President's Message - December 2021Francisco Sanchez, TEM - President
As 2020 winds down, please know that I am thankful for your hard work during yet another challenging year. Your communities have been well served by your tireless work to keep our them safe during multiple disasters across the state while we continue to battle an evolving global pandemic. I hope EMAT has been a resource for you this year. Through webinars, communication, tools, and a symposium our board of directors and committees are striving to help you and the profession. I look forward to the plans for next year and hope you will continue to be a part of this organization. The time to renew your membership is now and registration to the 2022 Symposium is open! It is exciting to have the 2022 Symposium hosted in person at the Embassy Suites in San Marcos, TX, February 6th through 9th. Thank you for your continuous support and I look forward to seeing you in February. Francisco Sánchez, Jr., TEM President's Message - Summer 2021Francisco Sanchez, TEM - President
As we continue to respond to COVID-19 and keep an eye on the horizon, thank you for your continued service and sacrifice during this historic global response. Your commitment to fighting the pandemic while confronting historic ice storms and severe weather this year demonstrates the tireless work of emergency managers across the state. I’m proud of your work and membership in EMAT. I hope we are a resource for your work and helping you better serve your communities. In addition to the symposium earlier this year, we continue to offer our bimonthly training webinars and provide various resources on our social media accounts. Additionally, the most recent legislative session came to an end with some important bills impacting public safety. I will send an update soon regarding these impacts and how they can affect your communities moving forward. Did you miss a symposium session or need a refresher? We have now posted the sessions online here. Our continued work as an organization depends on active members, so I encourage you to visit the EMAT website and learn more about our committees and how you can participat Thank you for your membership and involvement. You can learn more about each committee and sign up to help at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/EMATCommittees. Thank you for your membership and involvement. Francisco Sánchez, Jr., TEMPresident President's Message - June 2019Francisco Sanchez, TEM - President
We are glad to announce that Mistie Gardner has joined the EMAT Board of Directors to represent Region 1. Her experience, leadership and energy will be a great asset to the organization and our members. There are other opportunities aside from the board to contribute to both EMAT, the profession and your professional development. EMAT's various committees, including some new ones, need volunteers. The work of these committees is what keeps EMAT a strong organization and can make it even better. Our priorities for the coming year will only be accomplished through active committees that include members from across the state with different perspectives and experience. Please give the gift of your time and talent. There are numerous committees in which you can get involved. Committees include: - Awards - Communications -Legislative - Membership and Marketing - Public-Private Partnerships - Symposium -TEM Certification - Training You can learn more about each committee and sign up to help at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/EMATCommittees. Thank you for your membership and involvement. Francisco Sánchez, Jr., TEMPresident President's Message - March 2019Francisco Sanchez, TEM - PresidentTHANK YOU
This is a team effort and I hope you will get to know your officers and board members, share your input with us regularly and get involved. GET INVOLVEDWe need your help to make EMAT even stronger. Our priorities for the coming year will only be accomplished through active committees that include members from across the state with different perspectives and experience. Please give the gift of your time and talent. There are numerous committees in which you can get involved. You can learn more about what each of them do and you can sign up to help at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/EMATCommittees. SPECIAL ELECTION We have a Board vacancy in Region 1 in the north Texas area. Rather than fill the position itself, the Board has chosen to leave that decision to members from Region 1. Some talented emergency managers have expressed interest in joining the board and soon we will begin the process for a special election. LOOKING AHEAD This is an exciting time for EMAT, as we build on our recent successes to keep growing the organization and find ways to serve you better. I appreciate you being a part of that effort. We also look forward to seeing you at the upcoming Texas Emergency Management Conference in San Antonio from April 15-18. You can learn more about the conference and register here: https://www.dps.texas.gov/dem/conference/txemermgmtconf.htm. Warm regards,Francisco Sánchez, Jr., TEM President President's Message - December 2018Kevin Starbuck, CEM, TEM, CPM - President
