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.

Christopher (Chris) O'Gwin is a seasoned executive with over 25 years of distinguished leadership in high-stakes environments. A West Point graduate and veteran Green Beret, Chris has excelled in roles requiring strategic planning, risk management, and organizational development. From overseeing U.S. Special Operations across 21 countries to leading recovery efforts during major natural disasters, his global expertise spans 33 nations. Fluent in Spanish and skilled in cross-cultural collaboration, Chris brings a unique blend of integrity, knowledge, and visionary leadership to every challenge he undertakes. His dedication to mentoring, problem-solving, and fostering innovation underscores his commitment to making a lasting impact.

I am excited to share my professional biography, highlighting my experience in cybersecurity, financial services, and operational leadership. With over 40 years of expertise, I am passionate about guiding organizations to growth and success.

Pete Atwater is a seasoned technology and operations executive with over 30 years of experience driving transformative initiatives across industries, including financial services, insurance, and energy. Known for his strategic vision, technical expertise, and operational leadership, Pete has consistently delivered innovative solutions that enhance efficiency, modernize infrastructure, and improve customer experiences. In leadership roles at Guardian Life Insurance, Genworth Financial, and GE Financial Assurance, he spearheaded digital transformation efforts, optimized IT operations, and built high-performing teams. Currently serving as Technology and Operations Executive at 9500 Consulting, LLC, Pete continues to leverage his extensive knowledge and strategic insight to deliver impactful technology solutions. Beyond his professional achievements, Pete exemplifies dedication and service as a Volunteer Firefighter with the Divide Fire Protection District, embodying a strong commitment to both organizational success and community well-being.

Managing risks in IT projects demands both technical expertise and strategic foresight, as modern technology landscapes grow increasingly complex and unpredictable. From scope creep to cybersecurity threats, IT projects are uniquely vulnerable to a wide range of risks. Successful project management hinges on identifying, assessing, and mitigating these risks proactively throughout the project lifecycle. This article explores best practices, such as integrating risk management into project planning, aligning strategies with stakeholder expectations, and leveraging emerging technologies like AI for predictive analytics. With insights drawn from real-world case studies, it highlights the importance of leadership support, continuous monitoring, and a culture of improvement to ensure IT projects deliver sustainable results despite unforeseen challenges.