Ann Marie Gallant, the founding director of the Diocesan Emergency Operations Collaborative (EOC), has been appointed to the Institute for Local Government (ILG) Board of Directors, Bishop Alberto Rojas announced.
The Institute for Local Government is a statewide non-profit organization that is responsible for promoting best practices in local government by increasing their capacity to partner with community-based organizations to meet the challenges facing counties and cities in several areas, but particularly in climate related impacts and emergency response.
“I am grateful for this opportunity to share our successes in these inter-governmental partnerships with others throughout the state,” said Gallant. “These partnerships between community faith-based organizations can be most effective in assisting cities and counties in reaching those most in need during emergencies – whether it be fire, flood, earthquake or other man-made disasters.”
Gallant brought 30 years of executive management experience in local government to her position with the diocese. As EOC Director she has been instrumental in connecting the parishes and schools of the diocese with community-based organizations that have provided them with resources in the areas of disaster preparedness, healthcare services and basic food, clothing and hygiene materials. Collaborative relationships have been forged with Riverside University Health System; the public health departments of both Riverside and San Bernardino counties; City of Riverside Food Pantry program; the American Red Cross and State Health Services Institute.
As a member of the ILG Board, Gallant will attend monthly, virtual meetings and an annual three-day retreat in Sacramento.
In the wake of Governor Gavin Newsom’s State of Emergency Declaration September 21 in anticipation of the winter El Nino rains, the ILG Board will focus this year on programs and resources related to climate-related impacts and disaster response.
Bishop Rojas praised Gallant’s appointment as a chance for the diocese to share the fruits of its EOC ministry with other dioceses and communities throughout California.
“Ann Marie will be able to share with many communities statewide the disaster preparedness, response and recovery programs EOC has worked diligently to launch these past years under the leadership of our Vicar General, Monsignor Gerard Lopez, and our Chancellor, Sister Leticia Salazar,” he said.
The EOC has worked closely with Msgr. Lopez and Sr. Salazar to increase emergency training, disaster response protocols, and proactive, post-disaster recovery services at numerous diocesan locations.
“Not only is ensuring the safety and security of our clergy, religious, faculty, staff, students and parishioners during times of national and State emergencies a major priority for our diocesan leadership,” said Msgr. Lopez and Sr. Salazar in a joint statement, “but also to support programs in our parishes and schools that assist our diocesan communities most impacted during these times of national and State emergencies.”