As a dedicated professional in emergency management, I am thrilled to share my candidacy for the IAEM 2nd Vice President position. My journey in this field has been driven by a profound commitment to service, a passion for innovation, and a vision for a more vital, cohesive profession. Today, I want to share why I am running and how I plan to help our profession and association become a more robust, antifragile profession.
Elevating Emergency Management as a Profession
Emergency management is a critical profession that plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and resilience of our communities. Despite its importance, our field often lacks the recognition and support it deserves. One of my primary goals is to elevate emergency management to its desired status. By advocating for greater recognition and respect for our profession, we can ensure that emergency managers are considered essential leaders in public safety and disaster response.
Promoting Professional Development
Continuous learning and professional development are the cornerstones of a robust and effective emergency management workforce. I am committed to expanding opportunities for professional growth within IAEM. This includes increasing access to training programs, workshops, and certification processes like the Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) program. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement, we can ensure that our members are well-equipped to handle the evolving challenges of our field.
Enhancing Member Engagement
IAEM is a membership-driven organization, and our strength lies in our members' active participation and engagement. I envision creating an inclusive and supportive environment where every member feels valued and heard. This involves increasing outreach to younger members and new emergency managers, providing mentorship opportunities, and encouraging perspectives from all points of view. We can drive meaningful change and innovation by harnessing our members' collective expertise and enthusiasm.
Advocating for Policy and Resource Support
Effective emergency management requires adequate resources and supportive policies. As 2nd Vice President, I will work tirelessly to advocate for the necessary funding, tools, and legislative support that our profession needs. This includes engaging with policymakers, building strategic partnerships, and raising public awareness about the critical role of emergency management. Together, we can influence the policies and decisions impacting our work and communities.
Building on Our Successes
IAEM has a strong foundation of success, thanks to our members' and leaders' dedication and hard work. Under the guidance of the team I built in Region 9, we have seen significant growth in membership, increased certifications, and enhanced visibility through various initiatives. I aim to build on these achievements, bringing fresh ideas and energy to advance our profession further. Learning from our past successes and addressing our current challenges can pave the way for a brighter future.
Listening to Your Needs
Ultimately, my candidacy is about serving you – the members of IAEM. I am committed to listening to your needs, concerns, and aspirations. Your feedback is essential in shaping our vision and ensuring our organization remains responsive and relevant. I invite you to share your thoughts on how we can improve and grow as a profession.
I am running for IAEM's second Vice President because I believe in our profession's transformative power. Together, we can elevate our profession, advocate for the resources and recognition we deserve, and create a brighter future for all emergency managers. Let's make our voices heard and our impact felt.
Visit www.toddtdevoe.com to learn more about my vision and how you can get involved. Your participation and feedback are invaluable as we work towards our shared goals.
Join us in shaping the future of emergency management. Together, we are stronger.
Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
Todd T. DeVoe
IAEM 2nd Vice President Candidate