US 2024 Election – Addressing the Risk Landscape to Build Awareness and Resilience

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  Michael O'Neill CEO & President @ O'neill Paragon Solutions

  Michael O’Neill is a recognized expert in international safety and security risk management, with a career spanning nearly three decades. He has been instrumental in advancing safety and security risk management for international NGOs, notably having previously served as Chair of the International NGO Safety and Security Association (INSSA) and currently as a member of its Advisory Council. From 2002 to 2017, Michael was the Director of Global Safety and Security at Save the Children and previously led safety initiatives at the Peace Corps. He has played a key role in developing risk management policies, conducting field assessments, delivering training, and supporting staff in crisis mitigation. Michael also chaired the InterAction Security Advisory Group and represented international NGOs on the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC). His work has been pivotal in establishing effective risk management frameworks for NGOs globally.

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  Dr. Sandra Elvin President @ SafeTrek Services LLC

  Dr. Sandra Elvin, President of SafeTrek Services LLC, has over 15 years of experience in conservation, safety, and expedition leadership. She has led wildlife trips in Canada, China, and Mongolia and conducted research in the Philippines and Kenya. Sandra has managed major scientific expeditions for the National Geographic Society to Mt. Everest and the Ganges River, overseeing logistics and safety. She later directed safety operations for the US Institute of Peace. Sandra is also a Professor at McDaniel and Goucher Colleges, where she teaches courses in environmental studies. Sandra is also a Hostile Environment Awareness Training instructor with S7/RSM, among other safety and security courses.

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  Colin Brown Managing Director @ Sigma7 / RSM

  Colin is the Managing Director of RSM, the Practice Leader for Resilience and Practice Leader for Mining, he is a member of the Sigma7 executive team. He has over 30 years’ of experience in leading resilience engagements in both the Government and Private sectors with extensive experience gained in the construction and execution of resilience strategies.

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  Kenya Casey Deputy Chief Operations Officer @ The Task Force for Global Health

  At The Task Force for Global Health, Kenya's role as Deputy Chief Operations Officer revolves around enhancing strategic operations and guiding our global health initiatives. With a strong background in global safety and security from her previous position at Emory University and operations experience from The Carter Center, she leverages her expertise to fortify organizational resilience and operational efficiency. Her approach integrates cross-cultural competence and mindfulness into the fabric of our programs, ensuring a compassionate and inclusive workplace. The focus is always on streamlining processes and aligning objectives with the overarching mission of an organization, ensuring delivering on her commitment to global health with unwavering dedication and strategic insight.

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  Yan Vanderven Head of Integrated Crisis Management @ Cognizant

  Yan is a former law enforcement officer from the northeastern US, Yan has had a diverse career across multiple industries and disciplines over the last 28 years spanning the banking, pharmaceutical, security, and IT industries with a focus on operational resilience, crisis and security management. He has served in various leadership positions bringing a wealth of international experience and knowledge to his current role as the Head of Integrated Crisis Management – Global Teams, Americas and EMEA for Cognizant, a fortune 200 company.

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  Dr. Mike Blyth Chief Revenue Officer @ Sigma7

  Dr. Mike Blyth, DBA, is the CRO for Sigma7 - the world's leading independent risk and resilience advisor. A published author, Mike has worked or lived in 45+ countries ranging from Iraq and Yemen to Nigeria and Ukraine. Mike has won awards from the Governor of Virginia on school security and has supported clients operating in over 75 low to extreme-risk countries. Previously holding various Vice President appointments for major global risk and security organizations, Mike focuses on organizational resiliency and business continuity, policy design, program and operations management, education and capacity building, and crisis leadership, combining a wealth of international experience with a doctorate focused on organizational resilience and a master’s in security and emergency management.