The Arkansas Division of Emergency Management (ADEM) announced Thursday that its director A.J. Gary is now serving as the president of the National Emergency Management Association (NEMA).
As president of NEMA, Gary represents emergency management professionals nationwide, guiding conversations on best practices, federal partnerships and policy decisions that impact all states and territories.
The position aims to foster collaboration between local, state and national agencies to strengthen resilience and improve disaster preparedness.
Arkansas will also take the national stage in 2026 when Little Rock hosts the NEMA Annual Conference. This event will bring emergency management leaders from across the country to Arkansas. This marks the second time in 15 years that Arkansas will serve in the role.
““This opportunity allows us to share lessons learned, strengthen partnerships, and ensure that every state and territory is better prepared in the future,” Gary said in a press release.
NEMA is a nonpartisan, nonprofit association of emergency management and homeland security professionals representing all 50 states, eight U.S. territories and the District of Columbia. It works to improve the nation’s ability to prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters.
“Director AJ Gary’s appointment as President of the National Emergency Management Association is a testament to a lifetime of service spent protecting Arkansans and strengthening public safety,” Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders said in the press release. “He’s an incredible leader who knows how to bring local, state and federal partners together when it matters most. I know he’ll represent Arkansas with excellence and continue building partnerships that keep our communities safe.”
Gary has led ADEM since 2016, overseeing the state’s response to natural disasters, public safety incidents and large-scale emergencies. As NEMA president, he will aim to highlight Arkansas’ contribution to strengthening the nation’s emergency management system.
“Serving as NEMA president is also a tremendous opportunity to highlight Arkansas on the national stage,” Gary said in the release. “I’m proud to showcase the dedication, professionalism and innovation of our state’s emergency management team as we continue working alongside our partners across the country.”
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