New York Marriott Downtown Hotel | 85 West Street | New York City

VOICES is hosting its 21st Annual Remembrance Symposium in partnership with the Leadership in Counter Terrorism Alumni Association and the International Network Supporting Victims of Terrorism and Mass Violence.

 

The September 9 program, Building Trust During Turbulent Times, brings together distinguished professionals working in national security, law enforcement, counter-terrorism, victims’ services, mental health, and investigations in the aftermath of 9/11, as well as other international acts of mass violence. The September 10 program, Support Beyond the 20th Anniversary, brings together victims’ families, responders, survivors and the professionals who provide long-term support on the myriad of issues that impact the 9/11 community.

 

Note: September 9 program is available to all via live stream. In person attendance is invitation only and requires a password. September 10 program is available both in person and via live stream. Registration is required.

 

 

 

Welcome remarks by Mary Fetchet and representatives of our partner organizations, Sue O'Sullivan and James Ramer. Presentation of Colors by the New York Police Department Honor Guard.

 

Mary Fetchet, LCSW – VOICES Executive Director, INVICTM, Founding Member

Sue O’Sullivan – INVICTM, Chair and LINCT-AA Executive Advisory Board

James Ramer – LinCT-AA, President

 

 

We are pleased that Deputy Commissioner of Intelligence for the NYPD (Ret.) John Miller will provide keynote remarks on Building Trust During Turbulent Times. John’s decades of experience with investigations into potential terrorist activity, the collection of detailed intelligence, and the development of complex and effective strategies prior to potential terrorist attacks, lays the groundwork for the day’s program.

 

John Miller – Deputy Commissioner of Intelligence & Counterterrorism, NYPD (Ret.)

 

 

This panel brings together key experts who will provide an overview of the current threat environment. Panelists will highlight the importance of establishing public-private partnerships to ensure collaboration and an effective response.

 

Rich Esposito (Moderator) – New York Police Department ex NBC

Rebecca Weiner, JD – Assistant Commissioner for Intelligence Bureau, NYPD

Dr. Sajjan Gohel – International Security Director, Asia-Pacific Foundation

Rich Stanek – Co-Founder, Public Safety Strategies Group, LLC.

 

 

Panelists will discuss Operation Kenova, an investigation into alleged states' agents in Northern Ireland. From the onset, the leadership established a framework that integrated a victim centered approach in all aspects of the investigation, setting best practices for legacy investigations.

 

John Parkinson (Moderator) – Former UK Chief of Police

Jon Boutcher – Operation Kenova, Lead

Maria McDonald – INVICTM, Founding Member

 

 

Victims’ advocates will share their personal and professional experience in responding to the needs of those impacted by tragedy, in the US and abroad. Panelists will highlight lessons learned in supporting victims’ families, survivors, responders and the community-at-large.

 

Sue O’Sullivan (Moderator) – INVICTM, Chair

Dr. An Verelst – Psychosocial Manager, Belgian Public Health

Pauline Okroglic – Legal Officer, VSE, France Victimes

Mary Fetchet – VOICES Executive Director, INVICTM Founding Member

 

 

Leadership is critical in the aftermath of a tragedy. In this session panelists will share lessons learned in the aftermath of the shootings in Newtown, Las Vegas and other tragedies. The discussion will provide today’s leaders with important considerations to help prepare them to face new challenges.

 

Heather Cartwright (Moderator) – Director, DOJ/OVT, U.S. DOJ (Ret.)

Colonel Dan Stebbins – Colonel Connecticut State Police (Ret.)

Dean Haydon – Senior Coordinator, UK Counter Terrorism Policing Network (Ret.)

Kevin McMahill – Incoming Clark County Sherriff, LVMPD Undersheriff (Ret.)

 

9/11 Commission Discussion and Highlights of the
Documentary, Are We Safer Today?

 

The conversation will include Chair of the 9/11 Commission, Governor Thomas Kean and Phil Zelikow, 9/11 Commission Executive Director as well as other key stakeholders as they reflect on our Nation’s progress towards implementing their recommendations as they commemorate twenty years since their formation. Learn more.

