Why the transition of EPC leadership to the GM’s Office?
After a thorough assessment of EPC’s Charter, the organization’s capabilities, and the magnitude of meeting the responsibility to safeguard and aid The Villages community of over 4000 in the event of an emergency, the Emergency Preparedness Committee (EPC) leaders, Club Board and (General Manager) GM’s Office together concluded that the scope and burden cannot be successfully sustained with its current formation.
What happens to EPC during this transitional period?
To maintain stability during this transitional period, EPC continues to function exactly as it has until the new program is established, with the expectation that all volunteers remain in their current positions.
What will EPC transition to?
An Ad Hoc Emergency Preparedness Transition Committee (EPTC), comprised of EPC leadership, Club Board liaisons and representatives from the GM’s Office, is carefully assessing the best program tailored to The Village’s needs, whether that means a revamped EPC Charter, a CERT (Community Emergency Response Team)-like model, or a custom-fit approach serving in a CERT capacity.
With its magnitude, does the GM’s Office have staff to manage the new program?
Not currently. The General Manager added the position of an Emergency Preparedness Coordinator to the Management team. This person, working with Public Safety, will take on the responsibilities that the former EPC leadership did. A coordinator has been hired and is scheduled to begin Monday, March 3, 2025.
Who’s part of the Ad Hoc Transition Committee?
The Ad Hoc Emergency Preparedness Transition Committee (EPTC) is comprised of:
Club Board Liaisons – Larry Versaw and Michelle Breslin
GM Office Representatives – Theresa Ostrander, Matt Hidalgo and Elizabeth Park
EPC Leadership —Ray Blinde, Daniel Grim, Diane & Kyle Finley and Fran Schumaker
What’s the goal of this effort to transition EPC under the GM’s Office?
Simply stated, our goal remains clear—to establish a more resilient, effective response framework that prioritizes the well-being of all residents.
continued
Where are we in creating our new emergency response program?
The Emergency Preparedness Transition Committee (EPTC) has completed its discovery phase and is putting the final touches on the Pen-to-Paper Phase, updating the Charter and consolidating findings to create a working draft of the Integrated Emergency Plan.
What are the next steps?
Once the working draft moves to final, the Integrated Emergency Plan proposal will be presented to the Club Board at its regularly scheduled monthly meeting, slated for March 25.
How do I find out more?
There will be an all-Villages EPC volunteer Q&A forum on Monday, March 24 from 9:00-10:30 a.m.at the Clubhouse.
Interested volunteers welcome!
In the meantime, if you have questions:
GM Theresa Ostrander: tostrander@the-villages.com
Club Board Liaison Larry Versaw: larryversaw@gmail.com
Director of Public Safety Matt Hidalgo: mhidalgo@the-villages.com
Diane Finley, EPC: epc.diane@gmail.com
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