In Episode 99 of the podcast Kelly McKinney discusses how he got into emergency and crisis management back in 2001. Kelly also spoke about the challenging roles throughout his career as well as how he is part of a team that helps make NYU Langone Health safer and more resilient network. Finally, Kelly spoke to Rob about his passion for running exercises that are engaging and leave participants with a thirst for more.  

Kelly’s bio:  

As the former Deputy Commissioner at the New York City Office of Emergency Management and Chief Disaster Officer for the American Red Cross in Greater New York, Kelly McKinney has had a leadership role in every major disaster in New York City for more than 20 years, from the 9/11 attacks to Superstorm Sandy to Covid-19.   

Currently, he is Assistant Vice President of Emergency Management and Enterprise Resilience at NYU Langone Health in New York City. 

He teaches crisis management at NYU and was recently appointed to FEMA’s National Advisory Council.   

Nationally known for his writing and speaking on the principles and practice of disaster management, he is the author of “Moment of Truth, the Nature of Catastrophes and How to Prepare for Them”  

His 5-minute video, The Essential Emergency Manager, has been viewed more than 120,000 times on YouTube. 

He is a professional engineer with a BS in mechanical engineering from the University of Kansas and an MPA from Columbia University in the City of New York.