October 16, 2025

NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The Arkansas Division of Emergency Management (ADEM) is proud to announce that Director AJ Gary is now serving as the President of the National Emergency Management Association (NEMA). His appointment to this national leadership role highlights Director Gary’s proven dedication to disaster response, preparedness, and coordination, both in Arkansas and across the country.

As President of NEMA, Director Gary represents emergency management professionals nationwide, guiding conversations on best practices, federal partnerships, and policy decisions that impact all states and territories. The position plays a vital role in fostering collaboration between local, state, and national agencies to strengthen resilience and improve disaster preparedness.

“I am honored to serve in this role and to represent not only Arkansas, but the entire emergency management community across the nation,” Director Gary said. “This opportunity allows us to share lessons learned, strengthen partnerships, and ensure that every state and territory is better prepared in the future.” 

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 United States to the state’s capital city, providing an opportunity to showcase Arkansas’s readiness, innovation, and hospitality.

“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,” said Governor Sanders. “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.”

This marks the second time in 15 years that Arkansas will serve in this role.

“Serving as NEMA President is also a tremendous opportunity to highlight Arkansas on the national stage,” Gary said. “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.”

The National Emergency Management Association 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. NEMA works to improve the nation’s ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters by fostering collaboration and advocating for resilient communities across the country. Director Gary has led ADEM since 2016, overseeing the state’s response to natural disasters, public safety incidents, and large-scale emergencies. His role as NEMA President underscores Arkansas’s continued contribution to strengthening the nation’s emergency management system.

The Arkansas Division of Emergency Management (ADEM) is the state’s homeland security and preparedness agency. The agency works to identify and lessen the effects of emergencies, disasters and threats to Arkansas by developing effective prevention, preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery actions for all disasters and emergencies. For additional information, contact ADEM at (501) 683-6700 or visit the website at www.adem.arkansas.gov.