Alaska Emergency Management Association

Alaska Emergency Management AssociationAlaska Emergency Management AssociationAlaska Emergency Management Association

Working together to support Alaskans in times of crisis.

Alaska Emergency Management Association

Alaska Emergency Management AssociationAlaska Emergency Management AssociationAlaska Emergency Management Association

Working together to support Alaskans in times of crisis.

About AKEMA

Our Mission

Professional Certification

Training & Awards

The Alaska Emergency Management Association (AKEMA) is an emergency management nonprofit organization consisting of public sector, private industry, other nonprofits, and specialty agency partners. 

Framework

Training & Awards

Professional Certification

Training & Awards

Volunteers are the backbone of our organization. We offer a variety of training opportunities and annual awards to make a difference in the careers of our members.

Awards

Professional Certification

Professional Certification

Professional Certification

AKEMA offers a Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) credentialing program to help individuals in Alaska's emergency management community achieve their professional goals. 

Learn More

Support AKEMA Today

Your contribution will be used to ensure our members have access to high-quality training.  Every donation counts!

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Who is AKEMA? Why Join?

Serving Alaskans with AKEMA

By joining AKEMA you'll be immersed in a professional network of like-minded Alaskans who are dedicated to public service in emergency situations.  AKEMA offers Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) credentialing, an awards program, and many training resources.

AKEMA Framework Documents

AKEMA CONSTITUTION - 2019 (pdf)Download
AKEMA_CEM_Guidelines (PDF)Download
AKEMA_BYLAWS_2024 (pdf)Download
AKEMA 2025 Strategic Plan (pdf)Download

AKEMA Blogs

AKEMA Leaders

Executive Board

Southcentral: Amanda Loach, Emergency Manager, Municipality of Anchorage

Interior: Kate Janoski (Treasurer), Emergency Manager, University of Alaska Fairbanks 

Southeast: Mike Pierson, Port Security Specialist, U.S. Coast Guard, Sector Southeast Alaska

Southwest:  vacant

Far North: David Engel, Emergency Manager, North Slope Borough

Volunteer: Pete Varney, Emergency Manager, Team Rubicon

Tribal: James Benzchawel, Senior Program Manager, Emergency Preparedness, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium

At Large: Casey Cook (President), Emergency Manager, Mat-Su Borough 

At Large: Bethany Buckingham Follett (Vice President), City of Wasilla

At Large: Deb Whitethorn (Secretary), JMEPG Exercise Planner, Alaska Regional Hospital 

At Large: Brenda Ahlberg, Emergency Manager, Kenai Peninsula Borough

At Large: Jason Bauer, Emergency Manager, Mat-Su Borough 

Committees

Finance Committee: Kate Janoski (chair), Brenda Ahlberg, Bethany Buckingham Follett

Membership Committee:  Bethany Buckingham Follett (chair), Michelle Weston, James Benzschawel, Jason Bauer, Kate Janoski, Kathy Shea

Credentialing Committee: Jason Bauer (chair), Deb Whitehorn, Amanda Loach, Casey Cook, James Benzschawel

Public Outreach Committee: Audrey Gray (chair), Alyssa Farrar, Hillary Palmer, Michelle Weston, Kathy Shea, Jason Bauer, Mike Pierson

General Membership

Thank you to all our current members!

Interested in Joining AKEMA?

Membership Interest Form

AKEMA Member Photo Gallery

Vine Road damage after the November 2018 earthquake.  Photo courtesy of the Mat-Su Borough.

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