By Southwester Staff
Southwest DC community leader Ben Curran has taken on a new role as chair of the DC chapter of the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD). The previous chair, Sue Taylor served in the position for 18 years.
District of Columbia Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster is an affiliate of the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD). National VOAD, an association of organizations that mitigate and alleviate the impact of disasters, provides a forum promoting cooperation, communication, coordination and collaboration; and fosters more effective delivery of services to communities affected by disaster.
The membership of DC VOAD consists of both locally based organizations and local representatives of National organizations. Our mission is to strengthen the capabilities of organizations working together in our State/Territory to respond to communities affected by disaster. DC VOAD member organizations cover a broad range of missions and technical expertise, and adhere to the 4 Cs: Cooperation, Communication, Coordination, and Collaboration.
Curran also leads SW Strong!, the emergency preparedness task force of the Southwest Neighborhood Assembly (SWNA). In addition to a long career at the Federal Emergency Management Agency, (FEMA) he previously served as the NGO Coordinator, Liaison to National VOAD, Team Leader for the Voluntary Agency Liaisons, Donations & Volunteer Coordinator, and Section Chief for Mass Care.
A native Washingtonian, and passionate collaborator and community organizer, Curran is already making difference with the DC VOAD pulling in more members and lining up several valuable briefings and tours.
To learn more or join the email list for DC VOAD, please email benimon@hotmail.com.