About CCCOAD
Welcome to Curry County COAD! We are the Curry County Community Organizations Active in Disaster, a collaborative network of organizations, businesses, and local government entities working together to enhance community resilience and response in times of disaster.
Mission: Curry County COAD is dedicated to promoting effective coordination, communication, and collaboration among local entities involved in disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation efforts. Our mission is to strengthen the community's ability to withstand and recover from emergencies by fostering partnerships, sharing resources, and supporting comprehensive disaster planning.
What We Do: Curry County COAD works to facilitate effective coordination and collaboration among our members to address the challenges posed by disasters. We prioritize preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of our community members. Through information sharing, training, planning, and resource coordination, we aim to build a strong network of support and resilience.
Who We Are
The pandemic and recent wildfires have highlighted the need for better coordination and communication between non-profit agencies and local government. In 2022 the Curry County COAD (Community Organizations Active in Disaster), (CCCOAD) was created, modeled after similar structures in Counties and Cities across the nation.
Ruth Dixon, Coordinator
In August, 2017, while working as a 4-H Educational Program Assistant, Ruth set up and ran the Livestock Evacuation Center for the Chetco Bar Fire, utilizing 4-H members, leaders and community members to handle evacuations along with feeding and care of the animals. She also handled small evacuation situations during the Klondike Fire, the Anvil Fire and the Arizona Beach Fire. Those experiences started her journey towards providing education about emergency and disaster preparedness. Ruth was hired as the Coordinator for the Curry County Community Organizations Active in Disaster in July, 2025. After owning many types of livestock over the years at their small family farm in the Gold Beach area, up the Rogue River, Ruth and her husband have downsized to Twinkie, the mini-horse, Chewbacca, the renegade goat, Agness the anxiety-ridden Border Collie, Shadow, the ancient cat and 16 chickens.
We are a diverse group of organizations and individuals committed to making a positive impact during times of crisis. Our membership includes nonprofit organizations, Tribes, government agencies, businesses, community groups, faith-based organizations, and concerned citizens. By harnessing the collective expertise, resources, and passion of our members, we strive to build a more resilient Curry County.
Katrina Thompson-Upton - Chair
Olivia Davis - Vice-Chair
Ruth Dixon - Coordinator
Richard Gray - Founding Member
Jim Howe - Founding Member
Candice Michel - Founding Member
Karyn Dagenais - Red Cross
Jessica McCormick – Observing Member
Beth Barker-Hidalgo - Founder
