2026 General Session: 
Hurricane Helene Response in North Carolina: Lessons on Preparedness, Response, and Recovery 

This session is a three-person panel providing an overview of the events leading up to, during, and following the catastrophic impacts of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina. Panelist will provide their prospective, lessons, and road ahead from local, regional, and State prospectives highlighting some of the critical challenges, why it was so significant, and lessons learned that apply to every emergency management program to be prepared for your next disaster from response through recovery.

Presenters:
William Kehler - Director, McDowell County Emergency Services
Gregory Hauser - Communications Branch Manager / NC SWIC, NC Emergency Management
Eric Wiseman - Area 13 Coordinator / RCCW Operations Chief, NC Emergency Management