Speakers

Chad Adams is a leader in cybersecurity, with over 25 years of experience within the Cybersecurity field. Currently serving as the Supervisory Cybersecurity Advisor for DHS/CISA Region 6 within the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Chad brings expertise in threat mitigation, cyber risk management, incident response, and vulnerability management to his role.

In his career, Chad has played roles in safeguarding critical infrastructure and bolstering cyber resilience. His tenure of over 15 years in government service, primarily with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), underscores his commitment to national security and cyber defense. Throughout his tenure, Chad has conducted cybersecurity assessments, advised on federal cyber security audits, and collaborated closely with stakeholders at all levels of government and the private sector to mitigate emerging threats, reduce cyber risk, and build cyber resiliency.

As a Supervisory Cybersecurity Advisor, Chad's CSA team works to foster collaboration and coordination on cyber preparedness, risk mitigation, and incident response, and to provide cybersecurity resources, including training, exercises, and assessments, in support of the nation's Critical Infrastructure Key Resource sectors and with state and local governments.

Chad Adams is an alumnus of Southeastern Louisiana University, where he earned a degree in Information Systems Management and Security. In addition to his academic accomplishments, Chad possesses the CRISC (Certified in Risk and Information Systems Controls) certification, along with a range of other industry-standard certifications in security and engineering.

Lance French serves as an Emergency Preparedness Senior Associate at Pantex, where he leads protective action and ERO drills, backed by over ten years of experience spanning local, federal, and utility domains. Lance has been on the ground for some of the nation’s most severe national emergencies, ranging from catastrophic hurricanes like Harvey, Irma, and Ida to historic wildfires including the Camp, Windy Deuce, and Smokehouse Creek incidents. He specializes in translating high-stakes field experience into rigorous readiness and emergency planning for high-consequence missions. Lance was the recipient of the 2025 Texas Panhandle Emergency Management “Rising Star” award.  

Joanne Culin is the Warning Coordination Meteorologist at the National Weather Service

office in Amarillo, Texas, a position she assumed in December 2022. Having grown up in

the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, her move to Amarillo marked a return to the Lone Star

state after spending the first 16 years of her career as a forecaster at NWS Jackson,

Mississippi.

Joanne holds a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology from Texas A&M University and a

Master of Science in Meteorology from Florida State University.

In her current role, she plays a vital part in community safety by collaborating closely with

public safety and emergency management partners to facilitate critical weather-related

decisions. Additionally, Joanne leads the outreach and preparedness program at NWS

Amarillo, where she channels her passion into helping the public learn how to become

"weather ready."

Ben Weinheimer is president & CEO of the Texas Cattle Feeders Association (TCFA), headquartered in Amarillo, Texas. Weinheimer obtained an agricultural engineering degree from Texas A&M University and is a licensed professional engineer.

As president & CEO, Weinheimer is responsible for day-to-day operations of the Association, including supervising implementation of policy at the state and federal legislative and regulatory levels, as well as the association’s programs and services offered to members in Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico.

Weinheimer is active in several industry-related and civic organizations and currently serves as Chairman of the Panhandle Regional Water Planning Group, member of the Llano Estacado Regional Water Planning Group, member of the Panhandle Regional Emergency Management Advisory Committee, board member of the West Texas A&M University Foundation, member of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, and member of the Texas A&M University – Veterinarian, Education, Research and Outreach Advisory Council, among others.

Ben and wife, Jennifer, reside in Amarillo, Texas.

Adrian Escobar is a Wildfire Public Safety Specialist with Xcel Energy, where he supports wildfire mitigation, emergency response, and interagency coordination across Texas and New Mexico. Drawing on 15 years of experience in natural resource management, project management, conservation, and wildland firefighting, he works closely with fire agencies, emergency managers, and utility operations to enhance public safety and wildfire preparedness. During wildfire incidents, he serves as a critical liaison between Incident Command and Xcel Energy, helping bridge communication between on-scene fire responders and utility personnel to support safe de-energization decisions, restoration efforts, and informed operational decision-making.

Prior to joining Xcel Energy, Adrian served as a land manager with the Bureau of Land Management, where he led conservation and public access initiatives at Cross Bar Special Recreation Management Area

. His work included ecological restoration through prescribed fire, mechanical treatments, chemical applications, and biological controls. Along with a number of conservation projects, Adrian led public access movements and collaborated with partners across the region to expand recreational, educational, and economic opportunities for the Texas panhandle. 

Adrian holds a Master of Science in Biology from West Texas A&M University and studied Environmental Conservation at Texas Tech University. He serves on the Friends of Cross Bar SRMA Board of Directors and supports Window on a Wider World (WOWW), bringing expertise in land stewardship, outdoor education, public safety, and community partnerships.

Toni Davis is an Emergency Management Specialist in Xcel Energy's Wildfire Response Department, supporting emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and resilience initiatives across the company's eight-state service territory. In her role, she works closely with utility operations, public safety agencies, emergency management organizations, and community stakeholders to strengthen coordination before, during, and after incidents. Toni plays a key role in advancing Xcel Energy's emergency management capabilities, including wildfire preparedness and response, Incident Command System (ICS) implementation, Incident Management Team development, Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) planning, and stakeholder engagement initiatives. Her work focuses on enhancing operational readiness, improving cross-functional coordination, and supporting safe and effective response to complex incidents impacting customers and communities.

Prior to joining Xcel Energy, Toni served in healthcare emergency management, coordinating preparedness, response, and recovery activities for a regional medical center during major wildfires, severe weather events, mass casualty incidents, and other emergencies across the Texas Panhandle.

Toni holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and is currently pursuing her Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) credential. She serves as Treasurer on the Board of Directors for the Texas Panhandle Peer Support Coalition (TPPSC), Secretary of the Gray County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC), and as Secretary on the Board of Directors for the Pampa Chamber of Commerce. She is also an active member of regional emergency management and preparedness organizations, including the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM).