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Vote
Mary Jo Flynn-Nevins
for
Second Vice President

Add your name to pledge your support for Mary Jo today!

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VISION FOR SECOND VICE PRESIDENT

As a candidate for Second Vice President, my vision is to create an inclusive and dynamic professional organization where every member feels empowered to contribute and engage. I believe that our organization's strength lies in its members' active participation, and it is our leadership's responsibility to facilitate and encourage involvement. My campaign is built on the principle that you get from the organization what you give to it. I am committed to ensuring that every member has the opportunity to make a meaningful impact.​

Key Reasons to Support Mary Jo

  • Proven Experience: I have over 20 years of emergency management experience in local government, consulting, and training. As the Chief of Emergency Services for Sacramento County, I serve a vibrant community of 1.6 million people in the state's capitol. I have led us through floods, wildfires, earthquakes, civil unrest, presidential visits, pandemics, outbreaks, and more. Additionally, I received recognition by my peers with awards including IAEM Region 9 Citation, California Emergency Services Association Gold Award, and Government Social Media Association Top Social Media Advocate in Government. I twice participated in workshops at the invitation of the White House to explore the use of technology in emergency and disaster management. 

  • Dedication to the Profession: I have consistently demonstrated my commitment to emergency management, ensuring that the needs of professionals are always prioritized. My dedication to the profession is unwavering, and I am passionate about advancing it.

  • Experienced Policy Leader: With extensive experience in critical areas such as Government Affairs and Emerging Technology, I possess the knowledge necessary to navigate complex issues effectively. My background equips me to address our challenges, and advocate for policies that benefit our members.

  • Honest Broker: People trust me to speak the truth and advocate for what is needed within the organization. I am a reliable voice for the profession. I am committed to transparency and honesty in all my dealings.

  • Commitment to Collaboration: I believe in fostering a strong network of professionals, emphasizing the importance of caring for of one another in our work. Collaboration is key to our success, and I am dedicated to building and maintaining these vital connections.

  • Commitment to Transparency: I am dedicated to encouraging participation by ensuring every member has access and is actively encouraged to voice their concerns and engage with the organization. Transparency is essential to building trust and fostering a sense of community. 

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Together, we can create a vibrant, inclusive, and impactful professional organization. I am excited about the opportunity to serve as your Second Vice President and to work alongside you to achieve our shared goals.​

 

Meet the Candidate

Mary Jo Flynn-Nevins

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1 / June 30, 2025 at 12:00 PM PT
2 / July 11, 2025 at 1:30 PM PT
3 / July 25, 2025 at 12:00 PM PD

BLOG

CAMPAIGN PRIORITIES

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Policy Advocacy

Connecting IAEM members and thoughtfully advocating for critical policy changes that benefit the profession and our communities. 

Image by Christina @ wocintechchat.com

Innovation

Commitment to ensure IAEM is fostering and developing member capabilities regarding technology and being a leading innovator.

Elevating the Profession

Advocating for enhanced standards that elevate our commitment to one another in our network and our profession as a whole. 

