As Chair of the Government Affairs Committee for the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM), Macon-Bibb County Emergency Management Agency Director Spencer Hawkins recently testified before the Senate Homeland & Governmental Affairs Committee Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations in Washington, D.C.

Hawkins was invited to testify following a background meeting with congressional staff, where he discussed the importance of strong partnerships between local, state, and federal emergency management agencies. After that discussion, Hawkins worked with IAEM leadership to develop his opening statement and overall message for the committee.

During the hearing, which focused on lessons learned one year after the Palisades Fire, Hawkins emphasized that emergency management is locally led, state supported, and federally funded, and that predictability in federal policy and funding is critical for communities preparing for future disasters.

Hawkins highlighted the role of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in training, preparedness, disaster response, recovery, and mitigation, noting that local governments rely on stable partnerships to effectively protect residents before, during, and after emergencies.

“I feel honored being able to represent my profession and the more than 5,000 members of the International Association of Emergency Managers,” said Hawkins. “Being able to bring a spotlight to the critical partnerships that exist between local, state, and federal agencies is what helps keep our communities prepared and protected.”