At The
End Of The Day,
It's All About Your Family.
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NOKR
Volunteer Advisor's
And former Legacy Advisor's
below
We have no paid members at NOKR.
The
NOKR staff has a unique blend of military veterans augmented by
industry business professionals with extensive public and
government interaction. |
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Next of Kin
Registry (NOKR) Founder
Mark
V. Cerney |
National Next of
Kin Registry reference above
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Mark V.
Cerney, is the founder of the National Next of
Kin Registry (NOKR). Prior to NOKR, Mark was involved in a
number of organizations committed to connecting families in
crisis situations, one of which is Community Care 2000,
based in Bellingham, Washington. CC 2000 utilizes 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. Mr. Cerney 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.
Mr. Cerney is a US Marine Corp veteran who served Honorably
with the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force 3rd
Battalion 1st Marines from 1986-1993. In 1989 the
United States Navy Amphibious Forces Seventh Fleet
recognized him for his role in saving 16 U.S. Marines
survivors of a CH-53D helicopter crash in Korea.
Mr. Cerney has trained through the National Emergency
Response and Rescue Training Center (NERRTC) at
Texas A&M's Domestic
Preparedness Campus.
His public service efforts are mentioned in a new book
called Wisdom Out by Elle Allison. Mr. Cerney's work with NOKR has been recognized as a national
standard and endorsed by the American Red Cross, Governors
of 46 states, numerous Congressional
leaders
including John McCain (R - AZ), Jim DeMint (R-SC), and
then Senator - now former President Barack Obama. Under Mr. Cerney's leadership, NOKR has reached out across the oceans
and has a presence with volunteers in 87 countries
worldwide.
Mr. Cerney has also amassed Four Presidential Lifetime
Achievement Award's issued by the United States
President’s Council on Service and Civic
Participation. |
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President, Next of Kin Registry (NOKR)
Chris Jalbert |
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As of 2024, Chris Jalbert serves as the
President of the Next of Kin Registry (NOKR), bringing a
wealth of expertise in entrepreneurship, mergers and
acquisitions (M&A) advisory, and emergency planning. In his
leadership role, Chris is spearheading NOKR’s mission to
provide a globally recognized platform for identifying and
contacting next of kin during critical moments. His
strategic vision and deep industry knowledge position NOKR
at the forefront of emergency preparedness and response
solutions.
Before joining NOKR, Chris founded *Eternal Applications,
Inc.*, a Cambridge, MA-based company offering posthumous
messaging services. As the driving force behind Eternal, he
assembled and led a team of developers to design and deliver
a fully functional, market-ready product. Chris personally
directed the company’s sales and marketing efforts, earning
widespread media recognition from *USA Today*, *The Boston
Globe*, *Yahoo!*, and *Inside Edition* for his innovative
approach to legacy planning.
Chris’s career also includes an impressive tenure in the M&A
investment banking sector with Philpott Ball & Werner, where
he focused on the defense industry. His work involved
complex stock acquisitions, corporate carve-outs, and
sponsor-owned divestitures, further honing his expertise in
navigating high-stakes transactions and strategic business
leadership.
A graduate *Summa Cum Laude* from the Isenberg School of
Management at the University of Massachusetts – Amherst,
Chris holds a degree in Finance with a minor in Economics.
His strong academic background, combined with his proven
track record in both the entrepreneurial and corporate
worlds, make him an invaluable asset to NOKR as the
organization embarks on its next chapter of growth and
innovation.
With Chris at the helm, NOKR is poised to expand its impact,
advancing the way emergency management and next-of-kin
communication are handled in times of crisis. |
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Michael
D. Brown became an NOKR advisor in July 2009. Michael possesses more than 25 years of experience in public safety, disaster preparedness and emergency management at the local, national and international levels.
Michael is one of longest-serving directors of FEMA. US Senate confirmed first Under Secretary, DHS, Emergency Preparedness & Response.
Michael lead the White House transition team creating DHS, scrutinized $41 billion budget, member DHS Investment Review Board.
Michael led federal relief efforts in 160 presidential declared disasters, including 9/11, Columbia Space Shuttle Disaster, CA wildfires, unprecedented '04-'05 hurricane seasons.
Michael represented US in international forums, directed US response to foreign disasters/terrorist attacks, including 2003 earthquake in Iran; 2004 tsunami killing in eleven countries in South Asia; terrorist attack in Beslan, Russia.
Michael served as U.S. Representative to NATO’s Civil Emergency Planning Committee, negotiated a 10-year cooperative agreement between US and Russian Federation; worked with UK’s Home Office developing communications strategies for floods, member of U.S.-Great Britain Contact Working Group; and led U.S. delegation to the Organization for Security & Cooperation in Europe.
