KEMA Members,

I am profoundly honored and humbled by the trust placed in me by the members of the Association who have elected me as your new President. I am deeply committed to advancing the mission and vision of the Keystone Emergency Management Association and building upon the admirable legacy of those who have served in this valued role before me.

Over the next two years of my term, I envision implementing a range of initiatives, with a particular focus on achieving two primary objectives in 2024:

  • Diversity and Representation: I am dedicated to fostering inclusivity within our membership to authentically mirror the rich tapestry of individuals and organizations embodying the emergency preparedness, response, and recovery professionals across the Commonwealth. By actively working to increase diversity, we can ensure that our Association is representative of the varied perspectives and experiences within our profession.
  • Participation and Engagement: I am eager to elevate the involvement and engagement of our membership in the Committees of the Association. Strengthening the participation of our members in these vital groups will not only enhance the overall effectiveness of our organization but also provide valuable opportunities for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and professional development.

Established in 1977, the KEMA traces its origins as the Pennsylvania Civil Defense Association. Over the years, the Association has evolved in response to the shifting landscape of threats and disasters, culminating in the formation of KEMA. Initially centered around municipal and county-level emergency managers, KEMA has always adapted to the changing needs of our community.

In recent years, KEMA has embraced a more expansive vision, extending its reach beyond governmental representation in its membership. This inclusive approach now encompasses a diverse spectrum of emergency preparedness professionals, spanning sectors such as healthcare, Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (VOADs), education, utilities, and more. The intentional broadening of membership reflects KEMA’s commitment to fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among a wide array of professionals dedicated to enhancing emergency management practices.

As we continue to adapt to the evolving challenges in our field, KEMA remains steadfast in its mission to serve as a unifying force, bringing together professionals from various disciplines to collectively strengthen our preparedness, response, and recovery capabilities.

I envision the following core objectives for KEMA:

  • Education: Prioritization of the continuous professional development of emergency management practitioners, ensuring they are equipped with the most up-to-date knowledge and skills to respond effectively to evolving challenges.
  • Collaboration: Fostering open communication and cooperation among stakeholders to encourage a holistic approach to emergency management, effectively pooling resources, and expertise for collective success.
  • Partnerships: To seek out and cultivate strong partnerships to enhance our collective ability to mitigate, respond to, and recover from emergencies.
  • Excellence: We are dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of excellence to position KEMA as a benchmark for proficiency and effectiveness in emergency management practices.

Hence, I humbly implore each of you to serve as a beacon in the endeavor of recruiting individuals and organizations engaged in any aspect of emergency and disaster preparedness, response, and recovery to join the ranks of the Keystone Emergency Management Association. Your active involvement and advocacy will play a pivotal role in expanding our community, fostering collaboration, and fortifying the collective expertise within our Association.

Finally, I as each of you to consider joining one or more of the following Committees:

Standing Committees as required by the KEMA Bylaws:

  • 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.

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 legislation and policy.

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 that unites and oversees various essential subcommittees. This overarching committee reflects the diverse sectors within KEMA’s membership, ensuring comprehensive representation and engagement in the field of emergency preparedness. The primary purpose of the Integrated Representation Committee is to facilitate the collaboration and alignment of efforts across multiple subcommittees, each addressing specific facets of emergency preparedness and homeland security. By assembling the chairs of the subcommittees, this committee ensures that all sectors are well-represented and have a unified voice within KEMA. This committee shall also be responsible for developing the strategic plan of the Association on an annual basis.

The Subcommittees shall be:

  • 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.

Please visit https://forms.office.com/g/Cs6Eu39NqR by December 31, 2023, and designate at least one Committee to join. The vitality of our Association hinges on the active engagement and insights of its members. The Executive Board earnestly seeks your voice and contributions to enhance the support provided to every emergency preparedness, response, and recovery professional across the Commonwealth. Your involvement is instrumental in fortifying the collective strength of our community, and together, we can elevate the effectiveness of our shared mission.

Sincerely,
Bob Gerlach, KEMA President