In late January, the Gulf Coast Citizen Diplomacy Council hosted Mr. Pierre Maitrot, Deputy Director in Charge of Budget with the Interior Ministry of France, who participated in an International Visitor Leadership (IVLP) project focusing on risk and crisis prevention.
Upon his arrival in Pensacola, Councilwoman Sherri Myers welcomed him and presented a gift from Mayor Ashton Hayward III. During their meeting, she spoke about local history, political and social issues, and environmental challenges. Next, Amy Lovoy, Former Director of Management and Budget Services for Escambia County, met him to hold a discussion about data collection, financing recovery mechanics, and transparency.
After lunch downtown, Mr. Maitrot met with Rick Outzen, Publisher of the Independent News, to discuss post – emergency journalism. Later in the afternoon, Mr. Maitrot met with DeAnna Poland-Stemock with BRACE (Be Ready Alliance Coordinating for Emergencies) to hear about her organization’s work supporting families after natural disasters and emergencies.
Mr. Maitrot’s second day of program activities began with a climate change discussion with Mayor Pasty Parker of Perdido Beach and professionals in the community specializing in emergency management and the environment. Mayor Parker serves on President Obama’s National Task Force for Climate Preparedness and Resilience and provided information about local and national contributions to climate change efforts. Next, Mr. Maitrot enjoyed a visit to the Emergency Operations Center and where he met with John Dosh, Division Manager with the Escambia County Division of Emergency Management. Mr. Maitrot’s schedule in Pensacola ended with a community coffee discussion with local residents.
The Gulf Coast Diplomacy Council extends a special thank you to all listed above, without whom this project would not have been possible.
