Building the Force to Tackle Disasters Robin A. Barnes, Executive Vice President & COO, Greater New Orleans, Inc. Robin A. Barnes, Executive Vice President & COO, Greater New Orleans, Inc. Fifteen years ago the nation experienced a horrific act of terrorism. The havoc wreaked by the events on September 11, 2001, and the subsequent emergency response and recovery efforts served as a turning point, transforming the way in which this country approaches disaster management and long term rebuilding efforts. Events such as 9/11 attack and subsequent disasters such as such as Hurricane Katrina, the BP Oil Spill, Hurricane Sandy, and now, back in my home state, the Louisiana Floods, have advanced a cadre of disaster. Resilience professionals serving in roles in the public and private sectors ensure that we are prepared for and can recover from the next disaster.