For more than 70 years, the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) has advanced the emergency management profession—supporting those who protect lives, property, and the environment before, during, and after disasters. From its roots in civil defense to its role today as a global leader, IAEM’s history reflects the evolution of emergency management itself.
Founded on Service and Professional Excellence
IAEM was founded in 1952 as the U.S. Civil Defense Council, serving professionals charged with protecting communities during a time of global uncertainty.
As threats and hazards evolved, so did the organization:
- 1952– Established as the U.S. Civil Defense Council
- 1985– Renamed the National Coordinating Council of Emergency Management (NCCEM)
- 1997– Became the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) to reflect a broader, global mission
Each step marked a commitment to higher professional standards and stronger collaboration.
Becoming a Truly Global Organization
In the late 1990s, IAEM committed to international growth to support emergency managers worldwide.
Major advances included:
- In 1999, the association president directed the formation of an International Development Committee (IDC) to explore how IAEM could become truly international without harming its core membership in the United States.
- In 2001, the International Region was established for members not aligned to the 10 U.S. Regions or the Student Region.
- In 2003, the IDC delivered its three-year roadmap for internationalization, which structured the association's development and reorganization to enable global growth.
- In 2003, IAEM-Canada was established as a new region as the first milestone of internationalization.
- In 2004, IAEM-Europa became the first region outside of North America and was quickly followed by IAEM-Oceania and IAEM-Asia.
- In 2006, the roadmap reached its destination with 15 worldwide regions. The association began restructuring its governance and documentation to support the transition to the new IAEM-Global Board structure.
- In 2010, IAEM-Italy became the first non-U.S. region within a council and IAEM-Spain became the first national chapter.
Restructuring of Governing Body of IAEM
In 2007, IAEM restructured its governing body to reflect the global reach of the organization, with representatives of seven councils around the world in Asia, Canada, Europa, Oceania, Students, USA, and all other members aligned to the International Council. Guidance and procedures were established to support viable growth of Regions within Councils or new Councils from the International Council. Within Regions, the process to establish Chapters were defined to support local activity.
- The original IAEM Board of Directors (prior to the creation of the IAEM-Global Board and IAEM-Global structure) approved proposed revisions to the IAEM Bylaws at its June 13, 2007 meeting.
- Then, the entire IAEM membership voted on and approved the original IAEM-Global Bylaws (and with them the proposed organizational changes) in the online election held Oct. 10-Nov. 14, 2007, allowing an international structure to become a reality.
- The election results were announced at the 2007 IAEM Annual General Membership Meeting, held in November 2007 in Reno, Nevada, and then later announced in the IAEM Bulletin and on the IAEM website.
Today
IAEM is now recognized as the premier professional association for emergency managers globally, with members working in government, private sector, academic, nonprofit, and international roles.
IAEM delivers value through:
- Professional certification and career advancement
- Global networking and peer support
- Advocacy and thought leadership
- Education, training, and scholarships
- Promotion of the Principles of Emergency Management
IAEM Certification Program
IAEM created the Associate Emergency Manager and Certified Emergency Manager Programs in 1993 to raise and maintain professional standards. It is an internationally recognized program that certifies achievements within the emergency management profession. IAEM certification is a peer-review process administered by the International Association of Emergency Managers. Certification maintained in five-year cycles.
- The Certification Commission, which is composed of emergency management professionals, including representatives from allied fields, education, military, and private industry, guide the program
- Development of the AEM and CEM Programs was supported by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the National Emergency Management Association (NEMA), and a host of allied organizations.
The IAEM Scholarship Program
The International Association of Emergency Managers established the IAEM Scholarship Program in 2000 to further the education of students pursuing degrees in emergency management or related fields. The mission of the program is to assist the profession by developing students with the intellect and technical skills to advance and enhance emergency management.
- Through donations from individuals, companies, and organizations, IAEM's goal is to raise $1,000,000 to fund scholarship awards to undergraduate or graduate students.
- In 2000, following the very first IAEM Scholarship Program auction, Bob Durgin, CEM, donated $500 to the fledgling IAEM Scholarship Fund. The IAEM Board approved a $500 scholarship to be awarded in 2001. This very first IAEM scholarship was named the 2001 IAEM Durgin Scholarship Award.
- In 2017, the Scholarship Commission honored one of the program’s founders and chairs (for many years) by naming an annual scholarship for the highest-scoring undergraduate student in his honor. It is the Robert C. Bohlmann, CEM, Scholarship for Service in Emergency Management.