HOCM 2026 - Mini-Conference Program

POMS HOCM Mini Conference Program 2026
May 7th, 2026 Grand Sierra Resort 2500 E 2nd St, Reno, NV 89595

Theme: Humanitarian Operations for Populations at Risk

Mini-conference check-in 12:00 PM 1:00 PM: Lunch (in the conference venue; room TBA)

1:15 PM - 1:30 PM: Opening Remarks
Feyza G. Sahinyazan, Diana Ramirez-Rios, VPs of Meetings, HOCM College

1:30 PM 2:30 PM Session 1: Serving Populations at Risk                                                                                                                                                                              This session examines how agencies plan, coordinate, and execute their operations when serving vulnerable populations. Panelists: Ayanna McGee, Director of System Implementation, Sacramento Steps Forward - Justin Milami, Branch Chief Disaster Logistics, California Office of Emergency Services - Kim Eason, Community Disaster Program Manager, American Red Cross of Nevada. Moderator: Feyza G. Sahinyazan

2:30 PM - 3:00 PM: Break

3:00 PM 4:00 PM Session 2: Emergency Response within Tribal Communities                                                                                                                                           This session explores how emergency management operates within tribal jurisdictions and what this means for equitable response operations. Panelists: Helen Lopez, Deputy Director of Tribal Affairs, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection - Serrell Smokey, Chairman, Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California - Ken Quiner, Manager of Emergency Preparedness, Washoe Tribe of Nevada & California - Lisa Christensen, Program Manager, Washoe Tribe Preparedness Resource Department. Moderator: Diana Ramirez-Rios

4:00 PM - 4:15 PM: Break

4:15 PM 4:30 PM HOCM Student Video Competition Finalists

4:30 PM - 5:30 PM Interactive session: Roundtable with Practitioners
Moderators: Diana Ramirez-Rios and Feyza G. Sahinyazan

5:30 PM 5:45 PM Closing Remarks.                                                                                                                                                                                                            Johanna Amaya, President, HOCM College; Feyza G. Sahinyazan, Diana Ramirez-Rios, VPs of Meetings, HOCM College

6:00 PM: Reception