Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA)

There was a full house this morning at the MEMA West Regional Office for the Quarterly Emergency Management Directors (EMD) Meeting. Members of the Massachusetts Wing of the Civil Air Patrol shared resources and capabilities available to assist communities with a variety of emergency response and recovery operations, and the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation's Bureau of Forest Fire Control demonstrated tools to assess wildfire risk and promoted public education programs to get communities and homeowners involved in wildfire mitigation. #ThisIsEM

MEMA's Fleet Coordinator manages and maintains the agency's vehicle fleet, ensuring personnel have reliable transportation. They oversee fleet logistics, maintenance, and deployment to support daily activities and disaster response and recovery efforts across the state. #WeAreEM

As communities prepare to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord with large-scale events across multiple jurisdictions, local, state, federal and non-government public safety partners came together last week for a functional emergency preparedness exercise. “The Exercise Heard Round the World” tested several core capabilities, including situational awareness, logistics and supply chain management, operations coordination, and public information and warning. “This exercise represents nearly two years of planning, collaboration, and commitment to public safety. It’s more than a test of plans—it’s a testament to the dedication and expertise of our public safety professionals,” said MEMA Director Dawn Brantley. Thank you to all the agencies, volunteers and community partners who each play an important role in preparing for safe and successful celebrations in April. #MA250 #ThisIsEM

Last week, emergency management professionals from MEMA and the City of Boston had the incredible opportunity to visit the National Hurricane Center for a comprehensive seminar on hurricane forecasting, preparedness, and response planning. MEMA Local Coordinator Matthew Kolhonen and City of Boston Office of Emergency Management Deputy Chief Matthew Kearney saw firsthand how NHC specialists track and forecast hurricanes and learned how to apply critical data to evacuation planning. Collaboration and training like this are key to ensuring informed, data-driven emergency response plans. Thanks to the NHC team and FEMA for sharing their expertise and equipping us with the tools to better protect our communities! #WeAreEM

Congratulations to the Office of Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey on last night’s State of the Commonwealth address - MEMA is proud to be part of Team Massachusetts! We’re heading into 2025 inspired by what we accomplished in 2024 and motivated to help MA be even more prepared and resilient. Check out ????????'?? ???????? ???????????? ???????????? to learn more about what the agency was up to last year and how we’re working to help residents, businesses, and communities prepare for, respond to and recover from all types of emergencies: https://lnkd.in/eeNx6VwZ

MEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Unit works to identify potential vulnerability to threats and hazards across Massachusetts and helps communities implement plans and projects to minimize the impact of disasters and other emergencies. For the last #MitigationMonday of 2024, we look back at some of their accomplishments!

Congratulations to MEMA East Local Coordinator Nate Cochran, who received the Public Safety Partner Award from the Town of Dartmouth Emergency Management Agency for providing guidance and going above and beyond when supporting critical incidents. Emergency Management Director Tim Sheehan presented the award. #WeAreEM

?? Celebrating Dedication: MEMA’s Long-Term Achievement Award ?? We are honored to recognize Ben Hiltunen as the recipient of Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA)'s Long-Term Achievement Award! This award highlights seasoned employees who have dedicated 10+ years to MEMA, showcasing outstanding achievements and unwavering commitment throughout their careers. With an incredible 22 years of service, Ben has become a cornerstone of MEMA. His remarkable contributions include: ? A deep well of institutional knowledge that guides and strengthens our work ? Regularly going above and beyond—whether taking the night shift, giving up weekends, or volunteering to ensure every task is completed ? Mentoring and shaping the next generation of planners at MEMA Ben’s unique sense of humor has kept us laughing (and sometimes speechless!), while his leadership and dedication have inspired us all. MEMA wouldn’t be the agency it is today without his enduring commitment and contributions. Thank you, Ben, for your extraordinary service, and thank you to David Bryant for nominating such an exceptional colleague. #WeAreEM #Dedication #Leadership

?? Honoring Leadership: MEMA’s Leadership Award ?? A big congratulations to Shelly OToole, recipient of Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA)'s Leadership Award! This award recognizes employees who demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities, fostering teamwork and driving success both within their units and across the agency. As the Hazard Mitigation Unit Supervisor, Shelly’s leadership over the past year has been instrumental in navigating a period of unprecedented growth and complexity. Her contributions include: ? Managing 142 open projects with over $50 million in reimbursements pending ? Overseeing 26 pending projects valued at nearly $150 million ? Initiating over 25 new projects this year alone, worth nearly $20 million Shelly now oversees a portfolio exceeding $300 million—the largest in the Mitigation Unit’s history. Shelly’s remarkable leadership is evident in how she: ? Delegates effectively, supporting her team and fostering professional growth ? Navigates FEMA regulations with expertise, helping communities unlock critical infrastructure funding ? Advocates passionately for the Mitigation Unit, engaging with communities, state and federal officials, and partners Her ability to lead with vision, balance priorities, and create a collaborative and supportive environment has had an extraordinary impact on MEMA’s mission and the success of the Mitigation Unit. Special thanks to Simon van Leeuwen PMP for nominating such an outstanding leader. Shelly, thank you for your hard work, dedication, and leadership—your contributions make a difference every day! #WeAreEM #ExceptionalLeadership #MakingAnImpact

?Celebrating Innovation: MEMA’s Innovator Award ? We’re excited to honor Michael Enko, CFM as the recipient of Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA)'s Innovator Award! This award recognizes individuals who bring groundbreaking ideas to life, driving positive change and advancing our mission in new and impactful ways. In his 2.5+ years with MEMA, Mike has consistently demonstrated exceptional creativity and strategic thinking. His key contributions include: ? Developing innovative approaches to grant funding maximization, delivering significant benefits to communities—especially through the FEMA Swift Current program ? Leveraging his technical expertise to solve complex technology challenges for his unit ? Going above and beyond his role by taking on additional responsibilities, such as managing vendor Request for Response processes Mike’s commitment to innovation and teamwork is an inspiration to us all, and his efforts are making a lasting impact on MEMA’s mission. Special thanks to Shelly OToole for nominating such a deserving recipient! #WeAreEM #InnovationInAction