 

 

 

 

 

Victims’ family members, responders and survivors will share their stories – demonstrating the challenges they have faced and the strength and resilience that led to personal growth.

 

 

The panel of experienced clinicians will discuss mental health considerations – including loss and grief, the experience of trauma, PTSD, and suicide ideation, as well as addressing stigma related to mental health conditions and establishing effective coping skills.

 

Virginia Dwyer-Aoyama, LCSW (Moderator) – Voices Center for Resilience

Dr. Jane Webber – Doctoral Program Committee Chair, Kean University

Dr. Richard Beck – President, IAGP

Dr. Leo Leiderman – Seasoned Clinical Psychologist

 

 

Representatives from the CDC/World Trade Center Health Program will provide information for those who wish to learn more about the WTC Health Program’s distinct mission, eligibility criteria, enrollment process, the new Health Effects of 9/11 online exhibition, and updates on the Nationwide Provider Network (NPN) and Pharmacy Benefits Manager (PBM) transitions. VOICES staff will share insights into the challenges responders and survivors are experiencing.

 

Stephanie Landau (Moderator) – Voices Center for Resilience

Lauren Cimineri – Deputy Director for Health Plan Operations, WTC Health Program

Anthony Gardner – Public Affairs Specialist, WTC Health Program

 

 

The panel will begin with an introduction to the newly appointed interim Special Master, August Flentje. Stefanie Langsam will provide an update on the VCF case status, followed by a panel discussion by the dedicated attorneys who are addressing client needs.

 

Matt McCauley (Moderator) – Partner, Turken, Heath & McCauley

August Flentje – Special Master, September 11th Victim Compensation Fund

Michael Barasch – Partner, Barasch, McGarry, Salzman & Penson

Joseph Cavalcante – NYS Workers’ Compensation Board

John Feal – Founder, The FealGood Foundation

Noah Kushlefsky – Managing Partner, Kreindler & Kreindler LLP

Stefanie Langsam – VCF Deputy Special Master

 

 

Dr. Jason Graham, the newly appointed Chief Medical Examiner of NYC and his staff will meet privately with 9/11 family members to update them on the OCME’s continued efforts to identify 9/11 victims.

 

Dr. Jason Graham – Chief Medical Examiner of New York City

Mark Desire – Assistant Director, NYC Office of Chief Medical Examiner

Dr. Carl Gajewski – Criminalist, NYC Office of Chief Medical Examiner

Dr. Jennifer Odien – Lead WTC Anthropologist

 

 

The legal counsel representing 9/11 families will provide an update on the progress of the September 11 litigation, including the Saudi and Iran lawsuits, and the catch up payment on the US Victim of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund. 9/11 family member, Terry Strada, will discuss her advocacy efforts.

 

Robert Haefele – Senior Counsel, Motley Rice LLC

Jim Kreindler – Partner, Kreindler & Kreindler

John M. Eubanks – Member Attorney, Motley Rice LLC

Terry Strada – National Chair, 9/11 Families United

 

 

This session will provide an opportunity for victims’ advocates, mental health professionals, and others providing support to the 9/11 Community and other communities impacted by mass violence, to gather and share experiences and resources.

 

Virginia Dwyer-Aoyama, LCSW (Moderator) – Voices Center for Resilience

Dr. Jane Webber – Doctoral Program Committee Chair, Kean University

Dr. Richard Beck – President, IAGP

Dr. Leo Leiderman – Seasoned Clinical Psychologist

 

 

The Anniversary is a time for reflecting on the past and looking ahead to the future with hope. The conversation will highlight the work of Alice Greenwald and Dr. Barbara Sampson, who dedicated their careers in their respective fields to serving the 9/11 community. We will look ahead by introducing Dr. Graham, the newly appointed Chief Medical Examiner and representatives from the soon-to-open Ronald O. Perelman Performing Art Center.

 

Alice Greenwald – President & CEO, 9/11 Memorial & Museum

Barbara Sampson, MD – Former Chief Medical Examiner of New York City

Jason Graham. MD – Chief Medical Examiner of New York City

Jenna Chrisphonte – Director of Civic Alliances, The Ronald O. Perelman PAC

Bill Rauch – Artistic Director, The Ronald O. Perelman PAC