NOKR Volunteer Staff and Volunteer Advisors The NOKR staff has a unique blend of military veterans augmented by industry business professionals with extensive public and government interaction.   The Next Of Kin Registry (NOKR) is a non-partisan; non-profit 501(c)(3) humanitarian organization dedicated to bridging rapid emergency contact information. NOKR was established in January 2004 as a public service for daily emergency situations.    NOKR President Mark Cerney   Mark Cerney is NOKR's founder. Mark has been involved in a number of organizations committed to connecting families in crisis situations. This includes the creation of Bellingham Washington based Community Care 2000. This service utilized volunteer Firefighters and EMT's to survey rural and suburban populations and identify those with special needs in case of fire or emergency medical situations.  Under Cerney's leadership, the group developed a record of citizens who might need particular help during any emergency.  The program expanded into an educational program for these families through the local fire and emergency service organizations.   Mark has also been involved with such fine organizations as the California Youth Authority, San Diego County Medical Examiners Office, Clark County Coroners Office Las Vegas and Whatcom County Fire District 3 in WA. Mark is a US Marine Corp veteran who served Honorably with the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force 3rd Battalion 1st Marines from 1986-1994. In 1989 Mark was recognized by the United States Navy Amphibious Forces Seventh Fleet for his role in saving 16 U.S. Marines survivors of a CH-53D helicopter crash in Korea. Mark also served Honorably in the United States Army National Guard as a field medic from 1994-1997. Mark attended college in California, Nevada and Washington and has trained through the National Emergency Response and Rescue Training Center (NERRTC) at Texas A&M's Domestic Preparedness Campus. Mark was recently featured in a new book being written called Wisdom Out by Elle Allison. The book highlights wise leaders around the world and defines what wisdom looks like in our world today. The book emphasizes on extraordinary "regular people" who have experienced ups and downs, losses, trials, and adversities in life, but who choose to carry on in ways that make things turn out well for themselves and others.   NOKR Executive Vice President Johnny F. Keene Johnny Keene is a founding member of NOKR. Johnny is a native of Florida who served his country after graduating from high school. Johnny joined the United States Marine Corps in Florida in 1981. He was initially assigned to 2nd Force Service Support Group, 2nd Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Johnny worked in logistical support. Johnny was later transferred to Marine Air Group 39, 3rd Marine Air Wing, Camp Pendleton, California. He served in a logistical support position compiling and analyzing aircraft maintenance data to be used during aircraft crash investigations. Johnny received a good conduct medal for his service and an Honorable Discharge in 1986. Johnny is currently a member of Law Enforcement and has been for over 20 years. He has worked many assignments within uniformed patrol and investigative units. Johnny was a member of a team of Detectives that investigated the 2002 disappearance of a 7-year-old girl in San Diego. He later testified at the murder trial of her accused abductor/killer. Johnny has been involved in the investigation of many persons that were reported missing. Johnny was part of a team of Officers that was sent to Los Angeles as part of Mutual Aid during the 1992 Los Angeles riots. As a founding member of NOKR Johnny has been instrumental with educating emergency agencies and establishing policy and procedures for system access. Johnny was also instrumental during NOKR’s emergency response to Hurricane Katrina by reunifying families displaced by the national disaster.  Johnny is National Incident Management System NIMS trained through FEMA as part of his work in law enforcement.   NOKR Chief Operations Officer Harrison Heublein (Hap) Harrison Heublein joined the NOKR team as Chief Operations Officer in January 2007. Harrison brings a diverse background of operational and managerial experience of over 26 years with the U.S. Navy. He has practical field experience in civil-military operations, both in the evacuation of US forces and their families from the Philippines in the wake of Mount Pinatubo eruption, and the withdrawal of UN peacekeeping forces from Somalia. He recently concluded his Naval career with a capstone tour as an installation commander, working tirelessly on the alignment of installation infrastructure encompassing security, fire, and emergency and facilities management. Harrison is a native Californian from Pasadena, and attended the University of Southern California with a degree in Economics. He also has a Masters of Strategic Studies from the Air War College in Montgomery AL. Harrison attended the Defense Language Institute for Spanish prior to his assignment to the U. S. Embassy Buenos Aires Argentina. During his tour in Argentina, he coordinated efforts for the Humanitarian Assistance Program under US Southern Command with Argentina Defense forces.  