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.     Next of Kin Registry (NOKR) Founder   Mark V. Cerney National Next of Kin Registry reference above   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.       President, Next of Kin Registry (NOKR) Chris Jalbert   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.     Michael D. Brown (Former Advisor to NOKR) White House Biography 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.     Johnny F. Keene (Former Advisor to NOKR) 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.       NOKR Advisor Gerard J. “Gerry” DiStefano 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.       Harry C Wilson (Former Advisor to NOKR) 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.         Roger F. Castro (Former Advisor to NOKR) 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."       Kym Pasqualini (Former Advisor to NOKR) 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).       NOKR Volunteer Advisor Steve D. Goldman 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.