 Staff

In This Issue

• The RA's Perspective
• Extreme Makeover: RRCC Edition
• 5 Questions with Debbie Griffin
• Get to Know a Federal Partner: CISA
• Ask An Expert: Ted Young
• Wellness Tip: The Importance of Taking Breaks
• Around The Region: Photos
• Comings and Goings

The RA's Perspective

Regional Administrator, Nancy Dragani

There is no year that goes by without its challenges, but in taking a moment to assess 2022, what stands out most to me is how the people of Region 8 have not only met those challenges but used them to plant the seeds for future solutions. You have taken difficult circumstances and let them fuel new ideas on how we can do things differently to better serve others.

The challenges began early this year; who could have imagined the historic wildfire that brought such devastation to Boulder County. The tremendous response and ongoing recovery was a testament to partnerships you built and developed. We had a disaster recovery center running within days of the declaration, made changes in how we do debris removal and saw the first home being rebuilt within 6 months of the fire. Your work helped make this happen.

We then moved from fire to flood. After a spring where drought was Montana’s primary concern, heavy rains in May caused flooding throughout the Yellowstone Basin. Again, the response and ongoing recovery work was phenomenal and has laid a foundation for long term recovery.

The busy disaster year also included Public Assistance events in North and South Dakota.

The important work we do before and after disasters also stands out for me this year. We reconnected with our Regional Advisory Council in a new way that holds us accountable to their recommendations. We will focus on climate and equity with the Regional Interagency Steering Committee, beginning with a four-part series this summer. We spearheaded a stakeholder meeting in Weld County, Colorado - taking the time to listen to nontraditional partners about how we can better serve them before, during and after disasters. And, we were the first region to hold a climate adaptation workshop, with Mitigation and National Preparedness working together to support an event that sparked thoughtful conversations that will shape how we will address this critical issue within our region.

There have been numerous other accomplishments this year, more than I could possibly mention in this message. Please know the work you do makes a difference to our states and tribes every single day.

Most of you know that this past year has been a difficult one for me personally. I know that’s true for some of you as well. I am so grateful to lead a team that lives by a people-first culture, one in which we are there for each other for the good times as well as the bad.  We can celebrate having worked through tough times knowing that we continue to make a difference in the lives of others. Each of you has my heartfelt thanks for what you do every day to support our region and our partners.

Extreme Makeover: RRCC Edition

The first phase of the RRCC remodel included new furniture, tables, and chairs.

Building 710, the two-story bunker complex of reinforced concrete, able to withstand a nuclear blast, is getting a makeover. Well part of it is. The Regional Response Coordination Center (RRCC) and adjoining rooms are in the process of a redesign intended to increase aesthetics and functionality for activations during grey sky days and general use during blue sky days. Here’s what to expect from the renovation.

The new space will model Longs Peak and the Yellowstone conference rooms. These locations functioned so well during the COVID response that it highlighted some of the shortcomings in the bunker, whose outdated amenities hindered collaboration. For example, cellular access was limited, and unstable Wi-Fi required staff to plug into hard-wired workstations aligned in rows. With the installation of high-speed internet and increased cellular coverage, employees can use cell phones, connect wirelessly, and reconfigure the new furniture as needed to maximize collaboration.

The room will also be decorated with magnetized paint, on which posters and other materials can easily hang. That means no more messy painter’s tape. The hope is to eventually install a new video wall and built-in sound system similar to Longs Peak. For now, the space is equipped with functional video screens, large TVs and the existing sound system.

During an RRCC activation, Longs Peak will be used by Command and General Staff. The remodeled RRCC in 710 (which will need a new name - pass ideas to Zack Lamb) is likely to house Operations and the Emergency Support Functions, while the RA’s Conference room will become the Policy Room. When the RRCC is not activated, the remodeled space can be reserved for team meetings, trainings, and other uses. It should be on the reservation system by the end of the year.