Within the community, Harrison volunteers with the United Way of Inland Valleys, California Council for Excellence as an examiner and team judge, and serves on the Board of Directors with the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce as Chairman of the Military Affairs Committee. He is also on the Board of Directors for the Riverside March Field Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America.       NOKR Chief Information Officer Associate VP for Information Technology Cory Frank Cory Frank joined the NOKR team in February 2007 as the organization’s Chief Information Officer and Associate Vice President of Information Technology.  He brings an extensive background of technical, operational and managerial skills from over 24 years of combined military and private sector information technology experience.  Over his career, Cory has gained a reputation for being able to help all to “think outside the box” in applying creativity to technical challenges. Cory is a graduate of both the U.S. Naval Academy and Naval Postgraduate School, and holds a masters degree in computer science. Cory spent ten years on active duty, gaining experience with various naval information systems while stationed in Puerto Rico, Diego Garcia, Monterey, and Pensacola, Florida. As both a Naval Reservist and civilian contractor, he spent an additional twelve years with the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command in San Diego, participating in a variety of computer system projects, ranging from satellite communications to distributed operational database management. After 9-11, Cory was called back to active duty for a year to assist the Navy in developing a master data ingestion server supporting the war on terrorism. Now retired from the Navy Reserves, Cory has worked for the MITRE Corporation as a lead information systems engineer on a high impact government team.  After the recent year tragedies of the Tsunami and Hurricane Katrina, Cory began to focus on the information management aspects of re-connecting loved ones after a disaster, which has lead to his current relationship and position with NOKR. Cory resides in San Diego California with his wife, Lourdes and their two teenage sons.  They’re active members of both the local Community Bible Church and of the broader Pilipino community.  A strong faith and commitment to family has lead Cory to his passion for service in providing “information management to protect and save lives.”     NOKR Vice President Business Development NOKR Government Affairs Officer Roger F Castro Mr. Castro has served on the board of directors including serving as Vice-Chair since January 2005.  As Vice-Chair, he was instrumental in promoting NOKR's mission nationally throughout the entire Katrina event.  Mr. Castro joined the NOKR staff as Vice President and Chief Operations Officer in January of 2006.  Now with his successful effort in recruiting a highly qualified COO, Mr. Castro can focus on business development and partnerships for NOKR. Mr. Castro brings to NOKR over 18 years of non-profit and private sector leadership, marketing and business development experience. Mr. Castro has held a variety of managerial and executive positions throughout his many years in business.  Most recently Mr. Castro was Director of Public Sector Campaigns for United Way in Riverside California where he managed and developed very successful government employee giving campaigns. Mr. Castro's Strong business collaboration, operation systems development, and development and application of innovative marketing strategies experience will serve NOKR in its goal to reach out to not only America but to people all over the world. Mr. Castro is also involved in many community projects that promote improving the quality of life for all.  He is a Rotarian and strong supporter of Boy Scouts. He is also very active in many other youth leadership development projects. Mr. Castro is a Veteran of the United States Army, served during Desert Storm, and is a native Texan. Mr. Castro's vision of promoting emergency preparedness extends far beyond the borders of America.  His Christianity, fatherhood, and many travels around the world have solidified his belief in the concept of "One Planet, One People and One Goal."     NOKR Media Relations and Public Affairs Officer Ruth Suarez Zane Ruth Suarez Zane brings with her ten years of communications experience in media and technology. She has lived and worked in major media markets such as New York, Washington D.C., San Francisco, and Seattle. Ruth gained her most recent PR experience from the fast-paced media market in New York City where she placed clients on CNN, CNBC, Bloomberg TV, Larry King Live, The Wall Street Journal, BusinessWeek and hundreds of other publications. Ruth also has had numerous articles published in trade publications and had a book published, Superstar Entrepreneurs. Ruth has traveled extensively throughout Europe and South America. In her spare time, Ruth has dedicated time to literacy programs in Florida and New York. Ruth holds a Master’s of Science degree and a Bachelor’s in English. She is fluent in Spanish.   