Presented by Amanda Blanchard, Executive Director, Far North & Interior, and Regional Disaster Officer Bryan Cassella.
American Red Cross provides programs and training that help businesses, schools and organizations become prepared for disasters and other emergencies. All in one place, Ready Rating members have access to one-of-a-kind tools, resources and information for evaluating and improving their ability to withstand disaster, maintain operations, and protect lives and property. Whether you are taking your first steps or have a fully-functioning emergency management program, the Ready Rating program can help you achieve a higher level of preparedness.
PLUS, a member presentation by the Hospice of Anchorage.

Amanda Blanchard is the Executive Director of the American Red Cross of Alaska for the Far North, Interior and Southeast since 2019. She supports all of the lines of service within the organization, including Disaster Services, Service to the Armed Forces, Volunteer Services, Development and Fundraising, and serves as the American Red Cross Board Liaison. Amanda has over 15 years of experience in the non-profit sector and enjoys serving her community and the State of Alaska as a humanitarian.
Amanda moved to Alaska with her family in 2006 from South Carolina looking for career opportunities and to provide new adventures for her children. She has a Bachelors Degree from Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. Amanda lives in Fairbanks with her husband, Keith of 25 years. They have two adult children, Nicholas and Caroline. And one dog, Mister.
The mission of the Red Cross is to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. The Red Cross is nonpolitical, nonreligious and nondiscriminatory humanitarian organization.
Amanda’s personal mission statement is “Aspire to Inspire”
Bryan Cassella currently serves as the Alaska Regional Disaster Officer for the American Red Cross. Based in Anchorage, his office oversees all disaster Preparedness, Response, and Recovery activities conducted amidst Alaska’s 5 territorial subdivisions. A Return Peace Corps Volunteer from Mongolia, Bryan relocated to Alaska in August 2021 to transition into domestic humanitarian services and join the Red Cross’ Disaster Cycle Services (DCS) team. As we begin to emerge from a virtual pandemic setting, Bryan hopes to build the DCS team’s internal capacity through greater recruitment of its volunteer response force while strengthening the relations with and training of local community partners.
The Anchorage Chamber is committed to creating and providing an environment where our members feel comfortable, but also have the freedom to do business. We will continue to follow the latest guidance from the CDC and the Anchorage Health Department. We encourage everyone, regardless of vaccination status, to wear facial coverings when not actively eating or drinking. Masks and hand sanitizer will be provided at all in-person events, and we ask that you keep your distance from others. Please stay home if you feel sick or have been exposed. Lastly, we encourage everyone to consider getting vaccinated. Visit
anchoragecovidvaccine.org.
CANCELLATION NOTE: To receive a full refund, registration must be canceled by 5 pm the Thursday prior to the forum. No refunds will be given after this date. Punch cards will still be punched if not cancelled by 5 pm the Thursday prior, as mentioned. If you do not arrive by 12:00 pm, your seat will be forfeited. All registrations are transferable to another person upon your request.