March 30 – April 1, 2025 | Cacapon State Park, Berkeley Springs, West Virginia
2025 Conference Theme: Beyond Band-Aids: Dismantling Systemic Inequities that Fuel Disaster Vulnerability
Get the schedule and more information here.
About the Keynote Speaker – Dr. Cassandra R. Davis
Cassandra R. Davis, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Public Policy at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her research focuses on the environmental disruptions to schooling communities, specifically the impact of natural disasters on low-income communities of color. Dr. Davis’ goal is to support educators, community leaders, and policymakers to improve mitigation strategies, preparedness, response, and recovery in areas with the highest need. Her most recent projects focus on addressing systemic racism and building trust and community between emergency management and socially marginalized populations disrupted by consecutive natural disasters.
From 2017-2020, Dr. Davis received funding from the National Science Foundation to explore the impacts of Hurricanes Florence (2018), Harvey (2017), and Matthew (2016) on schools, educators, and students. Since 2020, Dr. Davis has received funding from the United States Department of Homeland Security to examine inequitable distributions of disaster aid to underrepresented communities.
Dr. Davis says: “Overall, my work exposes the extent to which targeted groups (e.g., communities of color, low-income, etc.), who are already more susceptible to environmental disruptions, are made more vulnerable following an event. I define environmental disruptions as anything from hurricanes to viral pandemics. I intend to identify best-practices to support these groups, as well as educators, interested stakeholders, and policymakers. My work has been supported by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Natural Hazard Center – CONVERG.+”
Conference Sponsorship
The Planning Committee is pleased to invite you, your corporation, business, or organization to become a Conference Sponsor. Your sponsorship can be financial and/or support in planning and delivering the conference. Review the 2025 Mid-Atlantic VOADs Regional Conference Sponsorship Opportunities Fact Sheet for additional information.
Conference sponsorship opportunities include an overall corporate Conference sponsor, sponsors for specific events such as breaks, breakfasts, lunches, or possibly dinner on the first night. Non-financial support can include assistance in producing conference materials and staffing support during the conference.
If you have any questions or wish to discuss potential sponsorship, contact Clifford Oliver, Ph.D., CEM, CBCP, member of the Conference Planning Committee and Sponsorship Chair at coliver@nanticokeglobal.com or (302) 470-0535.
Conference Lodging Information Cacapon Resort State Park Lodge
The newest lodge in the West Virginia State Parks system, Cacapon Resort’s 120-room luxury lodge sits at the foot of Cacapon Mountain. With indoor and outdoor dining, a spa, indoor swimming pool and a view of the park’s golf course, it is the perfect place for adventurers to wind down. Positioned in the shadow of a folded mountain ridge in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle, Cacapon Resort State Park is a 6,000 plus-acre, year-round destination. The park is frequented by both nature lovers and adventure seekers from around the state, as well as nearby cities such as Baltimore and Washington, D.C. Cacapon Resort is also a draw for history buffs due to its proximity to the historic town of Berkeley Springs and Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.
To receive the conference lodging rate, you must call the hotel at (304) 258-1022 to make a reservation. Ask to speak with the front desk or group services. The room block code is VOAD. The conference rate is NOT available if you book your room online. Registration closes and reservations MUST be complete by March 17th. This is a hard deadline.
The rates below include the conference discount, but do not include the retail tax of 6% and hotel/motel tax of 6%.
Single Queen Bed $99.99 Two Bedroom Classic Cabin $144.99
Double Queen Bed $139.99 Four Bedroom Classic Cabin $179.99
King Bed $159.99
The address of the conference hotel is 818 Cacapon Lodge Dr, Berkeley Springs, WV 25411
Questions: Please contact Bruce Morgenstern with the Conference Registration Committee at treasurer@marylandvoad.org.
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View the 2024 Event Photographs here!
Pictured above are members of PAVOAD in discussion.