NIBS Lifeline Infrastructure Hub Workshop
May 21, 2024 | 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM ET
National Press Club, Room: The Fourth Estate
From the flow of electricity to the pulse of communication, from the arteries of transportation to the veins of water supply, these essential systems quietly weave together the fabric of our society. Often taken for granted in their seamless operation, it's only during moments of disruption that we truly recognize their paramount importance.
As natural disasters become more frequent and devastating, safeguarding these lifeline services emerges as a critical imperative. The National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS), an institution in the realm of building science, is poised to lead the charge in addressing these challenges. Join us as we embark on a collaborative journey towards community resilience and disaster recovery at the Lifeline Infrastructure Hub.

Launching on May 21st, 2024, the Lifeline Infrastructure Hub is an ambitious initiative aimed at fostering robust partnerships across government, the private sector, and various stakeholders. Together, we'll confront Lifeline Gaps, tackle National and Public Priorities, devise innovative policies, and engineer solutions to fortify our infrastructure against future calamities.
Our esteemed attendees represent a diverse array of stakeholders from across the built environment, including renowned organizations such as:
- American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
- Applied Technology Council
- BuildStrong America
- CB&I Storage Tank Solutions LLC
- Central U.S. Earthquake Consortium
- Chevron
- City of Portland Environmental Services
- Department of Homeland Security, Science & Technology Directorate
- U.S Department of Transportation (USDOT)
- DeSimone Consulting Engineering
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- Georgia Power Company
- Guy Carpenter
- IEM
- ImageCat, Inc.
- Lehigh University
- Moulton Niguel Water District
- National Emergency Management Association (NEMA)
- National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS)
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
- National Science Foundation(NSF)
- Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command
- NYC Department of Buildings
- Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E)
- Portland State University
- Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee
- Seft Consulting Group LLC
- Southern California Edison
- STV Inc.
- House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee
- Texas A & M University
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- University of Delaware
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- University of Pittsburgh
- Wavelength Infrastructure
- White House- National Security Council
This convergence of industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators underscores the urgency and breadth of our mission.
Join us at the forefront of innovation and resilience. Together, let's build a future where our lifelines remain unbroken, even in the face of adversity.
Welcome & Introduction

Dr. Jiqiu (JQ) Yuan, PE, PMP
Chief Resilience Officer & Head of Engineering, National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS)
Panel: Lifeline National Gap and Future Directions

Dr. Dan Kaniewski
Managing Director, Public Sector, Marsh McLennan, Former FEMA Deputy Administrator

Greg Soules
BSSC PUC and FR Committee member , ASCE 7 Chair , Senior Principal, CB&I

Ronald T. Eguchi
Founding Chair of the Lifeline Advisory Panel, CEO and Co-Founder of ImageCat

Yumei Wang Moderator
Lifeline Infrastructure Special Advisor to NIBS
Panel: Public and Private Partnership to Strengthen the Nation’s Lifeline Infrastructure

Madhu Beriwal
National Infrastructure Advisor Council to the President, Chairwoman of IEM

Derrick Hiebert
Assistant Administrator, Hazard Mitigation Directorate, FEMA

Jason Averill
Deputy Director, Engineering Laboratory,NIST

Ken Hudnut
Southern California Edison

Dr. Sissy Nikolaou Moderator
LAP Vice Chair, NIST
Panel with Policy Leaders

Caitlin A. Durkovich
National Security Council, White House

Lauren Gros
House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee

Natalie Enclade
Executive Director, BuildingStrong America

Dr. Dan Kaniewski
Managing Director, Public Sector, Marsh McLennan, Former FEMA Deputy Administrator
Open Q&A, Discussion

Dr. Iris Tien
BSSC Board, Georgia Tech
Schedule
12:30-1:00 pm |
Check in and networking |
|
1:00– 1:15 pm |
Welcome, NIBS & Lifeline Infrastructure Hub Introduction |
JQ Yuan |
1:15-2:00 pm |
Panel: Lifeline National Gap and Future Directions
|
Moderator: Yumei Wang
|
2:00-2:50 pm |
Panel: Public and Private Partnership to Strengthen the Nation’s Lifeline Infrastructure. 1. Madhu Beriwal, IEM and National Infrastructure Advisor Council 2. Derrick Hiebert, FEMA 3. Jason Averill, NIST 4. Ken Hudnut, Southern California Edison |
Moderator: Sissy Nikolaou
|
2:50-3:05 pm |
Break |
|
3:05-3:55 pm |
Panel with Policy Leaders
|
Moderator: Daniel Kaniewski
|
3:55– 4:50 pm |
Public Input (Open Q&A, open discussion, and survey) |
Moderator: Iris Tien |
4:50-5:00 pm |
Wrap-Up and Next Steps |
JQ Yuan |
5:00-6:00pm |
Reception at The Zenger Room, on-site at the Press Club |
All |