Washington, D.C., Sept. 5, 2014, — On Tuesday, September 9, 2014 at 10:30 AM the White House will honor local “Champions of Change” who are doing extraordinary work to prepare individuals and communities for disasters and to help build a safer and more resilient nation. These Champions have distinguished themselves through their innovation, dedication, and passion in preparing and protecting members of their communities. This event will showcase these outstanding leaders and the exceptional organizations they represent. The program will feature FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate and Deputy Administrator Timothy Manning.
Reverend Norman Fong, executive director of the Chinatown Community Development Center, is also one of the preparedness “Champions of Change”.
The Champions of Change program was created as an opportunity for the White House to feature individuals doing extraordinary things to empower and inspire members of their communities. The event will be live streamed on the White House website at www.whitehouse.gov/live. To learn more about the White House Champions of Change program, visit www.whitehouse.gov/champions.
Lt. Brian K. Rand, Burlington, Massachusetts
Lt. Brian K. Rand, MPA-EM, serves as the Emergency Medical Services Coordinator and Training Officer for the Watertown, Massachusetts Fire Department. Under the direction of the Department Chief, the Watertown Fire Department has taken strides to create an all hazards approach to community-wide emergency responses. Within the last year, the Department has initiated numerous programs to strengthen emergency medical services, emergency management, community involvement, and Department training and education.
Samantha Stone, Weymouth, Massachusetts
Samantha Stone is a Risk Communication Coordinator in the Office of Preparedness and Emergency Management at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Samantha oversees Show Me, a series of three distinct but interconnected communication tools used by public health and emergency management personnel, volunteers, and individuals with communication challenges during a variety of emergencies. Samantha has participated in this project as part of a larger departmental effort to focus on inclusive planning and response efforts as a means of engaging and empowering individuals to create a more resilient community.