Crisis Coordination in Washington D.C.: A Triple-Challenge Case Study

25 Mar 2026
Theatre A- People- Keynote & Strategy

In January 2025, Washington D.C. faced an extraordinary convergence of high-pressure events: a presidential inauguration, a state funeral, and a helicopter and airplane crash. Heather McGaffin, Director at the Office of Unified Communications (OUC), will share how her team managed these overlapping crises, the operational and communications challenges that emerged, and the lessons learned for public safety agencies navigating simultaneous, high-stakes incidents.

Speakers
Heather McGaffin
Heather McGaffin, Director - Office of Unified Communications Washington DC