IAEM-USA Announces the 2025 Rising Star Award

The Awards & Recognition Committee of the U.S. Council of the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM-USA) has selected Tonya Clarke for the IAEMUSA 2025 Rising Star Award. The award will be presented at the 73rd IAEM Annual Conference & EMEX in Louisville, Kentucky.

IAEM-USA Rising Star Award Recipient: Tonya Clarke, CEM

Tonya Clarke embodies the next generation of leadership in emergency management, demonstrating
extraordinary commitment, innovation, and influence in just a few years. Her work spans disaster
response, recovery, and community resilience across multiple jurisdictions, earning her a reputation as a
collaborative and compassionate leader.

Tonya’s leadership during the Texas Panhandle Fire is a defining moment in her career. She successfully
coordinated multiple non-profits and Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) partners to
establish a Multi-Agency Resource Center, ensuring rapid, organized support for affected communities.
Her pivotal role in helping the City of Houston achieve Emergency Management Accreditation Program
accreditation, along with her humanitarian efforts during the Houston/Harris County Derecho and
Hurricane Beryl, further demonstrate her dedication to public service and operational excellence.

As a Regional Recovery Coordinator with the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), Tonya
has managed over $1 billion in FEMA projects—bringing both technical expertise and strategic vision to
complex recovery efforts. Beyond her core responsibilities, she has developed innovative training
programs for new emergency managers, designed creative approaches to COVID-19 testing in El Paso,
and established lasting partnerships with community stakeholders.

Tonya’s deep passion for service extends to her volunteer work with organizations such as Olivewood
Cemetery and VOAD outreach, reinforcing her role as a community advocate and connector. Her rare
blend of professionalism, heart, and forward-thinking makes her not only a rising star but also a
powerful force shaping the future of emergency management.

The IAEM-USA Rising Star Award recognizes someone new to the emergency management profession
who has displayed enthusiasm, innovation, and commitment, made significant contributions to the field,
and worked in the field for five years or less.

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