As President of EMAT, I was recently invited to serve on the Texas Senior Advisory Committee (TXSAC), put together by the Office of the Governor, Homeland Security Grants Division. The TXSAC is an advisory committee tasked with supporting the State’s preparedness planning related to grant programs. During the initial meeting in October, the committee received briefings from a number of State and Federal agencies on preparedness funding initiatives and was provided an opportunity to discuss how these programs benefit overall preparedness. I look forward to continuing to represent the needs of emergency management professionals on this committee moving forward. TXSAC is indicative of some of the “behind-the-scenes” benefits of EMAT. As the leading professional organization for emergency management in Texas, we were offered a seat at the table. Individually, we may never have been given that opportunity and our voice would not have been heard. With the upcoming legislative session and critical issues associated with the costs of recovery from Hurricane Harvey looming on the horizon, it is important that EMAT is representative of emergency managers from across the State. Now is the time to renew your membership or join EMAT… we are stronger together and can ensure that our interests are represented. Recently I was made aware of some concerns related to the adjustment in requirements that requires on-going membership in EMAT as part of maintaining your Certified Texas Emergency Management (TEM) credential. As an organization we believe the connection between the professional credential and the certifying organization is paramount. It is an on-going demonstration of a commitment to contribute to the profession that serves as the basis for implementing this adjustment. Lastly, the beginning of 2019 will bring Board of Director elections and the initial opportunity for the membership to vote for officers at the annual Symposium on February 17-20, 2019 in San Marcos. Please make plans to attend the Symposium to take part in networking with fellow EMAT members, learn from sessions with colleagues, and help to select our leadership moving forward. Merry Christmas, - Kevin Starbuck, CEM, TEM - Region 5Assistant City Manager City of Amarillo P.O. Box 1971 Amarillo, Texas 79105-1971 Work: (806) 378-3077 Cell: (806) 584-8845 Email: kevin.starbuck@amarillo.gov Office Expires: 2019 President's Message - September 2018Kevin Starbuck, CEM, TEM, CPM - President
EMAT Elections…EMAT elections are on the horizon. If you have an interest to serve on the EMAT Board of Directors, the nomination process will open in mid-October. EMAT will have elections for at least one representative in each region along with two at-large and one corporate board member. While several are eligible for re-election, at least three board positions will be open due to term limits or vacancies. In addition, our new by-laws transition election of officers to the general membership. The election of officers will take place during our general membership meeting at the 2019 EMAT Symposium with nominations for officers from the slate of Board Members. The election of board members and officers is critical to the on-going success and strengthening of the organization. More importantly, this is a great opportunity to each of you to demonstrate your commitment to being a leader in our profession. EMAT Dues…During the August Board meeting, adjustments to the delegate membership dues were discussed and acted upon. Delegate member dues for 2019 will increase to $150, with a price break available for agencies with 3 or more members. Renewals will be distributed starting in October, reflecting the change in dues. While these types of changes are never easy, this adjustment will strengthen our organization through improved financial stability. - Kevin Starbuck, CEM, TEM - Region 5Assistant City Manager City of Amarillo P.O. Box 1971 Amarillo, Texas 79105-1971 Work: (806) 378-3077 Cell: (806) 584-8845 Email: kevin.starbuck@amarillo.gov Office Expires: 2019 President's Message - June 2018Kevin Starbuck, CEM, TEM, CPM - President
What does this all mean for emergency management? I half-jokingly would say, Job Security! But more importantly it is the recognition of changing dynamics in climate that requires emergency managers to look beyond what historic data would tell us are the threats to our communities. Who would have predicted the extent of impacts from Hurricane Harvey in the Houston area where the majority of the flooding occurred outside recognized flood zones? The lack of any snow in the Texas Panhandle has never happened (and many a traveler through this region were appreciative). An 8-month super drought impacting agriculture, putting a strain on the most optimistic farmers and ranchers. The more important question I would ask my colleagues is, what steps are you taking to prepare your communities for natural hazards moving to the extremes? What was