Committees

As per the Bylaws of the Association, there are four standing committees:

• Legislative Liaison: The Legislative Liaison Committee monitors legislation at the state and federal level to report out potential impacts for member of the Association in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and plays a pivotal role in shaping and influencing emergency management policies and legislation in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
• Media: The Media Committee is a dynamic and proactive team that serves as the bridge between emergency management initiatives and the public.
• Annual Meeting/Conference: The Annual Meeting/Conference Committee is responsible for organizing and executing the Annual Conference and Annual Membership Meeting.
• Membership: The Membership Committee membership recruitment, operations, ensures that members have access to valuable resources, and extends a warm welcome to new members of the Association.

Furthermore, the President has established the following additional committees:

• 9-1-1 Advisory Liaison Committee:  The 9-1-1 Advisory Liaison Committee is dedicated to enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of emergency response systems, with a primary focus on the 9-1-1 infrastructure.
• Student Membership Committee:  The Student Membership Committee is twofold: first, to cultivate a collaborative and nurturing environment that caters to the needs of undergraduate and graduate students who are dedicated to advancing their knowledge in the fields of emergency management, homeland security, public administration, and related disciplines. Second, the committee functions as a vital conduit, ensuring that the Executive Board remains well-informed about pertinent topics and emerging issues within these fields.
• Integrated Representation Committee: The Integrated Representation Committee serves as the central coordinating body overseeing various essential subcommittees, ensuring comprehensive representation across diverse sectors within KEMA’s membership. This committee facilitates collaboration and alignment of efforts by bringing together the chairs of multiple subcommittees, each addressing specific facets of emergency preparedness and homeland security. Through its collaborative approach, the committee ensures that all sectors are well-represented, providing a unified voice within KEMA. Additionally, the committee is responsible for developing the association’s annual strategic plan, harnessing the wealth of knowledge, expertise, and resources to enhance KEMA’s capacity for effective emergency preparedness, response, and recovery efforts in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Subcommittees are:
  • Prevention and Mitigation Subcommittee: Represents sectors engaged in risk assessment, strategic planning, and hazard mitigation. This subcommittee brings together experts and professionals from various fields, working collectively to reduce vulnerabilities, enhance resilience, and ensure that communities and critical infrastructure are well-prepared to face potential disasters effectively.
  • Cybersecurity and Protection Subcommittee: Represents sectors responsible for cybersecurity, data protection, and information technology security, which encompass both public and private security agencies. By bringing together experts and professionals from these sectors, this subcommittee focuses on fortifying the defenses against cyber threats and ensuring the security of critical systems and data, contributing to the overall resilience and security of our communities within the Commonwealth.
  • Emergency Services Subcommittee: Represents sectors actively involved in emergency response, including public safety agencies. This subcommittee serves as a pivotal link in the chain of disaster response, ensuring that swift and effective aid is delivered to affected communities during times of crisis.
  • Recovery and Human Services Subcommittee: Focuses on the long-term recovery and resilience-building efforts following disasters. At the heart of its mission is the engagement of volunteers and organizations dedicated to providing humanitarian aid. This subcommittee plays a crucial role in representing these entities involved in community rebuilding, economic recovery, and ensuring the availability of essential resources such as food, water, and shelter during and after disasters.
  • Public Health and Medical Services Subcommittee: Represents the interests and expertise of healthcare providers, medical professionals, and public health organizations. It brings together a wealth of knowledge and experience to ensure that medical and public health services are effectively coordinated and delivered during times of crisis.
  • Utility and Communications Subcommittee: Represents a diverse range of sectors, including energy infrastructure, utilities, telecommunications, internet services, and media. It addresses the continuity of energy services, including power and fuel, and maintaining communication networks during emergencies.
  • Public-Private Partnership Subcommittee: Serves as a cornerstone for nurturing collaboration between the public and private sectors, recognizing the integral role each plays in enhancing emergency preparedness and homeland security. This subcommittee’s mission is to bring together representatives from businesses, corporations, and non-governmental organizations, promoting synergy between these entities to bolster our nation’s resilience.
  • Public and Higher Education Subcommittee: Represents educational institutions at all levels, ranging from K-12 schools to colleges and universities. By bringing together a diverse range of educational professionals, this subcommittee aims to ensure that educational institutions are well-equipped and prepared to respond effectively to emergencies. Their work is pivotal in fostering a culture of preparedness in schools and higher education, safeguarding the well-being of students and staff, and contributing to the overall resilience of our educational system.

The purpose of these committees are to conduct the business and affairs of the Association. The President of the Association is an ex-officio member of all committees of the Association.