The renovation will be completed in six phases:

1. Removing old furniture and arrival of new (completed)
2. Installing new wall features, paint (Jan./Feb.)
3. New carpets (early-mid 2023)
4. Renovation of the IMAT bullpen area for additional RRCC space (tentative for 2023)
5. Complete 710 interconnectivity (tentative for 2023)
6. High-definition video and improved audio components (TBD)

In August of 2000, building 710 was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Indeed, it was an important facility for continuity of operations built not long after the height of the Cold War. But it needed an update. This joint remodeling effort from Response, Mission Support, IT, Finance and Contracting aims to turn it into a more functional and modern space for staff to use and enjoy.

Would you like to be a part of the RRCC team? Region 8 is openly recruiting for RRCC positions, which do not have to align with your regular duties. Maybe you would like to be trained in a PA position? Or, take on a new role with Operations or Planning? Send interest and inquiries to Zack Lamb with supervisor approval. Also, look out for RRCC open houses and monthly exercises beginning in 2023.

5 Questions with Debbie Griffin

Debbie Griffin and daughter Missy

What is your job and how long have you worked with FEMA Region 8? 

My position is a Grant Management Specialist; specializing in Validate as You Go (VAYGo). I am also the acting Region 8 Audit Liaison being the first and last touch point for all audit requests coming into our region. I have been with FEMA for two years in December. I came from Colorado Springs Utilities - a local government entity - and spent 16.5 years with them.

What is something about you that would surprise people?

I am a 12-year breast cancer survivor and an advocate for those that need me. I sat on the Susan G. Komen Board of Governors for several years representing patient advocacy. I am always here to listen and provide compassion.

What is your favorite thing about Colorado?

I enjoy the beauty of the mountains and I love the smell of pine, crisp air, and wet leaves. Also, the sound of rushing water in a mountain stream and the stillness and anticipation of rustling leaves announcing an approaching wind.

What is a hobby or special interest that you enjoy?

In 2016, I was a Special Olympics ski coach. Understanding and working with the athletes is near and dear to my heart. I support who I can, where I can, and follow my passions with stewardship and giving of my time. I am an Italian, and I love to cook (pasta of course) and bake cookies. I love the ocean and I am of the “blue mind” set - the power of water and its calming energy.

How did you first learn about FEMA and what drew you to work for the agency?

June 23, 2012, The Waldo Canyon Fire began in Colorado Springs. As an FMAG and a PA were imminent we had to learn about FEMA and grant management as quickly as possible. Literally trial by fire in this case. I went from auditing to grant management. As a result of teamwork and coordination - the next you know - we had several FEMA grants and a robust grant shop managing over $48 million in grant funds. Coming to FEMA made sense and I love being a part of the FEMA family.

Get to Know a Federal Partner: CISA Region 8

CISA Regional Director Shawn Graff and CISA Region 8 held their annual All Hands meeting in Rapid City, SD in September. They were joined by Bridget Bean, CISA Assistant Director of Integrated Operations Division, and CISA’s Insider Threat team.

On November 16, 2022, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, (CISA) turned four years old. CISA’s mission is to lead the national effort in understanding and managing cyber and physical risks to the nation’s critical infrastructure. CISA’s 10 regions mirror that of FEMA’s. In fact, CISA Region 8 is also located on the Denver Federal Center campus in Building 810.

In its role as the nation’s cyber defense agency and the national coordinator for critical infrastructure security, CISA works with critical infrastructure partners to address the evolving threat landscape. In Region 8 the hazards of drought and wildfire in summer and fall, flash floods in spring, and winter storms all pose significant threats to critical infrastructure and surrounding communities. Other potential threats include adverse human-caused events, such as cyber and physical security attacks or chemical hazards. Regardless of the incident, CISA Region 8 helps partners build resilience and readiness to mitigate risk.