once unthinkable, may now become the norm. Concerns with the more extreme impacts of Mother Nature are exacerbated by the continued threat of man-made issues. All of our thoughts and prayers are with those communities impacted by school shootings. I applaud Governor Abbott for pushing for improvements in school safety. At the core of this issue is the need to more effectively address mental health issues in our communities. Institutions and mechanisms designed to assist with the management of mental health issues have limited resources and are largely overwhelmed. While not purely an emergency management issue, as these issues grow it will have an expanded impact on communities and ultimately the management of disasters. Turning back to EMAT specifically, we continue to refine and improve upon the Certified Texas Emergency Manager (TEM) credential process. As part of this, we are looking at a committee of 21 members to assist with ensuring we offer the best process for recognition of professional accomplishment. Other committees are starting to come on-line with development of plans to enhance and improve what EMAT has to offer to our members. To facilitate this, at least two board members have volunteered to serve on each committee. More information will be published on committee work in the coming weeks. I look forward to our membership engaging in the committee work to continue strengthening EMAT for the future. And lastly, elections are on the horizon for the end of 2018. For those interested, consider the opportunities to serve as a board member or in a leadership role starting in 2019. - Kevin Starbuck, CEM, TEM - Region 5Assistant City Manager City of Amarillo P.O. Box 1971 Amarillo, Texas 79105-1971 Work: (806) 378-3077 Cell: (806) 584-8845 Email: kevin.starbuck@amarillo.gov Office Expires: 2019 President's Message - January 2018Kevin Starbuck, CEM, TEM, CPM - President
One of the best opportunities to network with emergency management professionals is coming up on March 4-7, 2018 at the EMAT Symposium in San Marcos (https://www.emat-tx.org/event-2700735). The EMAT Symposium planning committee has put together an outstanding line-up of training opportunities and presenters to gain from our mutual experiences and grow as leaders in emergency management. (To view the Symposium agenda, click here.) In addition, opportunities are available to work on Certified Texas Emergency Manager (TEM) credentials with EMAT leadership that has been involved in the updating of the process. I encourage each of you to consider joining EMAT at the symposium in San Marcos. Lastly, EMAT values your membership and participation in the organization. To meet the organizations fiscal needs, the Board has approved an increase in membership dues that takes effect in February… so there is still time to take advantage of the current membership levels. EMAT has put together “10 Great Reasons to Be a Member” that highlight some of the benefits of being a member of EMAT. Make renewing your membership or joining EMAT part of your New Year’s resolution. - Kevin Starbuck, CEM, TEM - Region 5Assistant City Manager City of Amarillo P.O. Box 1971 Amarillo, Texas 79105-1971 Work: (806) 378-3077 Cell: (806) 584-8845 Email: kevin.starbuck@amarillo.gov Office Expires: 2019 President's Message - September 2017Kevin Starbuck, CEM, TEM, CPM - President
September is designated as National Preparedness Month and offers a great opportunity to focus on improving the preparedness of our citizens and communities. If your agency is hosting events to promote preparedness, EMAT would love to assist in promoting those events through our social media outlets. In addition, EMAT is excited to announce the launch of our improved website. Take some time to check it out at… https://www.emat-tx.org/. Lastly, EMAT values your membership and participation in the organization. Starting in October, EMAT will begin our annual membership renewal drive and is looking forward to expanding our membership. I am challenging each of our members to promote EMAT and get at least one additional colleague to join EMAT. If you need some help explaining the benefits of EMAT, we have you covered with a “10 Great Reasons to be a Member” list on our membership page… https://www.emat-tx.org/Membership. - Kevin Starbuck, CEM, TEM - Region 5Assistant City Manager City of Amarillo P.O. Box 1971 Amarillo, Texas 79105-1971 Work: (806) 378-3077 Cell: (806) 584-8845 Email: kevin.starbuck@amarillo.gov Office Expires: 2019 May 2017The extremes of Texas weather were on full display as April came to a close. In the area around Canton, Texas a series of strong tornadoes devastated communities with at least 4 fatalities, countless injuries, and significant damage. At the same time in the Texas Panhandle region, a rare spring winter storm blanketed the area with light to moderate snow accumulations and extreme winds, causing travel issues and wide spread power outages. In the meantime West Texas continues to experience critical fire danger, inching closer to the federal threshold for Fire Management Assistance Grants (FMAG) and coastal communities continue to prepare for the upcoming hurricane season. Such are challenges that face emergency managers in Texas. While it remains to be seen if any of these incidents will rise to the level that federal assistance is made available, it is important for emergency managers to stay informed on the transition of leadership at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Last week, the Trump administration named Brock Long as the nominee for FEMA Administrator. A brief review of Mr. Long’s bio indicates 16 years of experience with FEMA in hurricane preparedness, with the State of Alabama as the Director of Alabama’s Emergency Management Agency, and most recently as a vice-president with Hagerty Consulting supporting emergency management projects. In addition, the Trump administration named Thomas DiNanno as the nominee for FEMA Assistant Administrator. Mr. DiNanno brings 20 years of experience in government and private sector with a focus on critical infrastructure protection. In a couple of weeks, many of us will come together at the 2017 Texas Emergency Management Conference. This will be another great opportunity for emergency managers to come together to learn from our shared experiences. As part of the conference activities, EMAT will be conducting a meeting of the Board of Directors. A couple of topics that will be at the top of the list are EMAT membership, TEM processing, and continued improvement of organizational communication. I know that I speak for all of the Board members when I say that we also look forward to visiting with each of you on items of interest to the profession and EMAT. Hope to see you in San Antonio! - Kevin Starbuck, CEM, TEM - Region 5March 2017With the success of our 10th Annual EMAT Symposium, we have had yet another opportunity to come together as emergency management professionals to learn from our shared experiences. Thank You to everyone that attended this year’s symposium and for all the hard work of the Symposium Committee to put together such a great event. We are already looking forward to next year’s symposium, scheduled for March 4-7, 2018 in San Marcos. I want to extend my sincere appreciation to Jeb Lacey for serving as EMAT’s President for the past 4 years. His dedicated leadership of EMAT is much appreciated and epitomized the mission of EMAT to shape emergency management policy and practice in Texas. I would also like to recognize Sharon Nalls who will be stepping down from the EMAT Board of Directors as Jeb transitions into the Immediate Past President position continuing to serve our Board… Thank You Sharon for your leadership and support of EMAT. As the new EMAT President, I look forward to working with all of our members to continue to promote the role of EMAT in shaping emergency management policy and practice in Texas. At the core of the EMAT mission is the continued advancement of professionalism of emergency management in Texas. With the withdrawal of the University of North Texas from the Certified Texas Emergency Manager (TEM) certification process, the EMAT Board of Directors will be looking at options for review of the TEM application packages. During the Symposium, the Board stepped up to review 15 applications that have been received over the course of the last couple of months. While this provided a short-term solution, we will be looking at options to revamp the review process and update the application package to provide greater clarity. Stay tuned as we work to revamp and improve the TEM process. Other areas that we will focus on are improving our communication to our members. The EMAT Board of Directors along with our committees will be looking at improving our website, creating new mechanisms for regular communication to our members, and highlighting the activities of EMAT that serve as a benefit to our membership. In addition, I would like EMAT to continue to look for ways that we can use our expertise in the profession to assist each other in times of disaster. Law enforcement, fire services, and emergency medical have all created mechanisms for supporting each other across the state. We can improve our mutual support of each other when EOC’s are activated. In closing, I am honored to serve as the EMAT President and look forward to working with all of our members to promote the emergency management profession. I hope to see all of you at the Texas Emergency Management Conference in San Antonio this May. In the interim, feel free to contact me or any of our Board members to discuss what EMAT can do for you! |
Dear EMAT Members,
We need your help!
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all of our EMAT members and colleagues. As we prepare to celebrate the holidays with family and friends, it is important to recognize that our work never ends. Our brothers and sisters in emergency management and public safety will be standing watch during this holiday season, ensuring that impacts of Mother Nature and Murphy’s Law are minimized. I am grateful for everyone that serves our communities and keeps us safe… Thank You!