Local Leaders Gather to Explore Forming Cattaraugus, Allegany Counties COAD
Leaders present at the recent COAD exploratory meeting included Carolyn Stewart, Catholic Charities of Buffalo; Susan McAuley, United Way of Cattaraugus & Allegany Counties; Melissa Axley, New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management; and Kelly Dodd, 211 of New York.
More than 50 representatives from emergency services, government agencies, and community organizations gathered November 12, 2025, at Jamestown Community College to discuss the formation of a Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) group for Cattaraugus and Allegany Counties.
The meeting, hosted through the Cattaraugus Nonprofit Hub, introduced the concept of a COAD and explored how a coordinated local network could strengthen the region’s ability to respond to and recover from disasters.
Moving forward, United Way of Cattaraugus & Allegany Counties (UWCAC) will coordinate meetings.
Kick-off meeting presenters included:
Melissa Axley, Individual Assistance Recovery/Voluntary Agency Liaison Supervisor, New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management
Barbara Hubbell, Director of Community Impact, United Way of the Southern Tier
Tim Marshall, Director of Public Safety, Steuben County
Scott Golden, Director of Emergency Management, Allegany County
Melissa Axley outlined the foundation of a successful COAD through the Four C’s: cooperation, communication, coordination, and collaboration. These principles, she said, foster the effective delivery of relief and recovery services and create stronger, more resilient communities.
Axley also highlighted several benefits of forming a COAD, including improved communication among local, state, and national partners; coordinated resources and services; expedited disaster response; and reduced duplication of efforts.
Presenters Barbara Hubbell and Tim Marshall shared insights from the Steuben County COAD, which played a key role in long-term recovery following the floods caused by Tropical Storm Fred and Tropical Storm Debbie.
Allegany County Emergency Management Director Scott Golden concluded the session by discussing how a local COAD could integrate with existing emergency response plans. He emphasized the importance of including partners who can help meet the needs of vulnerable populations, including older adults and residents with disabilities.
UWCAC will hold follow-up meetings to identify regional partners, establish a framework, and define shared goals.
For more information on the COAD and how to join the effort, visit www.uwcac.org/coad
The United Way of Cattaraugus & Allegany Counties brings people together to build strong communities where everyone thrives. They tackle tough challenges and work with private, public, and nonprofit partners to boost education, economic solutions, and health resources.
