January 29 WEBINAR @ 11:00 A.M.
How to Be a Winter Warrior, not a Winter Worrier
Learn how to empower your community to face winter’s toughest challenges with confidence through clear, timely, and actionable cold-weather messaging. This session will explore strategies for crafting communications that inform, engage, and motivate residents during extreme winter conditions, from icy roads and power outages to freezing temperatures. Whether your audience is braving the storm or worried about its impact, discover tools and techniques to build trust and resilience before, during, and after the chill sets in.
Jennifer Dunn is the Warning Coordination Meteorologist at the National Weather Service office in Fort Worth. She holds a degree in Meteorology from Texas A&M University. Her career in the NWS spans over 21 years, and she has been with the NWS Fort Worth office for 19 of those years. In her position as the Warning Coordination Meteorologist, she is responsible for overseeing and maintaining the office’s outreach, education, and partner/relationship building programs. A native of Texas, she enjoys the variety of weather patterns North and Central Texas offer.
Brian Murray is the Deputy Coordinator for Homeland Security & Emergency Management and Public Information Officer for the Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (HCOHSEM).
Before becoming PIO in 2019, Murray served as Planning Section Supervisor during Hurricane Harvey and the Deer Park Tank Fire. Since then, he has been PIO for numerous incidents, including the 2021 Winter Storm and Hurricane Beryl.
Murray played a key role in establishing the Regional Joint Information Center at Houston TranStar and developing “JIC Strike Teams,” earning an Outstanding Emergency Public Information Award in 2015. He also contributed to advancements in emergency communication, including WEA 2.0, through his work with the FCC’s CSRIC.
Murray holds a BA in Communications from the University of Houston – Downtown and an MPA with a Homeland Security Certificate from Penn State.
Toby Virden, a fifth-generation Runnels County resident, is the son of Tony and Wanda Virden and the proud father of three children, Caleb, Corey, and Caitlin, as well as nine grandchildren. He graduated from Ballinger High School in 1988 and earned a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Services and Development from Tarleton State University in 1992, completing qualifications to become an agricultural science teacher in Texas high schools.
Toby is an instructor for NIMS All Hazards ICS courses, a CRASE trainer, and a facilitator for active shooter tabletop exercises. He also teaches land mobile radio communications at the West Central Texas Law Enforcement Academy and conducts training for first responders and officials on radio equipment and interoperability.
Toby served as Chief of Police and Emergency Management Coordinator for the Miles Police Department for over four years and continues as a reserve police officer, providing training and administrative support. He also worked in broadcast radio, serving as general manager of KRUN Radio from 2001–2005 and 2009–2017.