Our StoryFor nearly seven decades, FEPA has served as Florida’s premier network for emergency managers. From our first gathering in 1956 to the statewide conferences and training programs we host today, one thing has never changed: our commitment to connecting people who serve. Note: We are still gathering details on our early history, so this section is lighter in the 1950s–1970s and becomes more detailed as the modern era of emergency management takes shape. 1941: Florida Legislature creates the Florida Civil Defense Council Act, establishing a State Defense Council to coordinate preparedness during WWII.
1956: The Florida Emergency Preparedness Association (FEPA) is founded as five county Civil Defense Directors met in Orlando, sparking the organization of what became the Florida Civil Defense Association, later FEPA. The group’s early purpose was knowledge exchange and fellowship, but quickly grew into a unified voice advocating for local authority and fair funding.
1959–1960: Under President Bob Betts, FEPA guides discussions during one of Florida’s first major statewide disasters: Hurricane Donna (1960). Annual meetings and leadership rotations help solidify FEPA as a trusted professional forum.
Leaders like Al Martin (1962) and Al Keaton (1966) helped institutionalize training and collaboration.
By the end of the decade, FEPA was recognized statewide as the professional voice of emergency preparedness. Presidents from across Florida’s counties, such as George Duck (1970), Tom Chapman (1972), and Phillip Thompson (1975), grew membership and formalized the association’s role in statewide planning.
1972–1973: Florida begins shifting emergency management responsibilities from civil defense to a broader, all-hazards approach, with FEPA members at the center of the transition.
1974: The State Disaster Preparedness Act (Chapter 252, F.S.) centralized power at the state level, initially rescinding counties’ authority to declare local emergencies. FEPA and local directors strongly opposed this overreach.
1979: George Allen presides as FEPA helps counties respond to severe weather events and establishes stronger links with state partners. FEPA leaders like Bucky Atkinson (1980), Guy Daines (1987), and Keith Holman (1989) oversee a decade where emergency management transitions into a recognized profession in Florida.
1980: Florida required counties to establish special needs registries for residents needing extra help in disasters — an early recognition of whole-community planning.
1981–1982: Under FEPA President Robert Lewis, members fought funding inequities that threatened local EM offices, leading to legislative hearings and eventual reforms.
1985: Carl Aleck leads FEPA during the development of stronger hurricane planning standards.
Late 1980s: FEPA becomes a consistent partner with state government on planning, training, and legislative issues. 1991: FEPA elected the first female association President: Kathleen Hale.
1992: Under President Craig Fugate, FEPA members play pivotal roles during and after Hurricane Andrew, an event that transforms emergency management in Florida and across the nation.
1992–1993: In the wake of Andrew and the “No Name Storm” in Florida’s Big Bend, the Lewis Commission Report recommends sweeping legislative reforms. These changes strengthen local authority and create stable funding through the Emergency Management, Preparedness, and Assistance (EMPA) Trust Fund, launching the modern era of emergency management in Florida.
1993–1997: Presidents Fred Murphy, John Wilson, David Miller, John King, and Michelle Baker expand FEPA’s training programs and statewide conferences, ensuring lessons from recent disasters are embedded into practice across Florida.
1998–1999: Under Presidents David Cash and Karen Windon, FEPA adopts the Certification Program, launching the Florida Professional Emergency Manager (FPEM) and Florida Associate Emergency Manager (FAEM) designations. The first certifications are awarded in 1999 at Daytona Beach. Late 1990s–early 2000s: FEPA launches its first Emergency Management Academy, introducing a new standard for immersive, hands-on training. The Academy provided intensive coursework and practical exercises, setting the foundation for a professional development program that continues to prepare Florida’s emergency managers today.
2001: Florida loses one of its own with the passing of Gary S. Arnold, Collier County’s Emergency Management Coordinator. In 2001, FEPA created the Gary Arnold Emergency Management Service Award to honor groups or individuals who demonstrate selfless service and a spirit of collaboration.
2002: A major reorganization aligns FEPA’s structure with its growing membership. Certification expands to include Florida’s first credential for volunteers (FEMV), recognizing the vital role of unpaid professionals.
2004: Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne hit Florida in a single season. FEPA members are on the frontlines, and the Association strengthens its reputation as the state’s backbone of professional collaboration.
2005–2009: Presidents Linda Stoughton, Tony Carper, Richard Smith, James Ryan, and Lori Vun Kannon oversee the addition of new working groups, stronger ties with the Governor’s Hurricane Conference, and expanded recognition through annual awards. 2010–2015: Presidents Charles Tear, Gerald “Jerry” Smith, Anne Miller, Ron Mills, Scott Garner, and Mitch Smeykal lead FEPA through a new decade of innovation, building specialized working groups (Healthcare, WebEOC, Higher Education) and strengthening advocacy.
2010: FEPA mourns the loss of Chad Reed, Dixie County’s Emergency Management Director. At only 33, Chad was killed in the line of duty while serving with the Dixie County Sheriff’s Office.
2011: In Chad’s honor, FEPA establishes its highest recognition, the Chad Reed Emergency Management Professional of the Year Award, presented annually to professionals whose leadership, service, and impact embody Chad’s enduring spirit.
2014: FEPA launches the first County Emergency Management Directors & Key Staff course in memory of Brevard County Emergency Management Director Bob Lay, inspiring hands-on training designed to cultivate future generations of EM leaders.
2017: Under President Paul Womble, FEPA introduces Intern Day and expands mentoring opportunities for new professionals.
2018–2019: Under President Mary Blakeney, FEPA responds to Hurricane Michael, prompting the creation of the Mutual Aid Support Team (F-MAST). The Mentorship Program officially launches in 2018. 2020–2021: President John Scott leads FEPA through the COVID-19 pandemic, shifting training and mid-year sessions online while members serve on the frontlines of response. FEPA launches a Legislative Working Group, strengthens advocacy during Emergency Management Day at the Capitol, refreshes branding via a Communications Subgroup, and implements an electronic voting system.
2022: President Michele Jones oversees the relaunch of the Intermediate Emergency Management Academy with localized content at the Flagler County EOC, celebrates national recognition for the WebEOC Working Group, and introduces a new Certification Application Portal. During Hurricanes Ian and Nicole, F-MAST activates; FEPA opens a donations portal, secures $125,000 from the Florida Disaster Fund for the FEPA Family Fund, and launches Peer-to-Peer Mental Health training.
2023–2024: President Shannon Weiner oversees continued growth in membership, training, and statewide collaboration. FEPA members respond to Hurricanes Idalia, Debby, Helene, and Milton.
2025: President Jonathan Lord leads FEPA into its 70th anniversary year, building on a legacy of service, connection, and leadership across Florida. |