Pledge Your Support

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Name
Title
Region
Why I support Mary Jo
Annette Bedsworth
Director
9
Best person for the job
Brian Walker
Emergency Manager
9
Although there are many highly skilled professionals in our field, what separates Mary Jo from the pack is her leadership, dedication and commitment to EXCELLENCE for our profession. I strongly believe that a vote for Mary Jo is a vote for advancing the advocacy, capabilities and professionalism of IAEM into the future!
Bruce Lockwood
Senior Manager, Planning & Preparedness at IEM
1
Mary Jo is a proven leader in emergency management whose dedication, integrity, and vision have consistently advanced our profession. Her collaborative spirit and ability to bring people together are exactly what IAEM needs to continue strengthening its role as the voice of emergency management across the nation and around the globe. She brings not only years of experience but also a clear commitment to mentoring, innovation, and advancing the next generation of professionals. I have no doubt that, in this role, she will continue to elevate our field and ensure IAEM remains a leader in shaping emergency management policy and practice.
Dave Donnelly
Emergency Management Officer
4
I met Mary Jo almost 3 years ago in a FEMA executive Academy. She demonstrated excellent leadership skills and emergency management knowledge throughout the course. Since that our cohort has remained in contact with each other and we consult each other on several issues impacting members management. I have reached out to Mary Jo regarding the work they did on the project in the Academy to utilize at our local office. I am also a member of the government affairs committee in which Mary Jo chairs and continues to lead us keeping us inform of critical issues in our field.
Dr. Arthur J. Simental
Emergency Management Consultant, Founder & CEO
8
Mary is one of the finest Emergency Management professionals I have ever met. She offers unique experience, is progressive and forward looking. Her expertise would significantly help IAEM navigate future uncertainty with her strong government affairs and advocacy background. I fully support Mary and endorse her campaign.
Drew Chandler
EMA Director
4
Mary Jo is an experienced practitioner and catalyst leader, inspiring those around her to act.
Janie Smith
Emergency Manager
9
She is passionate and has shown proven results time after time.
Jeff DuVall
Director
9
Mary Jo has over 20 years of experience in emergency management. She is a dedicated leader, committed to advancing the profession of emergency management through collaboration, policy, and mentoring the next generation on the key importance of the profession. She is trustworthy, transparent, and just what the members of IAEM need for a second VP!
Jim Yoke
Emergency Services Manager
9
She's sharp. She knows her stuff. She has integrity. Mary Jo is one of those people, who when they talk, I listen. I suspect that all of us have a group of people that we consider our all stars. Those are the people that you automatically think of as the people that you have total respect for, and who you think of as the best of the best in your chosen profession. Mary Jo has always been one of my all stars. She's going to be great for the IAEM (actually, she already is). Vote for Mary Jo!
Jon Shear
CEO/Founder ReadyZoneHQ
9
MaryJo has been a dedicated member, showcasing exceptional commitment, particularly through her impactful contributions to the Government Affairs Committee. Her experience and passion make her a valuable candidate for this role.
Kathy Tam
Corporate Client Engagement & Marketing Liaison
9
I support Mary Jo Flynn because she is a dedicated, humble, and passionate leader that talks the talk and walks the walk. She is a person of integrity and supports all humans.
Kimberly Campbell
Emergency Manager
9
I have attended NEMEA (Executive Academy) and worked on projects with MaryJo, she will be an outstanding candidate.
Lenora Borchardt
EM & Professor of EM
5
Mary Jo is the leader we need to help guide IAEM into the future. Our field is in flux and her leadership of the Governmental Affairs Cmte has prepared her to lead actionable initiatives that will have impact. She has my full and enthusiastic support!
Matt Green
Emergency Manager & Host of the State of Disaster Podcast
10
I’ve known Mary Jo for over ten years. Throughout that time, she has been one of the leading forces for emergency management innovation and continuous improvement. Her work and advocacy as the Chair of the Government Affairs Committee has been one of the most impressive and TANGIBLE benefits of being an IAEM member. This is what we need on a national scale.
Paul Kent
Retired Emergency Manager
9
I was a fairly new EM for a large city in central California, located in the same county/region of responsibility Mary Jo was assigned. Her mentorship, knowledge and “can do” approach helped me develop my EM skills and bring my city to a respected EM level of awareness and to be called upon for assistance or cross functional partnerships. Mary Jo led the entire county through not only several disasters but COVID. I was stuck with a remote EOC team and had no clue of how to facilitate a COVID pandemic response/requirements remotely. Mary Jo singlehanded took on the task, with energy and spirit to assist not only her own county of responsibilities but to ensure the cities within her county/area of responsibility had the resources and ability to navigate through the pandemic with a “trust the process” approach. Mary Jo has strong leadership traits and a wealth of knowledge that would be valuable to this position. Her knowledge has been gained by being innovative, forward thinking, allowing insight, team oriented, creative, transparent and best practices creating “Gold Standards”. She would be an excellent choice and highly recommended by so many! Please accept my vote of sincere confidence as Mary Jo will be an ideal leader for this VP position.
Peter Perez
Director of Emergency Management
8
I proudly support Mary Jo for IAEM Second Vice President. Her deep experience, steady leadership, and unwavering commitment to the emergency management profession make her the right choice to help guide our association forward. Mary Jo leads with integrity, fosters collaboration, and brings a clear vision for strengthening our field and empowering our members.
Ryan Rockabrand
Emergency Manager
3
Mary Jo is the right person for the job!
Sarah Miller
Associate Professor/EM Consultant
10
I have known Mary Jo for many years, having met her via the IAEM Emerging Technology Caucus. I trust her to lead our organization through the changes that are coming to emergency management.
Sarah Russell
Commissioner
7
I have known MJ for many years and have found her to be a very involved and knowledgeable emergency manager. She has been very generous in helping to advance the field, and I know her to be a trustworthy colleague who has always been accessible when I have reached out to her.
Spencer Hawkins
Emergency Management Director
4
I have worked with MJ for the last year on the Government Affairs Committee (GAC) and have been consistently impressed with her knowledge and drive for the profession of emergency management. She has led the GAC through some of the most tumultuous times on the legislative and policy side. She will be a great advocate for IAEM and emergency managers everywhere.
Todd Wyckoff
Director, Emergency Preparedness - Coastal Health District
4
Her strength and openness to discuss any of our professional issues.

 

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