To accomplish this, CISA has protective security advisors, cybersecurity advisors, state cybersecurity coordinators, emergency communication coordinators and chemical security inspectors located in each of the six states within the region. Because roughly 85% of American infrastructure is privately owned, CISA acts as a central coordinator of analysis, planning, and response, working with partners to defend against today’s threats to build more secure and resilient infrastructure for the future. CISA regional advisors provide services to both the public and private sectors, including assessments, exercises and training, outreach and information sharing, direct technical assistance, incident support operations, and special event support.

To learn more about CISA, visit their webpages at www.cisa.gov. To learn more about CISA Region 8, visit them online at: https://www.cisa.gov/region-8/who-we-are

Ask An Expert: Ted Young

Ted Young

Hi everyone, Tony Mayne here. This issue’s expert is Ted Young. In addition to working in the R8 Grants Division, Ted supports disasters as the ESF-9 Group Supervisor, overseeing Urban Search & Rescue.

Ted: US&R started in 1989 as a structural collapse component based upon earthquakes in California. There are now 28 task forces across the country as part of the National US&R Response System. We have two in Region 8: CO-TF1 in Lakewood, Colorado and UT-TF1 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Each task force is supplied to be self-sufficient for 72 hours and consists of about 200 members who rotate on-call status to form a team of 70 people when mobilized. Most members are volunteers with day jobs in medical, fire, policing, engineering and other technical fields. The task forces provide structural collapse support, wide area and other search functions, and water rescue capabilities.

I am part of one of three US&R Incident Support Teams nationally. ISTs are the command-and-control elements for the task forces - basically the equivalent to an Incident Management Assistance Team with the same Incident Command System positions. ISTs bring expertise, capacity, and knowledge to support states, tribes, cities, counties, or wherever an incident may occur.

You can learn more about the National US&R Response System and its capabilities by visiting Urban Search & Rescue | FEMA.gov

Thank you, Ted, for being this issue’s expert!

Wellness Tip: The Importance of Taking Breaks

An External Affairs staff member snapped this photo on a walk in Wash Park. Getting outside for a break is a great way to recharge.

As emergency managers, we can become so immersed in our work of helping others that we forget to help ourselves. One way to practice self-care is by taking short breaks from work to recharge our psychological batteries. When we allow ourselves intentional breaks, we can boost our attention, work performance, and energy to better support the communities we serve.

Here are a few tips for mood-boosting breaks:

• Start by setting a time. About 5-15 minutes is all you need.
• Be social. Connecting with others will boost serotonin.
• Move around. Physical exercise or stretching can increase blood flow to the brain.
• This doesn’t have to be anything fancy, just breathe deeply and try not to think (or use your free Headspace account to practice other techniques).
• Set goals for your workday, workweek, or life. Work goals will boost productivity and life goals can improve wellbeing.
• Learn something new. Engage your brain in an unfamiliar way by learning new skills or information.

Constructive breaks such as these help to encourage positive emotions, which in turn help us focus and create a healthier and more productive work environment.

For more wellness resources, visit the Region 8 Wellness Committee SharePoint page.

Note: The Wellness Committee is looking for volunteers to share their hobbies for monthly Hobby Talks. if you are interested, please contact Catherine Millard, or Melanie Steck.

Around The Region: Photos

Kyle Flesness and Kasia Haddenham staffed a FEMA booth at a career fair.

Regional Administrator Nancy Dragani spoke at an event recognizing BRIC grant recipients in the state of Utah focused on drought and earthquake risks.

FEMA Region 8 staff supported FEMA Region 4 in their Hurricane Fiona and Hurricane Ian response.

FEMA R8 employees assisted colleagues from the Emergency Management Institute with delivery of the Integrated Emergency Management Course in Sandy City, Utah.

Deputy Regional Administrator Katherine Fox took part in the Great ShakeOut earthquake drill.

FEMA Region 8 staff gathered for holiday celebrations, including gingerbread structure building.

Comings and Goings

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