Speakers

A Distinguished Leader in Disaster Response and Crisis Management

With a commendable career spanning 38 years, Mr. Rouse has established himself as a widely recognized leader with expertise in disaster response and crisis management. His tenure with Miami-Dade County Fire Rescue and the Department of Homeland Security marks a legacy of dedication and service to enhancing disaster response mechanisms on a global scale.

Mr. Rouse's leadership is evident through his significant roles across esteemed organizations. As the past Chairman of the FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Advisory Organization Training Subgroup and current Deputy Leader for FEMA's Urban Search and Rescue Operations Functional Group, he has been instrumental in refining training protocols and operational readiness. His tenure as Incident Commander for the Florida Division of State Fire Marshal Type 1 Incident Support Team and Chairman of the Florida Fire Chiefs Association Search and Rescue Training Subgroup further underscores his commitment to excellence in disaster response and rescue operations.

In the international arena, Mr. Rouse's eight-year engagement with the Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) within the US Foreign Disaster Assistance office showcases his adeptness in assisting the US Government's response to overseas disasters. His leadership in earthquake rescue missions in Haiti, Turkey, and Colombia demonstrates a remarkable ability to navigate the complexities of international disaster response efforts.

Mr. Rouse's recent leadership roles during significant events such as Hurricane Ian, the Surfside Champlain Tower Collapse, and Hurricane Idalia highlight his unparalleled expertise in managing some of the most challenging disaster scenarios. As the Task Force Leader of FEMA's Florida Task Force One, he commands an elite 210-person disaster response team renowned for their rapid and effective response capabilities.

Beyond his operational roles, Mr. Rouse's dedication to advancing disaster response and crisis management extends into academia. As an Adjunct Professor at Florida International University, he generously shares his wealth of knowledge and experience with students pursuing careers in Disaster Response, embodying his commitment to mentoring the next generation of professionals in the field.

Mr. Rouse's career is a testament to his quiet leadership, hard-won experience, and unwavering commitment to disaster response and crisis management. His contributions have significantly impacted the efficiency and effectiveness of disaster response operations worldwide, earning him mutual respect amongst his peers.

Education:

Saint Thomas University BA. Organizational Leadership

Nova Southeastern University MS Disaster and Emergency Management