MDEM Personnel Recognized at 2024 Maryland Emergency Management Association Symposium
Ocean City, MD (May 31, 2024) — The Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM) proudly announced today the recognition of its dedicated staff at the 2024 Maryland Emergency Management Association (MDEMA) Symposium.
Sara Bender, Director of Disaster Risk Reduction, pictured below with MDEM Secretary Russ Strickland and Deputy Secretary Chas Eby, was honored with the prestigious “MDEMA 2024 Emergency Manager of the Year” award. This accolade is a testament to Sara’s unwavering dedication, exceptional leadership, and significant contributions to enhancing emergency management across Maryland.
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From left to right: Russ Strickland, Sara Bender, and Chas Eby
In addition, Travis Brown, Jorge Castillo, Ed McDonough, and Wendy Walch were awarded the “Emergency Management Project of the Year” for their exemplary work on the Francis Scott Key Bridge Response Joint Information Center. This project exemplifies the innovative and collaborative spirit that drives the success of Maryland’s emergency management initiatives and the importance of clear and concise messaging.
From left to right: Jorge Castillo, Wendy Walch, and MDEMA’s President, Emily Wesselhoff
Vanessa Calaban was also recognized during the symposium and received her certification for completing the Maryland Professional Emergency Management Program (MPEMP).
Vanessa Calaban
MDEM Secretary Russ Strickland expressed his admiration for the awardees, stating, “The recognition of Sara Bender as Emergency Manager of the Year, the achievement of Vanessa Calaban completing the Maryland Professional Emergency Management Program, and the acknowledgment of Jorge Castillo, Wendy Walch, Travis Brown, and Ed McDonough for their exceptional work underscore MDEM’s commitment to excellence and the dedication of MDEM staff. These achievements are a direct reflection of our vision to shape a resilient Maryland where communities thrive. Our dedicated personnel are the cornerstone of this vision, continually striving to enhance our State’s preparedness, response capabilities, and leadership in the field of emergency management.”
MDEM remains committed to fostering a culture of resilience and preparedness throughout Maryland. The awards received by our team members at the MDEMA Symposium highlight the impactful work being done to ensure the safety and well-being of our communities.
About the Maryland Department of Emergency Management: MDEM is a national leader in emergency management that provides Maryland residents, organizations, and emergency management partners with expert information, programmatic activities, and leadership in the delivery of financial, technical, and physical resources “to shape a resilient Maryland where communities thrive.” We do this by being Maryland’s designated source of official risk reduction and consequence management information.
About the Maryland Emergency Management Association: MDEMA promotes and supports an all-hazards approach to emergency management in the State of Maryland. Originally formed in 1986 as the Maryland Emergency Management and Civil Defense Association, the organization was established to promote and support adequate emergency management and civil defense in the State of Maryland; coordinate the efforts of all members in a common front; protect the lives and property of all persons within the State against natural or man-made disasters or enemy action; evaluate and disseminate the common experience and collective judgment of those specialists trained in and responsible for emergency management and civil defense activities; serve as a clearing house for ideas, suggestions, and courses of action between members; and act in concert with and in a professional advisory capacity to other organizations regarding emergency management and civil defense.
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CONTACT:
Jorge Castillo, jorge.castillo@maryland.gov, 443-381-3518
Ed McDonough, ed.mcdonough@maryland.gov, 410-446-3333
Travis Brown, travis.brown2@maryland.gov, 410-702-3726
24/7 line: 877-636-2872