FEMA’s deputy director 2001-2003, general counsel 2001. Managed 13,000+ employees, $12 billion budget. Board member both public & private corporations. Currently management & strategic consultant in US and overseas. Engaged in operational, strategic & political consultations in areas of privacy preservation, security, disaster and crisis management. Advises businesses on operational continuity, crisis communications and disaster preparedness.
Michael practiced law in CO/OK. Bar examiner on ethics/professional responsibility for OK Supreme Court, hearing examiner for CO Supreme Court. Special prosecutor in police disciplinary matters. Staff director, OK legislature’s Senate Finance Committee. |
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Johnny F.
Keene
(Former Advisor to NOKR) |
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Johnny was 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 a former member of Law Enforcement and has been
for over 20 plus 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. Johnny was 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.
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NOKR Advisor
Gerard J. “Gerry” DiStefano |
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Gerry DiStefano
a State law enforcement officer commissioned by Gov. Nikki
Haley joined NOKR as an advisor in 2008. He is a Public Accountant by profession, and currently is serving as the President of a residential Real Estate Company in Columbia, South Carolina.
Mr. DiStefano attended the University of Tampa in Tampa, Florida and Passaic College in Paterson, New Jersey. He holds a degree in Liberal Arts.
Mr. DiStefano brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to NOKR from his years of public service and private practice. Prior to moving to South Carolina in 2002, Mr. DiStefano ran a successful Accounting Practice in New Jersey. In 1996 he was elected to Public Office, responsible for a multi-million dollar service branch of County Government whose duties included budgeting, staff, purchasing, legals, contract negotiations and oversight of daily operations of the department. His direct “hands on” approach to the management of that entity brought him statewide acclaim as under his leadership the operations and income of his office rose from 20th of the 21 N.J. counties to 4th within his first two years in office. In office at the time of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, Mr. DiStefano saw firsthand the need for the type of services NOKR provides, even as NOKR was not yet in existence. When Mr. DiStefano became aware of NOKR in 2007, he contacted Mark Cerney, NOKR President, to become involved, leading to his current position.
Mr. DiStefano's efforts assisting victims of crime and his
time as a Chaplin have been recognized by his peers at the
Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office, Criminal Investigations
Division. He has been a top producer in giving his time to
those in need. His skill set in these areas have netted Mr.
DiStefano a prestigious yearly award given by the Sherriff
for 2015 and 2016 to only one person among his peers at an
annual ceremony of law enforcement professionals. |
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Harry C Wilson
(Former Advisor to NOKR) |
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Harry C.
Wilson, became an advisor in August 2008. Harry had an
extensive background in accounting, auditing, financial analysis,
program management and managerial skills from over 26 years of
combined government and private sector finance experience.
Harry gave his heart to the Lord as a young man, while a
freshman in high school. Harry has also achieved the coveted
and highest rank of Eagle Scout with Silver Palm while in the
Boy Scouts. In 1981 Harry graduated from Mid-America Nazarene
University and now holds a bachelors degree in business
administration/accounting.
Upon graduation from college Harry worked for three years at
the International Headquarters - Church of the Nazarene as a
junior trust accountant in Kansas City, Missouri. He then
moved to Washington, DC and began his government career. He
worked for nine months at the Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD) and then for over 17 years with the FDIC -
Office of Inspector General (OIG), mostly in Washington, DC
with short stints in Dallas, Texas and Knoxville, Tennessee.
While at the FDIC-OIG, Harry had the opportunity to travel
extensively; visiting most of the major cities in the U.S.
Harry has been very actively involved in the church. He has
coached the teen volleyball team, sang in the choir, been on
the pastor's prayer team and taught Crown Ministries classes.
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Roger F. Castro
(Former Advisor to NOKR) |
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Mr. Castro served as an advisor
to the the board of
directors. He was instrumental in promoting NOKR's mission nationally throughout the entire Katrina
event.
Mr. Castro brought 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.
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." |
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Kym Pasqualini
(Former Advisor to NOKR) |
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Kym Pasqualini has been advocating for missing
persons and their families for 20 years. In 1994,
Kym founded the Nation’s Missing Children
Organization, Inc. (NMCO), and quickly realized that
missing persons over the age of eighteen, and their
families, were a segment of the victim population
who were significantly underserved. To address this
need, in 1995, she expanded the agency’s charter to
include cases of missing adults.
Joined by families
of missing, Kym requested the assistance of Congress
to create the first national clearinghouse for
missing adults. In November 2000, President William
Clinton signed Kristen’s Law appropriating funding
to formally establish the National
Center for Missing Adults (NCMA). During her
tenure as CEO, she developed a national registry for
missing adults funded by the Bureau of Justice
Assistance, U.S. Department of Justice. Her agency
provided advocacy and support services to families
of missing persons and law enforcement nationwide.
