Disaster Risk: The Odds are Changing in Nature's Favor by James Lee Witt

The Fifth Annual Shah Family Lecture presents Mr. James Lee Witt, former Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Abstract: Insurance companies as well as scientific and environmental organizations are predicting the forces of nature will grow stronger and more fierce in the coming months and years, due to global warming. The toll on lives, property, business continuity and the bottom line will only worsen. James Lee Witt's discussion will focus on what will business leaders do to protect their employees and their bottom lines.

Speaker's Bio: Mr. Witt has been at the forefront of disaster and crisis management for more than 25 years, including the position, Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency from 1993-2001. In 1996, Witt became the first FEMA Director to be elevated to a Cabinet position. During his tenure, Witt transformed FEMA into an effective disaster response agency that provides hands-on assistance to those at risk, both before and after disaster strikes.

After 12 years as a successful businessman and community leader, he was elected County Judge for Yell County. At age 34, he was the youngest elected official in Arkansas. After being re-elected six times to the position, Witt was tapped by then-Governor Bill Clinton to assume leadership of the Arkansas Office of Emergency Services. In addition to his role as President of James Lee Witt Associates, LLC, Witt is the CEO of the International Code Council. Mr. Witt has just completed his first book; Stronger in the Broken Places. Mr. Witt and his wife, Lea Ellen, currently reside in the suburbs of Washington, DC.