NOKR Military Affairs Campaign (MAC) Director   Neal Therrien Neal Therrien is a native of Arizona, with an extensive computer and military background.  After spending 10 years on active duty, Sgt Therrien was honorably discharged and joined the US Air Force Reserve.  He currently has over 18 years in the US Air Force, and is assigned to the 939th Air Refueling Wing, USAFR, Portland, Oregon.  Neal is the Workgroup Manager for the 939th Mission Support Group and responsible for over 400 computer assets and users. Duties include computer service, deployment, inventory, network connectivity, user and e-mail exchange accounts and much more.  Neal has had the opportunity to travel the world including Kunsan, South Korea, Dharan, Saudi Arabia, Okinawa Japan, and Mildenhall, England.  Neal graduated from the University of Phoenix (U of Phx) with a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology.  He is currently a member of U of Phx Alumni Network and will be returning to the U of Phx to complete the Master of Business Administration/Technology Management (MBA/TM) program in the summer of 2005.   NOKR's Office Manager Ms. Kerri Cerney Kerri Cerney is a California native.  Kerri is also a founding member of NOKR who understands what it means to be a volunteer. Kerri has volunteered countless hours of her time to the Washington and California school systems and to Washington Fire Departments. Kerri has also dedicated her personal life to giving back to not only her community but to children around the world. Kerri Cerney was instrumental in establishing NOKR’s volunteer program that now has more than 3000 volunteers worldwide. Kerri has established many tips sheets for NOKR families and children to prepare for daily emergencies and national disasters. Her recent NOKR tips were for the 2007 hurricane season and pandemic flu information preparedness. Kerri is currently working on NOKR's DMV program and NOKR's pet registration integration. Kerri’s motto is, “Give people an opportunity and a reason to help and they will”.    NOKR Director of Education Dr. Damon Castillo EdD Damon Castillo is a former school district superintendent and county deputy superintendent with 34 years of professional experience.  Dr. Castillo's professional accomplishments include a California Distinguished School recognition, the first in the district’s 100 year history, State recognition of the district continuation school as a model continuation school, and passage of the first general obligation bond in 35 years.  The result was a capital flow of $120 million to the district for to address growth and modernization.  As a community leader Dr. Castillo's enhanced business and education partnerships through his leadership in over a dozen non-profit boards, as a president of an active Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in the Inland Empire, and as a member of the board of directors of one of the largest chambers in California. Dr. Castillo holds four degrees, including an earned doctorate.  Recognition for his service includes a tribute in the House of Representatives, Congressional Record, California State Assembly Recognition, County Board of Supervisors Community Service Award, and Educator of the Year.   NOKR Volunteer Advisors       Dan Blasdel   Dan was elected Franklin County’s First Coroner in 1994. Dan was re-elected to a third term as Franklin County Coroner in 2002. Past President of the Washington Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners President of the International Associations of Coroners & Medical Examiners   Founder and Board Member of People Learning About Drugged Driving President Elect of the Washington Association of Elected Officials  Executive Board Member of the Washington Tri-Association, Made up of executive board members of the Washington Association of Elected Officials, Washington Association of Counties, and Washington Association of Cities  Past Board Member of the Washington State SIDS Foundation  Executive Board Member of the Benton Franklin Substance Abuse Coalition Member of the Governors Task Force on Bio-Terrorism preparedness  Committee member of St Patrick’s School, Long Range Planning  Besides the duties of responding to sudden and unexpected deaths in Franklin County, Dan is very involved in education and prevention of traffic Fatalities in Franklin County.  Each spring Dan participates in the Hanford Safety Expo held at Trac where a mock alcohol related fatality accident is recreated so the public can observe what happens at a fatality from Law Enforcement, Fire, Ambulance, Coroner, and Funeral Home’s point of view.  