Award Categories
Emergency Manager of the Year
The Emergency Manager of the Year award aims to honor the remarkable achievements and outstanding contributions of a visionary leader who has made a significant impact on their organization and community. The nominated Emergency Manager must be the head of their respective emergency management department or agency, which can include government, healthcare, private industry, or tribal communities. The Emergency Manager of the Year must be a paid member of NMAEMP.
Advancement & Promotion of Emergency Management
The Advancement & Promotion of Emergency Management award recognizes visionary leaders and contributors in the field of emergency management who have driven progress and innovation, either within emergency management or through invaluable support from outside the field. These individuals demonstrate exceptional dedication and efforts that significantly advance and promote emergency management programs, making a lasting impact on their organization and the broader community. The nominee must be a paid member of NMAMEP.
Emergency Management Support Staff Member
The Emergency Management Support Staff Member award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and accomplishments as support staff in the field of Emergency Management. Their contributions play a vital role in ensuring the safety and well-being of their community before, during, and after emergencies. The nominee must have developed an Emergency Management project or taken a task to a higher level, contributing significantly to their jurisdiction, entity, and/or reagion. Their efforts in one or more mission area, must have greatly enhanced preparedness and resilience. The nominee must be a paid member of NMAMEP.
Special Recognition Award
The Special Recognition award acknowledges individuals or organizations that have made a significant impact on the field of emergency management in New Mexico. This prestigious accolade celebrates exceptional contributions that have positively influenced Emergency Management in the state. Open to both members and non-members of the NMAEMP who, through innovative projects, outstanding initiatives, or extrodinary support, have left a lasting and commendable imprint on the field.
The Donald Mathiasen Preparedness Award
This award is dedicated to honoring the memory of Donald Mathiasen and his impactful work in emergency preparedness in New Mexico. Donald spent over 15 years with the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management as a Local Preparedness Coordinator. He was known for his positive, solutions‑focused attitude and for the strong relationships he built with emergency managers across the state. Donald was a mentor to many throughout New Mexico, always taking the time to guide, support, and encourage those entering or growing within the profession. He consistently centered his work on how to best support each jurisdiction and ensure assistance was delivered as effectively and efficiently as possible. Donald passed away on July 3, 2022, but the impact he made through his service, mentorship, and genuine care for the emergency management community continues to be felt.
This award celebrates those who make outstanding contributions in preparedness activities, reflecting the dedication and effectiveness that Donald exemplified. The Donald Mathiasen Preparedness Award seeks to recognize those who embody Donald's practical and straightforward approach to preparedness. It is for individuals, teams, or organizations that:
- Focus on results, favoring practical solutions.
- Demonstrate a no-nonsense approach to getting things done efficiently.
- Show creativity and adaptability in preparing emergency responders.
- Enhance community preparedness through innovative and effective strategies.
- Embrace a "get to yes" attitude, overcoming obstacles with determination and resourcefulness.
The Donald Mathiasen Preparedness Award can be presented to an organization or individual. The nominee does not have to be a paid member of the NMAEMP.