Institutional transitions test leadership in its most human form, where titles and strategies take a backseat to trust, presence, and ethical clarity. In moments of abrupt change, people are not simply seeking direction—they are seeking reassurance, honesty, and a sense of stability amid uncertainty. Effective leaders recognize that transparency and compassion must coexist, offering clear truths while holding space for the emotional realities their teams face. Ultimately, what defines leadership during disruption is not the circumstance itself, but how individuals are guided through it—with integrity, care, and a steady vision for what lies ahead.

I’m proud to share a deeper look into my professional journey, shaped by 29 years in law enforcement, public safety, and emergency management leadership. From frontline service to executive leadership in higher education, my focus has always been on protecting communities and strengthening organizations. I’m now exploring opportunities to contribute at the board level and bring this experience to new challenges. Here is my biography.

Crisis leadership is not an advanced form of leadership—it is leadership in its purest state, revealed when time is short, information is imperfect, and the stakes are real. Drawing on decades of experience in combat, law enforcement, international law, and executive advisement, Conan J. Higgins argues that organizations do not rise on the strength of their playbooks, but on leaders who can maintain clarity under intense pressure, adapt strategically when plans collapse, and communicate with precision when uncertainty is highest. True crisis readiness, he emphasizes, comes from cultivating people who think well in chaos, building relationships that become lifelines in moments of disruption, and fostering cultures where truth flows freely. In a world defined by volatility and global interdependence, this disciplined, experience-driven approach to crisis leadership is no longer optional—it is essential.

Dr. Bruce Parsons is a licensed clinical psychologist, disabled veteran, and former firefighter/paramedic who brings a rare, mission-driven perspective to leadership and organizational strategy. With advanced expertise in trauma, behavioral analysis, and psychological resilience, he has supported some of society’s most high-stakes professions—from emergency responders to military veterans and frontline healthcare providers. A published author, EMDR clinician, and former Fortune 500 tech leader, Dr. Parsons bridges human behavior and systems thinking with a focus on service, integrity, and measurable impact. His work spans clinical care, nonprofit leadership, and consulting—empowering individuals and organizations to navigate adversity, build trust, and thrive under pressure.

Leadership, Emergency Management, Healthcare Operations, Risk Management, Strategic Planning, Crisis Leadership, Lean Six Sigma, Project Management, Business Process Improvement, Veteran Support, Organizational Resilience, Disaster Preparedness, Public Safety, Coaching and Mentorship, Executive Leadership

Nancy Dragani is an accomplished executive with over 30 years of leadership in state and federal emergency management, known for her ability to drive innovation, foster collaboration, and lead high-performing teams. As Regional Administrator for FEMA Region 8, she has overseen disaster response, recovery, mitigation, and preparedness across six states and 29 tribal nations, implementing a “People First” approach that significantly improved organizational culture and performance. A champion of strategic initiatives, she launched the Readiness and Disaster Summit, established the Interagency Recovery Cell, and enhanced federal recovery programs, ensuring communities receive effective and equitable support. With a distinguished career that includes serving as Executive Director of the Ohio Emergency Management Agency and holding national leadership roles, Dragani continues to shape the future of emergency management through visionary leadership, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to resilience.

Michael Braham is a visionary leader with a remarkable ability to drive organizational transformation and strategic growth across diverse industries, including healthcare, technology, and telecommunications. With a distinguished career spanning executive roles at leading organizations such as CareSource, Magellan Health, and Trapollo, Michael has consistently delivered innovative solutions, high-performance teams, and sustainable profitability. A veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Michael combines military precision with corporate agility, having pioneered advancements in telehealth, remote patient monitoring, and behavioral health services for underserved communities. His thought leadership and crisis management expertise, recognized by accolades like the ‘2021 Leader in Technology, Connected Health,’ continue to shape industries and inspire future leaders. Through his dedication to servant leadership and strategic foresight, Michael has left an indelible mark on every organization he has served.