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Draft:Suzanne Bernier

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A former journalist and government press secretary, Suzanne is now an international, multi-certified, award-winning crisis management consultant, trainer, speaker, and author, who has helped governments, communities and companies plan for, respond to, and recover from disasters for nearly 30 years.

She is currently the Vice President of the Resilience Information Exchange (RIE) - Toronto Chapter and serves as Global Ambassador for Stars of HOPE USA, and is an Advocate for mass attack survivors and bereaved families.

Suzanne has had numerous career highlights that include being a guest speaker at The White House, developing and delivering the first Pandemic Tabletop Exercise and Action Plan for the United Nations Headquarters (New York), and receiving thee Business Continuity Institute's (BCI)’s 'Continuity & Resilience Consultant of the Year – North America' award.

She is a current faculty member of both Disaster Recovery Institute (DRI) International and DRI Canada, acting as their primary crisis communications instructor, and is an active advocate for mass casualty survivors around the globe.

In addition to her consulting work, Suzanne is the author of “Disaster Heroes,” a book that highlights the stories of ordinary individuals who have made extraordinary contributions during disasters. She is also a sought-after speaker, sharing her expertise at hundreds of conferences and events globally over the past 20+ years. Her contributions to the field have been recognized with numerous awards, underscoring her commitment to enhancing global disaster preparedness and response.

Early Life and Education Background: Former journalist and government press secretary from Ontario, Canada. Education: Alumna of Cambrian College; received the 2014 Alumni Achievement Award.

Career in Crisis Management First female uniformed emergency management field officer for Emergency Management Ontario (EMO) appointed in 1997 - led the provincial response the the 'Ice Storm of the Century' in 1998, as well as numerous floods, fires and severe storms.

Founded SB Crisis Consulting in 2012.

Certifications: Certified Emergency Manager (CEM), Certified Business Continuity Professional (CBCP)

Notable Projects:

Led the development of Ontario’s first recognized Pandemic Plan for the Workplace Safety & Insurance Board.

Commissioned by the United Nations Headquarters to design and deliver their first Pandemic Tabletop Exercise and Pandemic Action Plan.

Guest speaker at the White House during FEMA's 2016 Individual & Organizational Awards Ceremony.

Involvement in Major Crises Disaster Response: Involved in responding to the 1998 “Ice Storm of the Century,” the 2003 Northeast Blackout, SARS, Hurricane Katrina, the H1N1 pandemic, Hurricane Sandy, and numerous floods, fires, and severe storms.

Recognition and Awards 2016 Continuity & Resilience Consultant of the Year – North America by the Business Continuity Institute (BCI).

Advocacy and Volunteer Work Stars of HOPE USA: Global Ambassador, helping disaster survivors recover and heal through art therapy.

San Bernardino Terror Attack: Advocate for mass attack survivors and bereaved families.

Publications and Media Book: Author of Disaster Heroes, highlighting stories of individuals who have made significant contributions during disasters.

Podcast: Host of the Disaster Heroes podcast series.

Official Websites: https://www.suzannebernier.com/, https://www.disasterheroes.com/

DRI Canada Instructor Profile: https://www.dri.ca/instructors.php

Vice-President, Resilience Information Exchange (RIE), Toronto Chapter: https://www.drie.org/toronto/rie_toronto_board_of_directors.php

References

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