Disaster Recovery Journal Spring 2026

FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK

Staying Relevant in an Uncertain World T he world around us rarely sits still. Cyber threats, supply chain challenges, extreme weather, and economic shifts continue to test organizations in new ways. Even during periods of stability, remain a trusted voice within your organiza tion. This spring 2026 edition of Disaster

BOB ARNOLD, MBCI Hon.

Recovery Journal reflects that shift. Many of the articles focus on disaster recovery, cyber resilience, and how AI and other innovations are reshaping the recovery landscape. Jason Buffington’s survey highlights the growing divide between cyber and operational resil ience programs and the need to keep them aligned. Margaret Millett’s article on how CEOs future proof their organizations brings an important executive perspective and rein forces the need to connect resilience efforts to business value. Across these articles, one message is clear. The pace of change is accelerating, and the professionals who stay engaged and keep learning will be the ones who bring the most value to their organizations. Staying con nected to the broader community and keeping up with new ideas and real-world case stud ies is essential to maintaining credibility and influence. That is why participating in industry events and ongoing learning opportunities is so important. These gatherings provide practical insights, peer connections, and perspectives you can take back to leadership. They help you strengthen your program and reinforce your role as a critical advisor during times of stability, crisis, and uncertainty. Thank you for being part of the DRJ com munity and for the work you do every day to help your organizations stay ready for what ever comes next.

conditions can change quickly. In that kind of environment, resilience professionals are being asked to do more than maintain plans. They are expected to guide decisions and help leadership understand risk, impact, and opportunity. This edition also highlights the career journey of Bethany Netzel, now serving as a chief resilience officer. Her story is a strong reminder of how this profession continues to grow and how important it is to stay engaged, visible, and adaptable. Career paths in resil ience are no longer limited to traditional roles. They are expanding into leadership positions that influence strategy and business direction. Stories like Bethany’s show how continued learning, networking, and involvement in the community can open doors and strengthen long term career stability, especially during times when many professionals are facing uncertainty. The role of the resilience leader is evolv ing. Today’s professionals are not just plan ners or responders. They are strategic advisors who connect disruption to business outcomes and help executives make informed deci sions during stable periods, crises, and times of volatility. To stay in that role, it is critical to remain current on how risks, technolo gies, and expectations are changing. Staying informed and connected helps ensure you

PRESIDENT bob@drj.com

6 DISASTER RECOVERY JOURNAL | SPRING 2026