BP Has “Something to Talk About”
BP’s new Executive Director Stephen Richardson and Devin James, Co-Chair of the BP Board, recently sat down with Reed Price, the Executive Director of the Senior Center. The occasion was the Something to Talk About podcast.
James told Price that two of the main things that made Richardson attractive to the Board as an Executive Director candidate were his boots-on-the-ground experience with humanitarian organizations around the world and his natural abilities as a motivator. Richardson gave a brief bio near the start of the video.
Richardson then pointed out the ways BP has received national recognition. He specifically called out the BP’s Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Team for all the work they’ve done to help Islanders prepare for a water emergency. The team was recognized last year by the International Association of Emergency Managers.
Price mentioned the 2025 Community Reads book This Is Chance by Islander Jon Mooallem as an example of a community that found its stride during an emergency, the Alaska earthquake of 1964.
But Richardson stressed that BP’s ready teams aren’t there just for the disaster. In fact, BP has come through for the community many times during more long-term emergencies as well as for smaller situations. He cited as an example the organization’s response to COVID, another effort recognized by the International Association of Emergency Managers. Richardson quoted Fire Chief Jared Moravec as saying about the work done by the BP partnership of BP, COBI, and the BIFD, “That Covid experience was one of the most meaningful I’ve ever had in my life.” Richardson added, “What magic this organization can make when it’s done with a collaborative approach.”
Richardson also recalled the BIGWEELS Team’s assistance with getting meals to seniors during a major ice storm on the island and the BP Drone Team’s assistance with a potential wildfire investigation during a hot, dry summer.
Price asked Richardson to share how people might get involved with BP. Richardson listed three things:
Explore the resources on the BP website for your own personal preparedness.
Volunteer for BP.
Support BP’s work with a financial donation.
Price quipped that the best thing to do was probably all three.
Watch the podcast here: