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The Awards & Recognition Committee of the U.S. Council of the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM-USA) has selected Ashley Tye, AEM, for the IAEM-USA 2025 Clayton R. Christopher Memorial Award. The award will be presented at the 73rd IAEM Annual Conference & EMEX in Louisville, Kentucky.

2025 IAEM-USA Clayton R. Christopher Memorial Award Recipient: Ashley Tye, AEM

Ashley has served the constituents of Lowndes County, Georgia, for over two decades, being designated the county’s first full-time emergency management director in 2007. As the director, he oversaw the development and implementation of all-hazards emergency plans, coordinated countywide preparedness and response efforts, and managed multi-agency operations during major disasters and emergencies. He led the Emergency Operations Center through multiple federally declared disasters and numerous local incidents, including large-scale responses to hurricanes, pandemics, and severe weather events.

Most recent declarations included Hurricanes Idalia, Debby, and Helene—all of which required complex, multi-agency coordination and long-term recovery strategies to meet the needs of disaster survivors while building community resilience. In addition to his efforts at home, Ashley always stepped up— deploying to assist others during six additional disasters—demonstrating his untiring commitment to service not just in Lowndes County but across Georgia.

Over his career, Ashley worked closely with local partners and stakeholders to prioritize planning, training, and exercises that enhanced whole community readiness. His professionalism, proactive approach, and dedication to continuous improvement make Ashley an invaluable asset to everyone, not just other emergency managers. Outside of work, Ashley’s leadership as a youth sports coach and his involvement in other faith-based activities exemplified his selfless spirit, making him an actual role model for all.

The Clayton R. Christopher Memorial Award recognizes the career achievements of an emergency management director/coordinator at the local level of government for outstanding contributions and commitment to a local emergency management program.

For an official copy of this press release, please contact Dawn Shiley, CAE.

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