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Awards recognize outstanding partnerships, innovation, preparedness initiatives, and education programs advancing emergency management

October 20, 2026 – The International Association of Emergency Managers USA Council (IAEM-USA) has announced the recipients of its 2026 Public/Private Sector and Programmatic Awards, honoring four organizations and initiatives for exceptional contributions to emergency preparedness, innovative solutions, professional education, and cross-sector collaboration. The recipients will be honored at the IAEM Annual Conference & EMEX Awards Banquet on Nov. 11 in Long Beach, California.

IAEM-USA Business and Private Sector Integration and Public Sector Partnership Award: Colorado Emergency Management Blood Partnership

The Colorado Emergency Management Blood Partnership brings together the American Red Cross, the Colorado Wing of the Civil Air Patrol, Wings Over the Rockies Exploration of Flight Museum, and Hotel Polaris to improve the availability of lifesaving blood supplies during disasters. Through Operation Pulse Lift, the partnership has coordinated 18 blood drives, collecting more than 600 units of blood to support emergency readiness. Led in part by Civil Air Patrol volunteer Trevor Munson, the initiative demonstrates how nonprofit, private-sector, and volunteer organizations can work together to address critical resource needs and strengthen disaster resilience throughout Colorado and the surrounding region.

IAEM-USA Technology & Innovation Award: Response Finance Inc. (ResponseFi)

Response Finance Inc. (ResponseFi), a veteran-owned financial technology company founded by emergency management and disaster response professionals, is developing an innovative financial management platform tailored to disaster operations. Its artificial intelligence-powered system integrates spending controls, real-time expense tracking, documentation, contractor management and disaster reimbursement compliance. By simplifying complex financial processes, ResponseFi aims to help emergency response organizations improve accountability, streamline operations and allocate more resources to their missions.

IAEM-USA Preparedness Award: Operation: REACT – Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia Preparedness Camp

Operation: REACT is an innovative five-day disaster preparedness camp that introduces middle-school Girl Scouts to emergency management, firefighting, law enforcement, and other public safety disciplines through hands-on learning. Developed through a partnership among the Chatham Emergency Management Agency, Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia, HCA Memorial Health, and more than 25 participating agencies, the program offers a comprehensive approach to youth preparedness education. The initiative demonstrates how collaboration among public safety organizations and community partners can inspire young people and strengthen disaster awareness and preparedness.

IAEM-USA Emergency Management Education & Training Program of the Year: University of Central Florida Emergency Management Undergraduate Degree Program

The University of Central Florida (UCF) Emergency Management Undergraduate Degree Program prepares future emergency management professionals through a comprehensive curriculum that integrates academic research with practical experience. Established in 2003, the program emphasizes all phases of emergency management, disaster science, and risk management. Students gain hands-on experience through internships, volunteer service, disaster exercises, and professional conferences. With guidance from an advisory board of emergency management practitioners and a full-time practitioner in residence, the program helps graduates develop the knowledge and skills needed to address increasingly complex emergencies and disasters.

IAEM-USA congratulates all four recipients for their outstanding achievements and commitment to advancing emergency management through collaboration, innovation, preparedness, and professional education. Additional information about the award recipients and their accomplishments will be featured in a special publication available on the IAEM website, www.iaem.org, in early November.

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

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