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 - Click here for Previous President's Message |
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!