AFAC23 powered by INTERSCHUTZ is set to be the emergency management sector’s event of the year, with an impressive line-up of keynote speakers bringing expertise from their respective fields.
AFAC23 can confirm the first three keynote speakers for the event: wildfire scientist Dr Jen Beverly, former Chief Crown Prosecutor Nazir Afzal OBE and former Royal Navy Pilot Jerry Grayson. Together, they will span the topics of fire science, diversity and institutional change, risk management and leadership, and leave audiences inspired and motivated.
Dr Jen Beverly is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Renewable Resources at the University of Alberta with six years of experience as a wildland firefighter and over 12 years of professional research experience in wildland fire science, both in academia and as a former Research Scientist with the Canadian Forest Service.
Her expertise in statistical modelling, simulation modelling and spatial analysis has informed complex fire-management decisions. Her studies have addressed post-fire ecological effects, fire-behaviour predictions, fuels measurements, fire-climate interactions, wildfire evacuations, escaped fires, values-at-risk-mapping and strategic fire-risk assessment at both community and landscape scales. Published in multiple high-ranking ecological journals, Dr Beverly’s wide-ranging expertise will be a welcome and insightful addition to AFAC23.
Nazir Afzal OBE was the Chief Crown Prosecutor for Northwest England and formerly the Crown Prosecution Service Director in London. He was also Chief Executive of the country’s Police and Crime Commissioners, independent chair of the review culture of London Fire Brigade and National Advisor to the Welsh Government. He currently serves as Chancellor of Manchester University. Nazir has become a leading voice in institutional change, with over 30 years of prosecuting and advising in high-profile cases on several topics, including violence against women and girls, child sexual abuse and honour-based violence.
Nazir tutors several leadership programmes in the public and private sector and has given presentations to dozens of diverse organisations globally. His insightful and thought-provoking analysis of institutional racism and sexism, coupled with his extensive experience, make him a must-see speaker at AFAC23.
Jerry Grayson, a former Royal Navy Pilot, is an unforgettable speaker on topics such as risk management, teamwork, resilience and leadership. From Saddam Hussein’s invasion of Kuwait to the infamous Fastnet Yacht Race and much more, Jerry has personal stories spanning a life full of incredible experiences.
Currently working with drones after his three decades of flying experience was disrupted upon their introduction, Jerry creates virtual and three-dimensional models of real-world assets. With vast life experience and his proven ability to adapt to changes and disruptions, Jerry is sure to leave audiences inspired and motivated.
Don’t miss your opportunity to see these speakers and more by taking advantage of the ongoing Early Bird offer for AFAC23 powered by INTERSCHUTZ. To learn more and take advantage of this offer, go to www.afacconference.com.au
