Committees

The Annual Meeting Committee designs and delivers FEPA’s signature statewide conference, now the Florida Emergency Preparedness Conference. From training workshops to keynote speakers, the committee ensures the program reflects the needs and interests of members across Florida.

What They Do:
Plan and coordinate sessions, workshops, and networking events.
Gather input from members on topics of interest.
Support the logistics that make the conference a success.

 

Why It Matters:
The conference is FEPA’s largest gathering of professionals, creating space for learning, connection, and collaboration.

The Certification Commission oversees FEPA’s professional certification program, which recognizes emergency management practitioners at multiple levels of expertise. The Commission ensures the program reflects current practice and remains accessible to professionals from all backgrounds.

What They Do:

Review applications and approve certifications.
Update criteria to match evolving best practices.
Maintain standards of excellence and fairness in the certification process.

 

Why It Matters:
Certification validates knowledge, builds credibility, and helps elevate the profession statewide.

Contact to Get Involved:
Celeste Fournier, Certification Commission Chair | Lee County Emergency Management
Jeff Goldberg, Instructor Certification Section Vice-Chair | Walton County Emergency Management
April Taylor, Emergency Management Section Vice-Chair | City of Orlando Emergency Management
Penni Long, Certification Commission Secretary | Orange County Public Schools

The Governance Committee safeguards FEPA’s structure and integrity. By reviewing and recommending updates to by-laws and policies, the committee ensures the association remains transparent, accountable, and member-driven. 

What They Do:
Evaluate proposed changes to by-laws and policies.
Recommend updates that reflect current needs.
Support a strong and fair governance process.

 

Why It Matters:
Good governance keeps FEPA responsive to its members and future-focused.

Contact to Get Involved:
Kelly Wilson, Parliamentarian | St. Johns County Emergency Management

The Membership & Awards Committee focuses on welcoming new members, retaining current members, and recognizing outstanding contributions in the field. They also coordinate the FEPA Annual Awards program, highlighting excellence in Florida’s emergency management community. 

What They Do:

Promote and grow FEPA membership.
Manage member services and benefits.
Organize annual award nominations and presentations.

 

Why It Matters:
This committee helps grow and celebrate the FEPA Family.

Contact to Get Involved:

Kelly Wilson, Co-Chair | St. Johns County Emergency Management
Elizabeth Caison, Co-Chair | Florida Division of Emergency Management

The Nominating Committee manages the process of identifying and recommending candidates for FEPA leadership positions. By soliciting nominees and evaluating qualifications, the committee ensures fair and thoughtful leadership selection. 

What They Do:

Solicit nominations from the membership.
Review candidate qualifications.
Recommend candidates to serve as officers.

 

Why It Matters:
Leadership transitions shape the future of FEPA, and this committee ensures the process is open and member-driven.

Contact to Get Involved:
Kelly Wilson, Parliamentarian | St. Johns County Emergency Management

The Training & Professional Development Committee enhances opportunities for members to learn and grow. From designing educational programs to guiding the Emergency Management Academies, this committee advances the professional standards of the field. 

What They Do:

Develop and oversee FEPA training opportunities.
Support professional development initiatives statewide.
Ensure educational programs meet practitioner needs.

 

Why It Matters:
This committee ensures Florida’s emergency management professionals are always learning, improving, and ready to serve.

Contact to Get Involved:

Jeff Goldberg, Co-Chair | Walton County Emergency Management
Sonji Hawkins, Co-Chair | St. Lucie County Emergency Management