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