|
VEMA Members, It is truly an honor to serve as President of the Virginia Emergency Management Association. VEMA has long been a cornerstone for collaboration, professional development, and advocacy across the Commonwealth, and I am excited for the opportunity to build on that strong foundation alongside each of you. As we look ahead, one of our top priorities is ensuring that the voice of Virginia’s emergency management community is clearly heard and meaningfully represented. With upcoming General Assembly-directed work to study the current state of emergency management and identify future needs for the Commonwealth, it is more important than ever that we, as a profession, are aligned and engaged. I strongly encourage each of you to stay connected with VEMA through your regional board representatives. They serve as a critical link between the membership and the Board, helping to elevate your perspectives, identify challenges, and shape our collective priorities. Whether it’s sharing ideas, raising concerns, or highlighting successes in your locality, your engagement through your regional representatives ensures that VEMA remains responsive and effective in its mission. I would also be remiss if I did not recognize the tremendous success of the 2026 Virginia Emergency Management Symposium (VEMS). This year marked the second-largest attendance in the event’s history, a testament to the strength, relevance, and continued growth of our profession. The energy, knowledge-sharing, and partnerships on display at VEMS 2026 reflect exactly why VEMA exists and why our work matters. As President, my focus is simple: listen, advocate, and deliver value to our members. Whether you are new to the field or a seasoned professional, your perspective is essential to the continued advancement of emergency management in Virginia. Thank you for the work you do every day to serve your communities and for the opportunity to serve you in this role. Will Drewery, MA, CEM
|