Dan also is involved in the every 15 minutes program at Pasco High, and speaks to many school classes, and service clubs about the consequences of drinking, using drugs and driving, and the consequences of not wearing a seatbelt. Dan resides with his wife and four children in Franklin County, Washington.     Patricia Frosio   Patricia Frosio has worked in local government and non-profit administration in San Diego for the past 15 years.  As the Public Administrator/Public Guardian/Indigent Burial Officer for the County of San Diego from 2002 through 2005, Patricia led a staff of 40 employees in investigating and administering approximately 500 decedent estates each year.  She served as the legally appointed conservator for 250-300 elderly and disabled persons and ensured a dignified disposition for over 1,000 of the region’s poorest citizens and veterans.  In these roles, she was responsible for finding next of kin of thousands of decedents.  Patricia managed $45-$50 million in estate property at any given time and served in leadership positions on the Board of Directors of the California Association of Public Administrators/Public Guardians/Public Conservators.  Patricia also served as Chief of Staff for two Chief Administrative Officers at the County of San Diego where she coordinated implementation of the Board of Supervisors’ directives and managed executive-level operations.  Previous to this, Patricia developed and implemented a nationally recognized government innovation project that saved over $40 million annually in taxpayer dollars. Patricia also served for five years as a Senior Policy Advisor to Ron Roberts, both during his tenure on the San Diego County Board of Supervisors and San Diego City Council.  From 1999-2005, Patricia served as the President of the San Diego Chapter of the American Society for Public Administration, which assists government and non-profits professionals achieve excellence in public service. From 1997-2001, Patricia served as President of San Diego County Crime Stoppers where led the organization to achieve fiscal solvency and improved relations with law enforcement agencies and the media which resulted in solving hundreds of felony crimes.   She also served for several years on the Board of the San Diego Crime Commission and community organizations serving at-risk and emancipated foster youth.  Currently, Patricia serves as a Senior Advisor to San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders and is an Adjunct Professor at National University’s School of Business and Management and San Diego State University’s School of Public Administration and Urban Studies.  A native San Diegan, Patricia resides in Alpine, California.     Richard Morse Esq.   Richard Morse's 16 plus years experience includes specialized services in entertainment, arts, sports, intellectual property litigation, licensed merchandising, business development, and more.  His extraordinary list of clients includes multi Oscar winning director Jonathan Sanger, Milton Berle, America's Cup Champion Dennis Conner, Intrepid Securities, funk music icon Rick James, music legend Yma Sumac, Howard Hughes' widow and legendary actress Terry Moore and rock and roll art icon Stanley Mouse. In conjunction with a group of high-profile entertainment industry veterans, Richard is currently collaborating on several feature film projects and business ventures, serving the projects as Counsel as well as developing, packaging, and pitching to studios and investors.  Over 15 projects are currently in development, most with writers, directors, and talent attached and many with development and/or production funds in place. In addition, over the last 3 years, Richard Morse was General Counsel and Head of Business and Legal Affairs for Entertainment Business Group (EBG) and its production development subsidiaries and TV division.  EBG specializes in development of feature films and network television projects and business/legal affairs consulting regarding feature film development, production, finance and distribution.  In this role, Richard utilized his veteran experience and relationships in the entertainment industry to provide substantial benefits for the company. Richard also serves as General Counsel to Northern Arts Entertainment, a U.S. distribution/executive production company whose high profile projects have garnered international acclaim and notable festival honors since 1990. Richard held the joint position of VP of Business & Legal Affairs for Mod Studios and Senior Business Affairs Counsel for Signatures Network. The venture is a cutting-edge production/distribution project, developing innovative digital emerging media including electronic licensed merchandise, ITV & VOD. They Produce: Hollywood Previews- first monthly interactive CD/Rom Video Magazine and various licensed merchandise including DVD/CD/ROM videos for many recording artists including Ozzy Osborne, Eagles, Britney Spears, Elton John, Billy Joel, feature films (including Terminator) and sports promotions (including the Dodgers). Richard received a BA with Honors in Psychology at the University of California, Berkeley.  