In partnership with Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC),
she developed model policy for law enforcement and
provided training to law enforcement agencies
nationwide addressing the complex investigations of
missing adult cases, proper utilization of available
resources, investigative techniques, and policy
revisions.
Kym’s
responsibilities have included overall nonprofit
management to include program development, case
management, public and media relations, grants
management, and legislative issues.
Kym continues to work with national media to raise
awareness and featured on Anderson Cooper Live,
Greta Van Sustren, Montel Williams, the John Walsh
Show, CNN, BBC, FOX, People Magazine, Ladies Home
Journal, and included in hundreds of news and print
articles throughout the world.
Kym has served on
the National DNA Advisory Board and the National
Missing Person Task Force for the United States
Department of Justice, served on the Unidentified
Dead Advisory Board for the Internal Homicide
Investigator’s Association (IHIA. In 2005, Kym was
the recipient of the Arizona Attorney General’s
Distinguished Service Award for Leadership
acknowledging her contributions to victims and
efforts on behalf of victim’s rights – while
exercising principles and practices of effective
leadership (vision, initiative, commitment,
excellence, service to others, cooperation and
integrity). |
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NOKR Volunteer Advisor
Steve D. Goldman
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Steve
joined NOKR in January 2015 by way of Amnesty
International. Steve has been an NOKR soldier, who
has been on the front-line as a volunteer advisor.
Steve has the unique responsibility of ensuring that
the public is protected by way of registration's
into the NOKR system. NOKR registration is paramount
to those who have fallen victim and to family
reunification. In the last several years alone NOKR has seen
significant registrations due to our efforts during
the:
2015
Parris Terrorist Attack
2015 Kogalymavia Airbus A321 Russia Crash
2015 Hurricane Joaquin
2015 Hurricane Patricia
2015 Umpqua Community College Shooting
2015 Flooding Joso, Japan
2015 Chattanooga, TN Mall shooting
2015 Nepal Earthquake
2016 TN & NC Wild Fires
2016 Fukushima Japan Earthquake
2016 Hurricane Matthew
2016 Tsunami North Canterbury New Zealand
2016 Ascoli Piceno, Italy Earthquake
2016 Terrorism Nice France
2016 Orlando Florida Nightclub Terror Attack
2017 Fort Lauderdale Airport Shooting
2017 St. Petersburg Russia Terrorist Attack
2017 Manchester UK Bombing
2017 Terrorist Attack Manchester Concerted
2017 London Apartment Fire
2017 London Bridge Terrorist Attack
2017 Sichuan Province, Southwestern China Landslide
2017 Canada Fires
2017 Charlottesville VA Domestic Terrorism |
2017 Sierra-Leone's Flooding & Mudslide
2017 Barcelona Spain Terrorist Attack
2017 Hurricane Irma, Harvey, Maria, Nate
2017 Las Vegas Strip Shooting
2017 Mexico Earthquake
2017 California Historic Fires
2018 Hurricane Michael
2018 Baltimore Maryland Shooting
2018 Tree of Life Synagogue Shooting
2018 Indonesia Lion Air Flight JT-610 crash
2018 Borderline Bar Shooting in Thousands
Oaks CA
2018 Whoolsey Fire CA and CA wildfires
2018 Paradise CA fire
2018 Indonesian Earthquake
2019 Tlahuelilpan, Mexico pipeline explosion
2019 Tornadoes in Alabama
2019 Ethiopian Airline Boeing 737 crash
2019 Sri Lanka terrorist attack Easter
Sunday
2019 Poway CA Synagogue Shooting
2020 Covid 19
2020 CA, OR fires
2021 Surfside Condo disaster |
The
demand on NOKR during these event has seasoned Steve
and sealed his legacy in NOKR. Steve brings a true
humanitarian touch to his core efforts at NOKR. He
has been a professional who strives to raise the bar
and to ease the pain for those who wish to register
pre and post disasters with NOKR from across the
globe.
Steve
has spent the better part his life giving back.
Steve has a unique understanding that everyone
brings something of value to the NOKR
family. Steve’s 25 years with Amnesty International
has prepared Steve for his management role in NOKR.
Steve is
a native of California. He grew up near Hollywood.
His father was Allan Goldman a World War II hero and
radio icon of the times. His father had interviewed
A-listers such as: Jerry Lee Lewis, Toni Bennett,
Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, Rosemary Clooney,
Phyllis Diller, Liberace, Sammy Davis Jr., Red
Skelton, George Burns, Glen Campbell, Les Paul, Vic
Damone, Moe Howard of the three Stooges and Tony
Martin just to name a few.
Regardless of who the family knew, Steve has always
stayed humble to his core and has been called to
give back throughout his life. His higher calling
has been a great gift to the NOKR organization. |
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