21st Annual Remembrance Symposium
 
September 9 and 10 – 9:00am to 4:30pm
New York Marriott Downtown Hotel | 85 West Street | New York City
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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.
 
Building Trust During Turbulent Times
Friday, September 9 – 9:00am to 4:30pm
8:00am - 9:00am
Registration
 
9:00am - 9:15am
Welcome & Presentation of Colors
 
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
 
9:15am - 9:45am
Building Trust in Turbulent Times
 
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.)
 
9:45am - 11:00am
Understanding the Current Threat Environment
 
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.
 
11:30am - 12:30pm
Operation Kenova: A Framework for Legacy Investigations
 
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
 
1:45pm - 3:00pm
Incorporating a Victim-Centered Approach: Lessons Learned
 
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
 
3:00pm - 4:15pm
Leadership in the Aftermath of Mass Tragedy
 
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 Documentary Discussion
9/11 Commission Discussion and Highlights of the
Documentary, Are We Safer Today?
Friday, September 9 – 5:15pm to 6:30pm
 
The September 9 Symposium is followed by a panel discussion about the 9/11 Commission and highlights of Are We Safer Today?
 
The documentary chronicles the memories and observations of the 9/11 Commissioners on the largest investigation in US history that led to sweeping intelligence reforms.
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.
 
 
Support Beyond the 20th Anniversary
Saturday, September 10 – 9:00am to 4:30pm
8:00am – 9:00am
Registration
 
9:00am – 9:15am
Welcome and Candle Lighting Service
 
9:15am - 10:15am
VOICES: Stories of Resilience
 
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.
 
10:15am - 11:15am
Mental Health Considerations During Unpredictable Times
 
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
 
10:15am - 11:15am
World Trade Center Health Program Update
 
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
 
11:30am - 12:45pm
9/11 Victim Compensation Fund and Compensation Programs
 
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
 
11:30am - 12:45pm
Private Meeting for 9/11 Families with the New York City OCME
 
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
 
2:00pm - 3:15pm
Progress Report on September 11 Litigation
 
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
 
2:00pm - 3:15pm
Roundtable Discussion for Service Providers
 
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
 
3:15pm - 4:15pm
Looking Beyond the 20th Anniversary
 
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
 
Register Now
Thank You to Our Sponsors
 
 
Sponsorship Opportunities
 
To sponsor the Symposium or make a donation,  click here
 
For more information about sponsorship opportunities, click here
 

From 9/11 to today, helping families and communities heal after tragedy

Voices Center for Resilience assists communities in preparing for and recovering from tragedy, and provides long-term support and resources that promote mental health care and wellness, for victims' families, responders and survivors.

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