Seminar in Portland focuses on coordinated response to Cascadia earthquake
PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Leaders from multiple agencies convened yesterday, June 4, at Portland International Airport for the 2026 Defense Support to Civil Authorities (DSCA) Senior Leadership Seminar. The seminar focused on enhancing coordination and preparedness for a potential Cascadia Subduction Zone event, a significant natural disaster risk for the Pacific Northwest.
The half-day program was hosted by the Port of Portland and included senior-level discussions, scenario-based planning and insights into federal and military support capabilities during catastrophic incidents. It brought together senior leaders and planners from local, state, federal, tribal and military agencies. An optional afternoon networking session also supported cross-jurisdictional collaboration.
The 2026 Defense Support to Civil Authorities Senior Leadership Seminar involved leadership from the U.S. Navy, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management, the Governor's Office, the Oregon Department of Human Services Office of Resilience and Emergency Management and the Port of Portland. Virtual participation was also available.
Chief Dan Pippenger Aviation Officer at the Port of Portland, highlighted the importance of preparedness for airport operations. "Preparedness is at the core of our airport operations, including a new PDX that was built to withstand the Big One," Pippenger said. He added that workshops like this boost resilience through strengthened collaboration and communication, which he described as essential for regional partners to respond quickly, save lives and keep supplies flowing during a disaster.
Participants engaged in focused conversations regarding current response plans, interagency coordination challenges and opportunities to improve alignment across emergency management systems. The seminar reinforced the critical role of DSCA support in large-scale disaster response and emphasized the importance of integrated planning before a crisis occurs.
Erin McMahon, Director of the Oregon Department of Emergency Management, stressed the necessity of strong partnerships for a Cascadia event. "Preparing for a Cascadia event requires strong partnerships and a shared understanding of how we will work together in the most challenging conditions," McMahon said. She stated the seminar gathered leadership to ensure they are coordinated, informed and ready to respond.
Leaders from the Navy, the Oregon Department of Human Services Office of Resilience and Emergency Management (ODHS OREM) and the Port of Portland also emphasized the importance of cross-agency collaboration. They noted that unified planning is essential for protecting communities and accelerating recovery after a major seismic event.
ODHS OREM Director Ed Flick further elaborated on the role of sea-based operations. "sea-based response is the standard in the IndoPacific region," Flick said. He added that as a Pacific state, sea services will play a key role in response to a Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake and tsunami in Oregon
The DSCA Senior Leadership Seminar series, which launched in 2010, provides a vital platform for enhancing regional readiness in high-risk areas such as the Pacific Northwest.
Insights from this year's session will inform ongoing planning efforts and strengthen the partnerships that support Oregon's resilience.
If you'd like to learn about Central Oregon's role in the case of a Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake, check out all 4 parts of our Seismic Shift series.
