Former US Coast Guard Commandant Thad Allen to Keynote Counter Terror Expo US
Former US Coast Guard Commandant Thad Allen to Keynote Counter Terror Expo US
Allen is known for his “whole of government” approach designed to achieve a unity of effort
ARLINGTON, VA – March 27, 2012 – Organizers of Counter Terror Expo US <http://www.counterterrorus.com/> , being held May 16-17, 2012 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center <http://www.dcconvention.com/Home.aspx> , today announced that Thad Allen, the former 23rd Commandant of the US Coast Guard and current Booz Allen senior vice president, will deliver the event’s keynote address on Thursday, May 17. Allen’s address on “Where Counterterrorism and Disaster Response Meet” is an important addition to the event’s conference program which is designed to provide a forum for collaboration between public and private sectors in order to gain a better understanding of the solutions available to detect, defend against and reduce future counter terror risks.
In 2010, Mr. Allen was selected by President Obama to serve as the National Incident Commander for the unified response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Working closely with the US Environmental Protection Agency, DHS, the Departments of Defense, Interior, Commerce, and Health and Human Services, state and local entities, and BP, he sought to bring a unity of effort to response operations.
“The very foundation of this event is to provide a platform for communication and collaboration among those who are charged with defending and protecting our nation, directly or by providing the products and services that enable others to do their jobs”, said Wayne Crawford vice president, North America, Clarion Events. “Allen has “been there, done that” and is known for his expertise in bringing together government and non-government entities to address major challenges. We know our community will benefit from his expertise.”
Prior to his assignment as Commandant, Mr. Allen served as Coast Guard Chief of Staff. During his tenure in that position, in 2005, he was designated Principal Federal Official for the US government’s response and recovery operations in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita throughout the Gulf Coast region.
Other Coast Guard assignments included Commander, Atlantic Area where in 2001 he led the Coast Guard’s Atlantic Area forces following the September 11 attacks. He previously served as Commander, Seventh Coast Guard District, where he oversaw all operations in the southeastern United States and in the Caribbean.
Counter Terror Expo US’ Wednesday keynote line up includes:
– Wednesday: Michael Leiter <http://www.counterterrorexpo.us/page.cfm/link=162> , former Director of the National Counterterrorism Center <http://www.nctc.gov/> (NCTC), the U.S. government agency responsible for the analysis and integration of all terrorism intelligence as well as strategic operational planning for counterterrorism activities
– Wednesday: “Media Perspectives on Covering Global Counterterrorism,” featuring a panel of elite counterterrorism journalists from AP, FOX News and The New York Times to discuss the challenges that they face in covering global counterterrorism issues.
The conference will also feature six paid tracks to address critical issues facing the counterterror community:
– . Global Counter Terrorism
– . Securing and Managing our Borders.
– Critical Infrastructure Protection
– . Incident/Disaster Response
– . Transportation and Security
– . Cyber Terrorism and Security
Counter Terror Expo US is being organized by the Arlington, VA-based US division of Clarion Events <http://www.clarionevents.com> , the UK’s largest independent event organizer.
Media and analysts register here: https://www.xpressreg.net/register/ctex052/media/regInfo.asp
About Counter Terror Expo US:
Counter Terror Expo is a unique expo and conference designed specifically to address the issues facing all of the disparate groups responsible for countering terrorism in the United States: the DoD, DHS, police, government and state agencies, along with those responsible for securing the nation’s vital infrastructure in both the private and public sectors. Counter Terror Expo US is based on the highly successful and award-winning Counter Terror Expo staged annually in London. For more information visit www.counterterrorUS.com <http://www.counterterrorUS.com> .