The Need to Professionalize Emergency Management
When I first began my work in emergency management, I was struck by how deeply dedicated and capable the people in this field are—and yet how unevenly the profession itself is recognized. Despite the best intentions of committed leaders, the deployments I helped lead often encountered disorganization due to the absence of consistent professional tenets—certification, but not licensure; education, but not standardized education like we see in other public safety fields.
We are a community of public safety professionals—first responders, planners, educators, and leaders—who step up in moments of crisis. But, unlike other disciplines, emergency management has never had a formal structure to define its scope of practice, standards for education, or pathways for professional growth. That realization inspired me to take on the effort to help professionalize emergency management through legislation.
Bridging Classroom Learning and Real-World Response
As both a practitioner and educator, I’ve seen the field from multiple angles. My classroom discussions with students often mirror real-world challenges—coordination gaps, communication barriers, and the need for stronger, evidence-based leadership. I once deployed frequently, and now I see my students answering the call—most recently to major disasters like Hurricane Harvey. These experiences shaped the ideas behind the bill I wrote, refined with the support of Representative David Vieira, calling for the creation of a Special Commission on the Field of Emergency Management in Massachusetts.
A Landmark Bill for the Emergency Management Profession
On October 22, 2025, The Joint Committee on Emergency Preparedness & Management will hold a hybrid public hearing on Resolve 885 – Resolve providing for a special commission on the field of emergency management.
In simple terms, this bill would bring together experts from higher education, state and local agencies, and the emergency management community to study how the Commonwealth can define and strengthen the profession. It’s about setting a foundation—clarifying what it means to be an emergency manager, outlining training standards, and ensuring the field is equipped to meet today’s complex risks.
Setting a National Example for Emergency Management Policy
If passed, this legislation would mark a significant step toward recognizing emergency management as a distinct and essential profession—one that protects communities and supports all other disciplines. It would also serve as a model for other states, many of which are watching Massachusetts’ progress closely. We hope federal legislation will follow, and we are ready to put in the work to lead these efforts.
As I prepare to testify on October 22, my message to lawmakers is simple: professionalization strengthens preparedness. It will help credential emergency management professionals—and ultimately, save lives.
This effort also reflects Anna Maria College’s long-standing commitment to public service and education in emergency management—a place where students learn not just how to respond, but how to lead.
Anna Maria College: Educating the Next Generation of Emergency Management Leaders
At Anna Maria College, the Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management offers students a unique opportunity to prepare for leadership roles in this critical and evolving profession. Through hands-on learning, expert faculty with real-world field experience, and close partnerships with public safety agencies, students gain the knowledge and practical skills needed to coordinate response efforts, build resilient communities, and shape public policy. Whether pursuing careers in local government, homeland security, or the private sector, graduates of Anna Maria’s Emergency Management major are equipped to meet the growing demand for trained professionals who can plan, respond, and lead with confidence in times of crisis.
Jennifer Carlson, Ph.D., CEM®, LCSW
Professor of Emergency Management, Anna Maria College
