Building Resilience: Innovators Lead the Charge Against Escalating Disaster Risks

CLEARWATER BEACH, FL – November 19, 2025

The escalating frequency and intensity of natural disasters are driving a paradigm shift in how we approach disaster preparedness. This week, at the National Disaster Resilience Conference, the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) honored individuals and organizations at the forefront of this change with its 2025 Resilience Leadership Awards. These awards aren’t simply acknowledgements of past efforts; they represent a growing recognition that proactive resilience is no longer a luxury, but a necessity.

A Lifetime of Dedication to Safety

The Dr. Ernst W. Kiesling Lifetime Achievement Awards, this year bestowed upon Max Mayfield, former Director of the National Hurricane Center, and Steve Winistorfer, Vice President of Product Engineering & Quality at Huber Engineered Woods, exemplify a commitment to safeguarding communities. Mayfield’s decades of service focused on improving hurricane forecasting and public awareness. His calm demeanor during critical events offered a steady hand during periods of intense fear. “The goal was always to give people enough lead time to prepare and make informed decisions,” said a source close to Mayfield. “He understood that forecasting was only half the battle; clear communication was the other half.”

Winistorfer’s career has been dedicated to the science of building materials and their ability to withstand extreme events. His work has resulted in the development of stronger, more durable building products, improving the structural integrity of homes and buildings. “He’s always been a champion for innovation,” said a colleague. “His focus has always been on building things right – not just meeting minimum standards, but exceeding them.”

Verisk Honored for Engineering Excellence

Kevin Kuntz of Verisk received the Board Member of the Year Award, recognizing his contributions to property risk analysis and engineering. Kuntz's expertise in fire protection and disaster mitigation has been instrumental in helping communities assess and reduce their vulnerability to hazards. His work at Verisk focuses on identifying vulnerabilities and developing strategies to improve resilience. “A proactive approach to risk assessment is crucial,” an industry source noted. “Understanding the potential threats and vulnerabilities is the first step towards building a more resilient community.”

Pioneering Wildfire Resilience Standards

The Innovation Awards highlighted a collaborative effort to address the growing threat of wildfires. KB Home, the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), the California Building Industry Association (CBIA), and Kitson & Partners were jointly recognized for their work on wildfire resilience standards. This collaboration has resulted in the development and implementation of innovative building practices and community designs that significantly reduce the risk of wildfire damage.

The Wildfire Prepared Home™ standard, championed by IBHS and adopted by KB Home in its Dixon Trail community, represents a major advancement in wildfire mitigation. “The standard isn’t just about building a fire-resistant house; it’s about creating a defensible space around the home and reducing the potential for embers to ignite the structure,” explained a source familiar with the standard. The Dixon Trail community, the first in the nation to meet these rigorous standards, demonstrates a commitment to building safer, more resilient communities. “It’s a holistic approach,” said a representative from KB Home. “We’re not just building homes; we’re building communities that can withstand the challenges of a changing climate.”

Kitson & Partners’ Babcock Ranch, a master-planned community in Southwest Florida, also received an Innovation Award. Babcock Ranch’s resilience was dramatically demonstrated during Hurricane Ian in 2022, with the community experiencing minimal damage while surrounding areas were devastated. Babcock Ranch features underground utilities, advanced stormwater management systems, and a robust solar power grid, all designed to enhance its resilience to natural disasters. “The goal was to build a community that could not only withstand a major hurricane but also thrive in the aftermath,” explained a representative from Kitson & Partners. “Resilience isn’t just about surviving a disaster; it’s about being able to recover quickly and continue to function as a community.”

The work being done by these award winners and their organizations demonstrates a growing recognition that disaster resilience is not just a matter of luck or chance. It’s a matter of planning, investment, and collaboration. As the frequency and intensity of natural disasters continue to increase, the need for proactive resilience measures will only become more critical. Investing in resilient infrastructure, adopting innovative building practices, and fostering collaboration between government, industry, and communities are essential steps towards building a more secure and sustainable future.