The Pennsylvania Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (PA-VOAD) will hold their Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner on Sunday, October 20, 2024, at 5:00 PM in Ballroom 3. The meeting and dinner are open to all PA VOAD organization representatives and all other emergency management personnel affiliated with a local to regional VOAD element (organizations active in long-term recovery)!

The menu for the dinner will be the Chef’s Choice:

  • Chef selected beef, poultry, and seafood entrées
  • Potato, rice, or pasta selection
  • Vegetable medley
  • Chef selected salad du jour
  • Mixed greens with tomatoes, red onions, cucumbers, cheddar cheese, olives, croutons, and assorted dressings
  • Chef selected dessert

Guest Speaker
Zach Wolgemuth

Zach Wolgemuth currently is the Church World Service Director of Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery. He is a graduate of Millersville University and served as the Director of Programs at the York County Food Bank, an executive for the United Church of Christ National Disaster Ministries, and Associate Director of Brethren Disaster Ministries.

Zach has been a national leader for NVOAD, serving as the Chair of the Board of Directors. He was recently elected as the Chair of the Migration, Displacement, and Refugee Committee of NVOAD. He believes that networking and relationship-building is critical to our collaboration and work.

Zach believes that disaster recovery and response begins and ends locally and that everyone should have a voice in their recovery. Therefore, relationships, solidarity and presence are at the heart of CWS’ Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery Programs. He is frequently quoted as saying, “It’s not always what we do, but how we do it and who we take along with us, that are most important.” Zach leads a team at CWS that is committed to:

  • building the trust and relationships necessary to successfully help families receive support and navigate the complex aftermath of a disaster;
  • sharing the message of solidarity and presence with other response organizations to ensure vulnerable newcomers are equitably served.
  • walking alongside our historic partners who have lived and worked in these communities for decades.