#United States #Clearwater Beach #Disaster Resilience #FLASH #NDRC

2025 National Disaster Resilience Conference Announces Award Winners

On November 19, 2025, the National Disaster Resilience Conference (NDRC) took place in Clearwater Beach, Florida, where it honored outstanding individuals and organizations with the prestigious 2025 Resilience Leadership Awards. Organized by the nonprofit Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH), this event distinguished trailblazers committed to improving disaster safety and community resilience through innovation and leadership.

Leslie Chapman-Henderson, President and CEO of FLASH, emphasized the remarkable contributions of the awardees: "These individuals exemplify the very essence of leadership in disaster resilience. Their unwavering dedication and innovative strategies empower families and communities to better prepare for and withstand a variety of disasters. By fostering collaboration and promoting solutions focused on resilience, they are shaping safer homes and communities across the nation."

Honoring Excellence in Disaster Resilience

One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of the Dr. Ernst W. Kiesling Lifetime Achievement Award. This accolade is awarded to individuals whose lifelong commitment significantly impacts disaster safety and resilience. Among the esteemed recipients was Max Mayfield, the former Director of the National Hurricane Center, recognized for his leadership during major storms such as Hurricanes Katrina and Wilma. Mayfield has consistently advocated for improvements in hurricane forecasting and public safety, sharing his expertise through media and community engagement.

Another notable awardee, Steve Winistorfer, serves as Vice President of Product Engineering and Quality at Huber Engineered Woods. He is celebrated for his contributions to building materials and construction resiliency, ensuring industry best practices and innovation in engineered wood products. With over 40 years of experience in the field, his work empowers the creation of safer homes around the globe.

The Board Member of the Year Award went to Kevin Kuntz, a distinguished Vice President and ISO Chief Engineer at Verisk. Kuntz is recognized for his comprehensive strategies in property risk analysis that bolster resilient building practices. His expertise in fire protection and disaster mitigation is instrumental in fortifying homes and communities against natural hazards.

Innovation Award: Setting New Standards for Safety

The Innovation Award distinguished projects and organizations that develop groundbreaking solutions enhancing disaster safety. This year’s recipients included major players in the construction and insurance industries:

• - KB Home for its pioneering efforts in wildfire resilience through innovative community designs and commitment to the Wildfire Prepared Home™ standard.
• - Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) for established research that supports wildfire preparedness in home building.
• - California Building Industry Association (CBIA) also recognized for their integral role in advocating for wildfire resilience in community planning.
• - Kitson Partners received commendation for their visionary approach at Babcock Ranch, a development that exemplifies sustainable and resilient community planning.

These awards highlight the importance of adopting innovative practices that contribute to building durable and resilient structures capable of withstanding the pressures of natural disasters. The collective achievements of these organizations promote not only immediate protection but long-term sustainability in the community's built environment.

About FLASH and Its Mission

The Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) stands as the nation’s leading advocate for enhancing safety in homes and communities against disaster threats. Through partnerships with over 100 organizations, including FEMA and the National Weather Service, FLASH aims to create a more resilient America by encouraging best practices in disaster preparedness and safety.

With programs like Inspect2Protect, FLASH provides resources to help consumers understand and navigate building codes, ensuring they can make informed decisions to enhance the safety of their homes.

For more information about FLASH and its initiatives, please visit flash.org or call (877) 221-SAFE (7233). Follow the organization on social media for ongoing updates regarding disaster resilience efforts across the country.