FRAMINGHAM, MA — Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Acting Director Dawn Brantley has been appointed to serve as Co-Chair of the National Emergency Management Association (NEMA) Diversity and Equity Committee. The focus of the Diversity and Equity Committee is to identify opportunities to advance diversity and inclusion in the workforce; and ensure equity and accessibility of emergency management policies and programs.

“I am honored to be selected to serve as Co-Chair of the NEMA Diversity and Equity Committee and I look forward to helping drive policy to ensure inclusive and equitable emergency management,” said Acting Director Brantley. “In addition to this committee work on national level policy and practices, MEMA will continue to prioritize and advance its work on equity and inclusion in emergency management programs and services here in Massachusetts through comprehensive planning, policies, and training.”

With over 14 years in emergency management at the local, regional, state, and federal levels, Acting Director Brantley is a national expert in accessible and inclusive emergency management. She has responded to 21 disasters in multiple states; implemented inclusive programs and services at local, regional, and state levels; and championed progress in accessibility and equity both agency-wide at MEMA and across the country. Brantley will co-chair the committee with Curtis Brown, co-founder of the Institute for Diversity and Inclusion in Emergency Management (I-DIEM) and previous State Coordinator for Virginia Department of Emergency Management.

NEMA is a national association dedicated to enhancing public safety by improving the nation’s ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from all emergencies, disasters, and threats to our nation’s security. NEMA committees, including the Diversity and Equity Committee, meet to discuss, debate, and take positions on national emergency management policy issues. Throughout NEMA’s history, its policy statements have influenced national policies, programs and legislation to benefit the states.

About MEMA

MEMA is the state agency charged with ensuring the state is prepared to withstand, respond to, and recover from all types of emergencies and disasters, including natural hazards, accidents, deliberate attacks, and technological and infrastructure failures. MEMA’s staff of professional planners, communications specialists and operations and support personnel is committed to an all hazards approach to emergency management. By building and sustaining effective partnerships with federal, state and local government agencies, and with the private sector – individuals, families, non-profits and businesses – MEMA ensures the Commonwealth’s ability to rapidly recover from large and small disasters by assessing and mitigating threats and hazards, enhancing preparedness, ensuring effective response, and strengthening our capacity to rebuild and recover. For additional information about MEMA and Emergency Preparedness, go to www.mass.gov/mema.

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Source: MEMA press release.