He received his law degree from the University of California's Hastings College of Law where he was appointed to the Hastings Communications and Entertainment Law Review.  Together with his faculty advisor/mentor Roscoe Barrow, the US Presidential Special Counsel for Communications and Entertainment Law, Richard drafted weekly advisory opinions for the White House. He currently serves as President of the Hastings Alumni Association, Los Angeles County.  Richard remains active in Continuing Legal Education of the Bar programs for entertainment, sports, art, and corporate counsel matters. Four years of pure transactional practice as Outside House and Private Counsel for entertainment/sports entities and personalities followed. His clientele included Milton Berle, Intrepid Securities, Tixa Technologies, America's Cup Champion Dennis Conner, F-3 Racing Champion/Brazilian TV star Suzanne Carvello, the Emissary for China (regarding matters with Madonna and more), living music legend Yma Sumac, Rick James and Licensed Merchandise innovator Bing Broido and Beverly Hills 90210).     Robert E. Byrd   Robert E. Byrd was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois where his parents instilled in him the rich appreciation of family he espouses.  After graduation from college Robert married, and chose to raise his family in Riverside, where he presently resides.  Robert and his wife Patricia have two children, a son Robert, and a daughter Kailah.    Robert E. Byrd has held key operational positions and has gained a broad perspective of County operations from working in such diverse departments as Department of Public Social Services, Flood Control, Waste Management, and the Auditor-Controller’s Office.  One of Robert’s main attributes is his ability to bring diverse, competing parties together to work in an atmosphere of collaboration.    Elected Auditor-Controller in November 2002 with more votes cast in the history of the office, Robert E. Byrd has moved swiftly to improve the image as well as the effectiveness of the Office.  With high moral and professional ethics as the cornerstone of this administration, Robert has revolutionized the Auditor-Controller’s Office by its restructuring to provide better customer service and improving the quality and flow of information to County management.  Robert has also refocused the County’s audit function to not only serve its regulatory mandates, but to also incorporate the flexibility to audit proactively, which allows for bringing standards to County processes and functionality.    An acknowledged leader in the community, Robert E. Byrd is highly active through his church and other local organizations.  He is also an active member of the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers, Government Finance Officer’s Association, the State Association of County Auditors, member of the Riverside Rotary, International Relations Council (IRC) for the City of Riverside and Finance Chairperson for La Sierra Academy Board of Trustees.    Robert E. Byrd is emerging as one of the community’s most requested speakers, as he displays a dynamic presence in his presentation of information in the fields of Accounting, Auditing and Ethics.  In addition, as a result of his daily life experiences Robert offers insight and coaching in the areas of civic duty, community involvement and political enterprise.     Martin Ayala   Martin currently serves the American Red Cross as the Chief Programs Officer in the Riverside California region. Martin has served the American Red Cross for 13 years managing state support chapters and Chapter program management in response and preparedness throughout California. As a Director Martin continues to work towards refining the following: •Disaster debriefings/recognition •Training •Client assistance protocol •Volunteer recruitment & development •The overall objective for the program: How can we improve our infrastructure while continuing to maintain our excellence in disaster response.  Martin has been involved in many US disasters as an instrumental team member of the American Red Cross. Martin continues to follow his basic principal “we must be ready to help, because help can’t wait!”     Lance Kerwin   Lance Kerwin is a former Hollywood child actor whose list of credits include the NBC television series 'James at 15' and 'James at 16' and the feature film 'Outbreak' starring Dustin Hoffman. Like many actors in the business, the Hollywood lifestyle began to take its toll on Lance. While his life appeared to be on a downward spiral, God was getting ready to begin His work in Lance's life. God gave Lance his first daughter Savannah in 1994. With a daughter in his life now and God knocking on the door of his heart, Lance began to see that there was more to life than fame and money. Lance gave his life to the Lord and is now sold out for God. He has a hunger to bring the Gospel to the youth of today so that they can know the Savior of his life and avoid the struggles that he went through. Lance resides in Kauai, Hawaii with his wife Yvonne and his three daughters Savannah, Trinity, and Terah.