Katherine has been a leader in post-fire response for much of her career, consistently demonstrating exceptional expertise, dedication, and impact. Her long-standing commitment to post-fire issues is matched by a deep awareness of the communities affected—particularly those that are often underrepresented in response and recovery efforts.

During her tenure with NOAA’s National Weather Service as Service Hydrologist in Spokane, Katherine embedded with BAER teams, where she played a pivotal role in refining warning thresholds for post-fire flooding and debris flows. She also supported treatment design across private and non-federal lands and significantly strengthened interagency coordination during emergency assessment phases.

Katherine’s leadership extended to national efforts as well. She contributed to the first FEMA private lands post-fire assessment in Central Washington and later co-led the assessment for the 2020 Oregon Labor Day fires, helping shape approaches to complex, large-scale recovery challenges.

In 2022, Katherine was instrumental in coordinating the multi-agency post-fire response to the devastating fires in northern New Mexico. Her unique combination of technical expertise, experience, and strategic insight enabled her to guide collaborative efforts effectively and productively.

Currently serving as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Silver Jackets Lead, Katherine has revitalized an interagency coordination group that brings together practitioners, researchers, and land management specialists. Her work is advancing a more integrated and informed approach to post-fire science and practice nationwide.

Katherine also serves as co-chair of the Interagency Post-Fire Integration Council, where she continues to help drive solutions to some of the most complex challenges in all-lands post-fire response.

Her steady leadership, intelligence, collaborative spirit, and forward-thinking approach have made a lasting impact across the post-fire community. Katherine is widely respected not only for her expertise, but also for her positive, solution-oriented mindset and her ability to bring people together.

Jessica Farmer and Carlene Anders have devoted their careers to ensuring that wildfire-impacted communities are not forgotten once the emergency phase ends. For more than a decade, they have led long-term recovery efforts following major wildfires, helping families navigate housing reconstruction, financial assistance, and emotional recovery. Their leadership has produced measurable outcomes, fostered enduring partnerships, and strengthened community resilience across Washington State and the western United States. Their work reflects the highest ideals of the Phoenix Award.

In 2014, in the aftermath of the Carlton Complex Fire—the largest wildfire in Washington State history—a simple but powerful act marked the beginning of their work. A sign bearing Jessica’s phone number invited survivors to call for help. On the other end was not yet a formal organization, but a person ready to listen and respond. From these direct, human connections, Jessica and Carlene co-founded the Carlton Complex Long Term Recovery Group (CCLTRG), created to coordinate recovery services for individuals, families, businesses, and communities impacted by wildfire and subsequent mudslides. Following the 2015 fire season, the organization evolved into the Okanogan County Long Term Recovery Group (OCLTRG), expanding its reach across Okanogan County and neighboring communities.

Jessica and Carlene have been central to the organization’s success at every stage. Working with a small staff and supported by volunteers, donors, and partner organizations, they have helped guide recovery efforts that have resulted in the replacement of 47 homes and the resolution of more than 1,200 recovery cases since 2014. These outcomes represent more than rebuilt structures—they reflect restored stability, dignity, and hope for hundreds of survivors.

They exemplify resilience, adaptability, and service-driven leadership. Steady in times of crisis and thoughtful throughout long-term recovery, they are trusted leaders and effective advocates at both local and national levels. Their transparency, collaborative approach, and tireless work ethic have earned the confidence of survivors, partners, and funders alike. They lead not for recognition, but מתוך a deep commitment to helping communities heal and thrive.

Carlene Anders’ work is defined by exceptional dedication, selflessness, and an unwavering belief in the capacity of communities to recover. With nearly four decades of experience in fire response, public service, and community leadership, she has been instrumental in rebuilding not only homes and programs, but also confidence, connection, and opportunity. Since 2014, she has led recovery efforts for multiple FEMA-declared wildfire disasters, collectively spanning more than one million acres. Her expertise has supported communities across the western United States, providing guidance to local governments, recovery organizations, and wildfire survivors navigating complex recovery processes.

Jessica Farmer has been equally instrumental in building and sustaining long-term recovery capacity. Her leadership has ensured that recovery efforts remain client-centered, inclusive, and effective. She is deeply committed to empowering communities with practical support, clear pathways, and trusted guidance during their most vulnerable moments. By strengthening partnerships and expanding access to resources, Jessica has helped ensure that individuals and families from all backgrounds can rebuild safely and sustainably.

Together, Jessica and Carlene have transformed post-fire recovery from fragmented, short-term assistance into coordinated systems of long-term support. By prioritizing survivor needs, standardizing recovery processes, and building strong partnerships, they have reduced barriers, shortened recovery timelines, and improved outcomes for countless families.

Their impact extends far beyond the communities they have directly served. They have helped shape a model of recovery grounded in empathy, trust, and sustained commitment—one that continues to influence practitioners and communities across the country.